Riverland Community College and Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU) have finalized two articulation agreements between Riverland's Business department and MSU's College of Business. Riverland students may complete their associate in arts (AA) degree with a business emphasis or associate in science (AS) degree in business and transfer credits from their classes to MSU's College of Business. The courses will apply toward baccalaureate (four-year) degrees in accounting, finance, management, international business, or marketing.
"The agreements provide a cost-effective way for students to complete their first two-years of college by taking business and liberal arts classes at Riverland Community College," said Jill Holmes, Riverland business instructor.
Although Riverland students have been able to transfer credits to MSU for many years, the finalized agreements clarify for students how specific courses articulate into the different majors available within the College of Business at MSU.
"Students who select courses identified in the AA and AS articulation agreements have the benefit of knowing how those courses apply to MSU?s curriculum," said Holmes.
The AA degree with a business emphasis is designed specifically for liberal arts students who want to develop a strong business foundation as they work toward transferring to a four-year university program. The business credits required for this emphasis provide a clear perspective of business careers such as business administration, management, marketing, finance and economics.
The Riverland AS Business is designed to provide a strong foundation for the study of business. Emphasis is placed on business technology along with classes in management, marketing, communications, international business, and financial skills. Riverland also offers several introductory courses to help students develop awareness about specific business areas that may appeal to them.
Riverland's business courses are available in Austin, Owatonna, or online. Students may begin their coursework any semester and complete the AA with the business emphasis or AS in business as a part-time or full-time student.
Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is a regional comprehensive community college inspiring learning for living through a personalized educational environment. Approximately 4,000 students are served, annually, through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,600 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Facilities are located in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minn. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 240,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 130,000 students in non-credit courses.
