CLC creates new business programs for students

College of Lake County continues to approve new programs, with the latest coming for business.

Students will be able to pursue associate degrees in business administration and entrepreneurship/small business management beginning in the fall semester.

CLC board members approved the new programs at a meeting last week, but final approval must be granted by the Illinois Community College Board.

CLC’s vice president for educational affairs, Richard Haney, said the degree for entrepreneurship and small business manager will be particularly appealing to any age group. He said one of the drivers in the program’s creation was the fact some workers who have lost jobs in the recession are seeking to launch their own businesses.

“There are common threads to running a successful small business,” Haney said.

Officials said the associate in applied science degrees for business administration and entrepreneurship/small business management will require 60 credit hours. The knowledge gained could be applied to jobs in business, marketing, general management or small-business management.

In March 2010, CLC created new courses for students interested in getting into “green” industries. One of the programs offers an alternative energy technologies certificate with the completion of 25 credit hours, suitable for someone looking to switch careers or for those involved in building maintenance.