Business, Finance & Information Technology

If you would like to become an effective leader in a public or private organization (or by creating your own company), a business major might be a great fit for you. If you enjoy working with numbers, you can choose to become a finance major or if you have an interest in working with computers, consider one of our information technology related majors.

Some highlights include:

  • An “Accelerate Your Degree” program through the Business Department, which allows you to complete your degree in as little as 18 months
  • Preparation for industry certification exams that lead to high paying, in-demand job opportunities
  • Faculty who have substantial experience in their professions and are dedicated to helping students succeed
  • Award-winning faculty, such as:
    • Joe Sullivan and William Martin, who were recently recognized as Cisco Instructor Excellence Experts, a title only given to the top 10 percent of instructors globally across all curricula
    • Michelle Meyer, who has been named the ACBSP Great Lakes Region outstanding faculty member
  • The Business Department is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs, which sets high standards for Business education among colleges and universities worldwide

Business

We offer programs that can help you transfer for your bachelor's degree or options if you'd like to start working immediately after earning your associate degree. You can focus on accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, hospitality management, marketing, supply chain management and more. We prepare leaders for the future!

  • Why Study Business?

    Earning a college degree in a business field (accounting, business administration, economics, finance, hospitality, management, management information and marketing) is an excellent choice for future career success. Here's why:

    1. Develop life skills that are valuable for any position, profession or organization, including:
      • Critical thinking and problem solving
      • Teamwork and dispute resolution
      • Effective communication, presentation and persuasion
      • Leadership, management and delegation
      • Time management, organization and work/life balance
      • Marketing and public relations
      • Financial planning and expertise
      • Computer competency and data analysis
    2. Open the door to many diverse and rewarding careers, such as:
      • International/national/local businesses - accounting to finance to marketing to technology and more
      • Starting your own business – becoming an entrepreneur
      • Federal, state and local government agencies
      • Hospitals and other health care facilities
      • Colleges and universities – JJC too!
      • Hospitality, hotel and entertainment industry
      • Public Service, non-profit and community organizations
    3. Build financial security while enjoying a fulfilling life.
      • As a business graduate, you can expect a competitive starting salary and excellent opportunities for financial advancement in your career
      • You will have a chance to work collaboratively with other professionals in providing quality goods and services to others
      • While advancing in your career, you can develop a quality balance of work and your personal live, an increasingly important consideration

  • For Students Who Want to Earn a Bachelor's Degree

    Business Transfer Degree Program

    Associate of Arts Program

    If you have goals of earning a bachelor's degree after JJC, your first step is to speak with an advisor to make sure you are on the path to earn an Associate of Arts degree (AA) with a concentration in business-related area of study. JJC's business transfer degree program allows students to complete general education requirements in business at a fraction of the cost of a four-year school. Benefits include:

    • Savings in tuition and fees over a two-year period in comparison to a state university
    • Higher chances of acceptance into your dream school
    • Undecided? An AA business transfer degree is a general degree in business that can later be applied to any business major.


    Speak to a Faculty Advisor

    Speak to our faculty advisers to see if the AA business transfer degree is the right choice for you.

    Business/Transfer Advisors (All Business Majors)
    Heather Balich
    (815) 280-2322
    hbalich@jjc.edu

    Michelle Meyer
    (815) 280-7722
    mimeyer@jjc.edu

    Wayne Gawlik
    (815) 280-2419
    wgawlik@jjc.edu

    Teresa Lozano
    (815) 280-2307
    tlozano@jjc.edu

    Nataliya Marchenko
    (815) 280-2214
    nmarchen@jjc.edu

  • For Students Who Want to Enter the Workforce Immediately Upon JJC Graduation

    Start or Further Your Career Without the Need to Transfer (Not Seeking a Bachelor's Degree)

    Associate of Applied Science Program

    If you only plan to earn an associate degree at JJC, speak with an advisor to make sure you are on the path to earn an Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree. This program is designed for students who do not intend to transfer and instead, wish to start their business career right away after graduation.

    JJC offers several business concentrations via our Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree. Visit the program pages below to learn about course requirements and career opportunities. We encourage you to speak with our faculty advisors who will assist you in choosing the path to fit your career goals.

    Earn a Specialized Certificate

    Expand your qualifications or acquire new skills by choosing to earn a certificate in one of our specialized business areas of study. Many of our certificates can be earned in as little as one semester. 

    See our programs listed below to learn more about certificates available.

    As always, we encourage you to speak with our faculty advisors who will help you to get the most out of your time at JJC.

    Business Certificates

     

    Faculty Advisors

    Contacting a Business Department faculty advisor is a good way to start. They will help you develop an educational plan that gives you time to make decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

    Accounting 

    Heather Balich
    (815) 280-2322
    hbalich@jjc.edu

    Michelle Meyer
    (815) 280-7722
    mimeyer@jjc.edu

    Finance

    Wayne Gawlik
    (815) 280-2419
    wgawlik@jjc.edu

    Hospitality Management

    Anne Esquivel
    Phone: (815) 280-2448
    Email: agean@jjc.edu

    Business Administration, Management, Marketing or Other Business Concentration

    Heather Balich
    (815) 280-2322
    hbalich@jjc.edu

    Michelle Meyer
    (815) 280-7722
    mimeyer@jjc.edu

    Wayne Gawlik
    (815) 280-2419
    wgawlik@jjc.edu

    Teresa Lozano
    (815) 280-2307
    tlozano@jjc.edu

    Nataliya Marchenko
    (815) 280-2214
    nmarchen@jjc.edu

  • Contact Information | Advisors

    About the Business Program

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial operations positions are projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026.

    JJC's program offers degrees and certificates in many areas, including  accounting, business administration, marketing, management, human resources and hospitality. When you begin your business education JJC, you will have access to many exciting career opportunities in a variety of business and non-business fields.  

    View the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about business occupations, job summaries, entry-level education and median pay. 

    How Long Will it Take to Earn My Degree?

    We offer class schedules with your individual needs in mind: from online only and hyrbrid classes to weekend and evening classes, we can help you complete your business degree in as little as 18 months - or a certificate within six months. 

    Contact Information

    William O'Connor
    Business Department Chair & Professor
    Office: T-2034
    815.280.2404
    woconnor@jjc.edu

    Faculty Advisors

    Contacting a Business Department faculty advisor is a good way to start. They will help you develop an educational plan that gives you time to make decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

    Heather Balich, Business Transfer/Non-Transfer, Accounting
    (815) 280-2322
    hbalich@jjc.edu 

    Anne Esquivel, Hospitality
    (815) 280-2448
    agean@jjc.edu

    Wayne Gawlik, Business Transfer/Non-Transfer, Finance
    (815) 280-2419
    wgawlik@jjc.edu

    Teresa Lozano, Business Transfer/Non-Transfer
    (815) 280-2307
    tlozano@jjc.edu

    Nataliya Marchenko, Business Transfer/Non-Transfer, Economics
    (815) 280-2214
    nmarchen@jjc.edu

    Michelle Meyer, Business Transfer/Non-Transfer, Accounting
    (815) 280-7722
    mimeyer@jjc.edu

  • Beyond Study

    Your time as a student in the JJC Business Department is not just about getting a degree. We will help you start a career, highlight your academic accomplishments, and have some fun along the way.

    Internships

    An internship is not only a great experience, but a great addition to a professional resume.

    To learn more about available internships, contact Professor Michelle Meyer at mimeyer@jjc.edu or visit the JJC Career Services webpage.

    Scholarships
    • The Joliet Junior College Foundation awards approximately 300 scholarships annually, many of which are given specifically to business students.
    • Visit Awardspring to browse and search available scholarships.
    • Visit the JJC Scholarships webpage to learn about the application process and deadlines.
    Clubs

    JJC Business Club 

    We're all about socialization, networking and learning about the business world outside of the classroom. Everyone is welcome to join - you don’t need to be a business major. There is no fee to be a part of the club.

    Contact advisor Lori Johnson by phone at (815) 280-6792, via email ljohnson@jjc.edu, or find us on Facebook (JJC Business Club).

    Dollars & Sense Club

    This is an active, dynamic, financially-oriented JJC Collegiate Campus Club focused on saving, investing and wealth management. Everyone can join. There are no major requirements and no fees.

    To learn more about the Dollars & Sense Club, contact them by: 

Information Technology

As technology and data analytics increasingly play a vital role in every area of life, job opportunities for graduates expand every year, with many earning six-figure salaries. JJC offers degrees and certificates in many exciting and cutting-edge areas such as Cisco, Management Information Systems, iPhone programming and more.   Our programs help students begin their careers or prepare them for transfer to a four-year university. JJC can also help increase the skills and earning potential for those already employed in the field. Many classes are offered online. We invite you to explore the programs we offer and contact our program advisors with questions.

Transfer to a Four-Year School

You can save thousands on your education by attending JJC your first two years compared to a four-year public or private institution.

Study Abroad

As a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), JJC offers many study abroad opportunities around the world for students of any major. Destinations include Japan, Costa Rica, England, France and more!

  • How to Study Abroad

    At JJC, you can choose to study abroad during the fall, spring or summer semesters. All students who want to study abroad should fill out an application and have it completed by the deadlines below.

    • Spring Program: October 15
    • Summer Program: February 15
    • Fall Program: May 15
       

    More on Study Abroad

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