Riverland Community College announces two new articulation agreements with Cardinal Stritch University. This collaboration enables Riverland students to complete their Associate in Arts (AA) degree with a Business Emphasis or Associate in Science (AS) degree in Business then transfer those credits to Stritch’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Management degree.

“The agreements provide a cost-effective way for students to complete their two-year Business degree and liberal arts classes at Riverland Community College and then transfer to Stritch and complete a management degree,” said Jill Holmes, Riverland Business instructor. “Students who select courses identified in the AA and AS articulation agreements have the benefit of knowing how those courses apply to Stritch’s curriculum.”

Riverland and Stritch are both accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation is evidence that Riverland and Stritch are committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students,” said ACBSP Director of Accreditation Steve Parscale. Riverland is one of five accredited Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) two-year institutions and the only outstate college.

The AA degree with a Business Emphasis is designed specifically for liberal arts students developing 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 and broad perspective of business careers such as business administration, management, marketing, finance and economics.

Riverland’s 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.

Cardinal Stritch University, a fully accredited Catholic institution based in Milwaukee, provides transformative, value-centered education to more than 6,000 men and women of all faiths and ages in four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education and Leadership, Business and Management, and the Ruth S. Coleman College of Nursing. The University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate and other training programs. Founded in 1937 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Stritch is the largest Franciscan institution of higher education in North America, with classroom sites across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. To learn more, visit www.stritch.edu.

Stritch’s College of Business and Management has long been a pioneer in adult education. In 1982, Programs in Management for Adults, the forerunner to the present college, was established for working adults wanting to return to school. By 1987, the former Programs in Management for Adults had regional offices in Madison and in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Stritch faculty come to the classroom with real-world experience, the college programs reflect current realities and skills required in the business world, and student support services reflect the latest strategies to ensure success.

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 4,900 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,400 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Campuses are located in Albert Lea, Austin, and Owatonna, Minn. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.