Academics
Arts & Science Division
Arts & Sciences is one of three divisions at Rend Lake College.
About our Arts & Sciences Division
This division includes programs in Art, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Communications, Engineering, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Political Science, Pre-Med/Dental/Pharmacy/Vet, Pre-Law, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology and Theatre.
Key Information for Applying
Become Familiar with RLC Admission Requiremements
Being well-informed about admission requirements increases your chances of a successful application and an overall smooth application process.
Apply for Admission
Applying to Rend Lake College is an investment in your future, offering numerous benefits that lead to professional and personal growth.
Speak with an Academic Advisor
Academic advisors are valuable resources for maximizing your college experience and ensuring you make the most of your education.
Apply for Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid opens up a range of financial resources and options that can make attending college more affordable and less stressful.
Art
Rend Lake College offers a wide range of options for students interested in art, including a two-year Associate in Arts transfer program, a two-year Associate in Fine Arts curriculum, Art Appreciation classes which fulfill the requirement for other degree programs, and courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, design, jewelry, sculpture and ceramics for those pursuing creative outlets.Biological Sciences
A degree in Biological Sciences may lead to such jobs as wildlife management, fishery biologist, and/or biological research scientist, just to name a few. The curriculum is designed to give the student a broad education in the biological sciences, especially teaching at the secondary level. A total of 64 hours is required for the Associate in Science Degree. At the university level, students may decide to specialize in zoology or botany after having had this sequence of courses.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a science that touches many fields of study. Employment options for those with a bachelor's degree in chemistry are many and varied. Among the new professions which have arisen because of the increasing complexity and interdisciplinary nature of scientific and technological problem-solving is that made up of chemists whose interests are in management, marketing and production rather than conventional research and development.Communications
A pre-concentration in Speech, or a strong core of Speech Communication courses, prepares a student for teaching, public relations, broadcast media and a variety of business-related areas. A Speech major is considered good preparation for some professional programs.Education
Several associate degree and certificate programs are available for aspiring teachers, including these Elementary Education and Secondary Education options. Both are designed for transfer to a four-year university for further study.Engineering
The engineer basically is concerned with the application of scientific principles to practical problems. Engineering spans such a wide range of activities, including over 25 major specialties, that employment opportunities for engineers include the entire spectrum of the workforce. In a typical four-year engineering curriculum, the first two years are spent studying basic sciences, including math, chemistry and physics; the last two years emphasize engineering, advanced math and science courses.English
A major in English, or a strong core of English courses, prepares a student for teaching, positions in publishing and a wide range of professional writing jobs. An English major is considered good preparation for some professional programs.History
Given that history is the study of the human past, college-level history is valuable for any major. It's especially helpful with figuring out what subject and majors interest you.Mathematics
Mathematics is the foundation of many disciplines, and almost every career makes significant use of it. If you choose to pursue a career in this field, the value adds up when you take your first two years at RLC. Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering and business problems. The work of mathematicians falls into two broad classes: theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics.Art
Rend Lake College offers a wide range of options for students interested in art, including a two-year Associate in Arts transfer program, a two-year Associate in Fine Arts curriculum, Art Appreciation classes which fulfill the requirement for other degree programs, and courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, design, jewelry, sculpture and ceramics for those pursuing creative outlets.Biological Sciences
A degree in Biological Sciences may lead to such jobs as wildlife management, fishery biologist, and/or biological research scientist, just to name a few. The curriculum is designed to give the student a broad education in the biological sciences, especially teaching at the secondary level. A total of 64 hours is required for the Associate in Science Degree. At the university level, students may decide to specialize in zoology or botany after having had this sequence of courses.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a science that touches many fields of study. Employment options for those with a bachelor's degree in chemistry are many and varied. Among the new professions which have arisen because of the increasing complexity and interdisciplinary nature of scientific and technological problem-solving is that made up of chemists whose interests are in management, marketing and production rather than conventional research and development.Communications
A pre-concentration in Speech, or a strong core of Speech Communication courses, prepares a student for teaching, public relations, broadcast media and a variety of business-related areas. A Speech major is considered good preparation for some professional programs.Education
Several associate degree and certificate programs are available for aspiring teachers, including these Elementary Education and Secondary Education options. Both are designed for transfer to a four-year university for further study.Engineering
The engineer basically is concerned with the application of scientific principles to practical problems. Engineering spans such a wide range of activities, including over 25 major specialties, that employment opportunities for engineers include the entire spectrum of the workforce. In a typical four-year engineering curriculum, the first two years are spent studying basic sciences, including math, chemistry and physics; the last two years emphasize engineering, advanced math and science courses.English
A major in English, or a strong core of English courses, prepares a student for teaching, positions in publishing and a wide range of professional writing jobs. An English major is considered good preparation for some professional programs.History
Given that history is the study of the human past, college-level history is valuable for any major. It's especially helpful with figuring out what subject and majors interest you.Mathematics
Mathematics is the foundation of many disciplines, and almost every career makes significant use of it. If you choose to pursue a career in this field, the value adds up when you take your first two years at RLC. Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering and business problems. The work of mathematicians falls into two broad classes: theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics.Music
With its dedicated artist faculty and growing performing ensembles, Rend Lake College provides students with a first-rate musical education at an affordable cost. Students can reap the rewards of a low-cost education and individual attention at RLC while preparing for a four-year university.Political Science
This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate of Arts Degree and is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in political science. The Political Science transfer curriculum provides students with the background in political science and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution.Pre-Medicine (Med/Dentistry)
Pre-med students may earn a bachelor’s degree in any major. Requirements must be met at the time pre-medical requirements are taken. If a science major is chosen, there will be considerable overlapping of requirements, thus making it easier for the student to reach both sets of requirements.Pre-Pharmacy
The demand for qualified pharmacists is increasing in the growing health care arena. For those with the dedication and ability, a rewarding career awaits. Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to individuals. They answer questions & counsel patients on the proper use of these medications and may advise physicians & other health care professionals about medications and their uses and effects.Pre-Vet
Veterinarians evaluate, diagnose and treat disease of animals. Whether your interest is in animal production, companion animals or wildlife and exotic animal health care, RLC can provide that solid foundation for your veterinary career.Pre-Law
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for admission to most law schools. Applications or admissions are evaluated on several criteria, including undergraduate grade-point average and score on the LSAT. Most law schools have no specific requirements with regard to the courses chosen in pre-legal study.Psychology
As one of the most popular majors nationwide, a degree in psychology equips graduates to be psychologists, human resource specialists, mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors and more. This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate of Arts Degree and is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in psychologySocial Work
The Social Work transfer program at Rend Lake College provides students with the background in behavioral science and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring or an advisor at Rend Lake College for any additional requirements.Sociology
The Sociology transfer program at Rend Lake College provides students with the background in sociology and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring or an advisor at Rend Lake College for any additional requirements.Theatre
The Rend Lake College Theatre Department offers classes in acting and theatre. Each year, the RLC Theatre program is committed to producing two shows – a fall play and a spring children’s show. Auditions for the shows are open to students and community members who want to gain experience and training on the stage.Music
With its dedicated artist faculty and growing performing ensembles, Rend Lake College provides students with a first-rate musical education at an affordable cost. Students can reap the rewards of a low-cost education and individual attention at RLC while preparing for a four-year university.Political Science
This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate of Arts Degree and is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in political science. The Political Science transfer curriculum provides students with the background in political science and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution.Pre-Medicine (Med/Dentistry)
Pre-med students may earn a bachelor’s degree in any major. Requirements must be met at the time pre-medical requirements are taken. If a science major is chosen, there will be considerable overlapping of requirements, thus making it easier for the student to reach both sets of requirements.Pre-Pharmacy
The demand for qualified pharmacists is increasing in the growing health care arena. For those with the dedication and ability, a rewarding career awaits. Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to individuals. They answer questions & counsel patients on the proper use of these medications and may advise physicians & other health care professionals about medications and their uses and effects.Pre-Vet
Veterinarians evaluate, diagnose and treat disease of animals. Whether your interest is in animal production, companion animals or wildlife and exotic animal health care, RLC can provide that solid foundation for your veterinary career.Pre-Law
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required for admission to most law schools. Applications or admissions are evaluated on several criteria, including undergraduate grade-point average and score on the LSAT. Most law schools have no specific requirements with regard to the courses chosen in pre-legal study.Psychology
As one of the most popular majors nationwide, a degree in psychology equips graduates to be psychologists, human resource specialists, mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors and more. This two-year transfer program leads to an Associate of Arts Degree and is designed for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in psychologySocial Work
The Social Work transfer program at Rend Lake College provides students with the background in behavioral science and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring or an advisor at Rend Lake College for any additional requirements.Sociology
The Sociology transfer program at Rend Lake College provides students with the background in sociology and general studies necessary for advanced work at a four-year institution. Students are advised to check with the institution to which they are transferring or an advisor at Rend Lake College for any additional requirements.Theatre
The Rend Lake College Theatre Department offers classes in acting and theatre. Each year, the RLC Theatre program is committed to producing two shows – a fall play and a spring children’s show. Auditions for the shows are open to students and community members who want to gain experience and training on the stage.Arts & Sciences
Want to know what cultural art events are coming up?
View our lineup of cultural events at RLC on our Events & Activities page.
Arts & Sciences Division
RLC "Lake" Art Publication
The purpose of the RLC Arts Publication "Lake" is to celebrate art in all its forms. Celebrate with us. Be a part of Lake.
Arts & Sciences
Rend Lake College Box Office
Get tickets for our fall and spring events at the RLC Theatre.
Faculty & Staff
Caroline Ragan
Professor Biology and Anatomy & Physiology
Alex Martin
Mathematics Instructor | Arts & Sciences Division
Dr. Jeannie Mitchell
Psychology Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Melissa McClement-Engler
Art Associate Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Tracey Webb
Theatre Professor
Tim Wills
Health & Physical Education Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Paul Sandrock
Chemistry Associate Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Cindy Caldwell
Mathematics Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Peggy Davis
English Literature Professor
Rebecca L. Biggs
English Professor
Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith
Speech Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Sara Alstat-Sanders
Music Professor
Andrea Banach
Dean of Arts & Sciences Division
Dr. Nathan Brouwer
History Professor
Greg Hollmann
Physical Science Associate Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Joseph Ervin
English Associate Professor | Arts & Sciences Division
Emily Jones
Biological Sciences and Anatomy & Physiology Instructor | Arts & Sciences Division
Dr. Richard Holland
Physical Science Instructor | Arts & Sciences Division
Dr. Jared Kemling
Philosophy Instructor
Jeff Keen
Mathematics Instructor | Arts & Sciences Division | Math Lab Coordinator
Karla Duncan-Gunter
Biology Instructor | Arts & Sciences
Faith Blair
Administrative Assistant | Arts & Sciences Division
Arts & Sciences Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1263
Email: ArtsSciences@rlc.edu
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Arts & Sciences
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Arts & Sciences
