Business careers are as diverse as the economy and there are countless positions that fall under the field of business. Learn the fundamentals of business through the Business Transfer Pathway, complete your general education requirements or take business classes in accounting, management and the global economy.
If you plan on continuing your education beyond College of DuPage, you can also take classes to earn an Associate in Arts degree. An Associate in Arts degree can provide you with the general foundation to pursue a career or transfer into a professional degree program.
Determine Your Path
There are a wide range of careers available for students interested in the field of business.
Whether you are preparing for a career in business, management or marketing, planning to transfer to a four-year institution, planning to start your own business, or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience and teaching experience.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities.
- Flexible schedules with day and evening classes, online learning and accelerated hybrid classes.
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom based studies.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Programs designed to prepare students with the skills that are in demand by today’s employers.
- Articulated transfer programs with several prestigious universities that facilitate a convenient, affordable and streamlined approach to earning a baccalaureate degree.
Business Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
COD Stories
"If someone asked me for advice, I would say to go COD because you will never find a place like it anywhere. You will feel like you belong because of the love and inclusion for all students.” - Rima Househ
Rima's COD StoryCOD Stories
“I would tell students they should take advantage of every opportunity they can, whether it’s joining clubs or networking.” - Dennis Barsema
Dennis's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in Business is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
- Interpret current economic data to make informed decisions.
- Apply mathematical theory to solve relevant problems.
- Assemble appropriate information resources to support analysis of the business environment.
- Formulate communication for diverse stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, and socially responsible business issues and practices.
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in business, management and marketing. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Columbia College Chicago, AA to Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
- Concordia University Chicago, AAS Management to Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
- DePaul University, AA to Bachelor of Science in Business with a Major in Finance
- DePaul University, AA to Bachelor of Science in Business with a Major in Management
- DePaul University, AA to Bachelor of Science in Business with a Major in Marketing
- DePaul University, AAS Management to Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies with Major in Business Administration
- DePaul University, AAS Marketing to Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies with Major in Business Administration
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.- Roosevelt University, AA to BS in Business Administration
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AA or AS to Bachelor of Science in Business & Administration
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AA or AS to Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AA or AS to Bachelor of Science in Management
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AA or AS to Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AA with Human Resource Managment Certificate to Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education & Development
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AS to Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to common frequently asked questions regarding the Business, Management and Marketing programs.
An Associate in Arts degree is usually geared to transfer to a baccalaureate-granting college or university in a residential, full-time program. The Associate in Applied Science degree is accepted by many local colleges and universities, especially adult, part-time programs.
The Associate in Arts includes more liberal arts courses, while the Associate in Applied Science focuses more on your specialty area.
Prerequisites are courses (or demonstrated equivalent experience) that you must take prior to enrolling in another higher-level course.
You need to take prerequisite courses because they give you the background necessary for higher-level courses. The higher-level course instructor assumes that you have mastered the content of the prerequisite course. Mastery of the prerequisite course content improves your chances of successful performance.
The following courses are usually offered in fall, spring, and summer terms in at least one delivery format, in-person, hybrid, online, or virtual:
- Business 1100 (Introduction to Business)
- Business 1111 (Customer Service)
- Business 1161 (Entrepreneurship)
- Business 2255 (International Business)
- Management 2210 (Principles of Management)
- Management 2215 (Leadership)
- Management 2220 (Organizational Behavior)
- Marketing 2225 (Consumer Behavior)
- Marketing 2235 ( Digital Marketing Analytics)
- Management 2240 (Human Resource Management)
- Marketing 1100 (Consumer Marketing)
- Marketing 2210 (Principles of Marketing)
- Marketing 2220 (Principles of Sales)
- Marketing 2240 (Advertising)
- Marketing 2270 (Digital Marketing)
