Academics
Applied Science & Advanced Technology Division
Applied Science & Advanced Technology is one of three divisions at Rend Lake College.
About Our Applied Science & Advanced Technology Division
This division includes programs in Agriculture, Automotive Technology, Business, Computer Science & Programming, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Facility Management, Heavy Equipment Technology, Information Technology, Industrial Electronics & Maintenance Tech, Manufacturing Technology, Truck Driver Training, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Visual Communication Design, Welding Technology.
Key Information for Applying
Become Familiar with RLC Admission Requiremements
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Speak with an Academic Advisor
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Apply for Financial Aid
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Agriculture
Rend Lake College's Agriculture program will prepare students for a variety of careers, ranging from biology and chemistry to business management and equipment repair. Prepare for transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce.Automotive Technology
Automotive service technicians use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, ethanol and other alternative fuels, such as electricity. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.
Business
Furthering your education in business throws the doors wide open. Studies have consistently shown that your earnings increase with a college degree. According to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report, average annual earnings ranged from $18,900 for those without a high school diploma to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates and $99,300 for those obtaining professional degrees. An MSN Money article by Liz Pulliam Weston described an Associate Degree as a "Slam Dunk." She said, "These two-year degrees seem to result in massive payback, compared to their relatively low cost, for a high school graduate."
A Business Degree can be used in just about any field and can provide the foundation necessary to start your own business. Everything we encounter in daily life seems to stem from some sort of business. Every industry, from agriculture to hedge fund management, it is founded on basic business principles.
Mastery of the fundamentals of business can be accomplished here at Rend Lake College. Students are given the opportunity to experience real-world applications in accounting, economics, and mathematics. To be successful, business students should be comfortable with math and problem-solving as well as communication.
Computer Science & Programming/Information Technology
Train today for the jobs of tomorrow. Whether your passion is in development or design, engineering or analysis - our programs in Computer Science and Programming give you the backbone for advanced work in the thriving field of technology.Criminal Justice
Career opportunities in Criminal Justice generally can be categorized into five major fields: law enforcement, courts, corrections, forensic science and private security. In these areas, a multitude of challenging occupations provides for a wide range of personal and career satisfaction. Criminal justice professionals perform a valuable and essential service for society.
They function to prevent and control crime, shield the public from harm, provide detention and rehabilitation services and ensure equal justice for all citizens through the judicial system.
Jobs in the criminal justice system constitute one of the largest career groups in public service, and opportunities exist on all levels of governmental jurisdiction: federal, state and local. The private sector also has shown an increasing need for criminal justice professionals. Several educational options in Criminal Justice are available to you at Rend Lake College. The Associate in Arts Degree is designed to allow you to transfer to a four-year university to continue your studies, while the Associate in Applied Science Degree prepares you to graduate and start your career. The newest addition to our program is the Cyber Forensics Specialist occupational certificate, built to train you in combating cybercrime. Certificates in Corrections, Police Science and Private Protection also are available.
Culinary Arts
Looking for an exciting career in a rapidly growing industry that offers advancement, rewards and a lot of flavor and spice? Then Rend Lake College’s Culinary Arts program definitely hits the spot.
To be a successful chef or manager in today’s complex and competitive industry, you must demonstrate an array of management concepts, food preparation skills and guest satisfaction techniques. A unique aspect of the RLC Culinary Arts program is not only the knowledge you receive but also a chance to build the fundamental skills which are vitally important. Two fully stocked and equipped kitchen laboratories enable students to develop professional cooking techniques which are critical for a successful career.
Diesel Technology
The Rend Lake College Diesel Technology program is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and work skills needed to enter the diesel engine repair and maintenance field. This mechanical-field program is structured with both lecture and laboratory experience and leads to either an Associate in Applied Science Degree or an Occupational Certificate.College personnel take great pride in the fact that most work is based on realistic live-work situations. Emphasis is placed on hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, transmissions and power trains, diesel engine maintenance, diesel engine electronics and computerized engine controllers in relation to the modern technology of today’s industry. Associate degree course work includes one semester of supervised occupational experience (on-the-job training).
Agriculture
Rend Lake College's Agriculture program will prepare students for a variety of careers, ranging from biology and chemistry to business management and equipment repair. Prepare for transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce.Automotive Technology
Automotive service technicians use their high-tech skills to inspect, maintain and repair automobiles and light trucks that run on gasoline, ethanol and other alternative fuels, such as electricity. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now requires workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools.
Business
Furthering your education in business throws the doors wide open. Studies have consistently shown that your earnings increase with a college degree. According to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report, average annual earnings ranged from $18,900 for those without a high school diploma to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates and $99,300 for those obtaining professional degrees. An MSN Money article by Liz Pulliam Weston described an Associate Degree as a "Slam Dunk." She said, "These two-year degrees seem to result in massive payback, compared to their relatively low cost, for a high school graduate."
A Business Degree can be used in just about any field and can provide the foundation necessary to start your own business. Everything we encounter in daily life seems to stem from some sort of business. Every industry, from agriculture to hedge fund management, it is founded on basic business principles.
Mastery of the fundamentals of business can be accomplished here at Rend Lake College. Students are given the opportunity to experience real-world applications in accounting, economics, and mathematics. To be successful, business students should be comfortable with math and problem-solving as well as communication.
Computer Science & Programming/Information Technology
Train today for the jobs of tomorrow. Whether your passion is in development or design, engineering or analysis - our programs in Computer Science and Programming give you the backbone for advanced work in the thriving field of technology.Criminal Justice
Career opportunities in Criminal Justice generally can be categorized into five major fields: law enforcement, courts, corrections, forensic science and private security. In these areas, a multitude of challenging occupations provides for a wide range of personal and career satisfaction. Criminal justice professionals perform a valuable and essential service for society.
They function to prevent and control crime, shield the public from harm, provide detention and rehabilitation services and ensure equal justice for all citizens through the judicial system.
Jobs in the criminal justice system constitute one of the largest career groups in public service, and opportunities exist on all levels of governmental jurisdiction: federal, state and local. The private sector also has shown an increasing need for criminal justice professionals. Several educational options in Criminal Justice are available to you at Rend Lake College. The Associate in Arts Degree is designed to allow you to transfer to a four-year university to continue your studies, while the Associate in Applied Science Degree prepares you to graduate and start your career. The newest addition to our program is the Cyber Forensics Specialist occupational certificate, built to train you in combating cybercrime. Certificates in Corrections, Police Science and Private Protection also are available.
Culinary Arts
Looking for an exciting career in a rapidly growing industry that offers advancement, rewards and a lot of flavor and spice? Then Rend Lake College’s Culinary Arts program definitely hits the spot.
To be a successful chef or manager in today’s complex and competitive industry, you must demonstrate an array of management concepts, food preparation skills and guest satisfaction techniques. A unique aspect of the RLC Culinary Arts program is not only the knowledge you receive but also a chance to build the fundamental skills which are vitally important. Two fully stocked and equipped kitchen laboratories enable students to develop professional cooking techniques which are critical for a successful career.
Diesel Technology
The Rend Lake College Diesel Technology program is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and work skills needed to enter the diesel engine repair and maintenance field. This mechanical-field program is structured with both lecture and laboratory experience and leads to either an Associate in Applied Science Degree or an Occupational Certificate.College personnel take great pride in the fact that most work is based on realistic live-work situations. Emphasis is placed on hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, transmissions and power trains, diesel engine maintenance, diesel engine electronics and computerized engine controllers in relation to the modern technology of today’s industry. Associate degree course work includes one semester of supervised occupational experience (on-the-job training).
Heavy Equipment Technology
The Rend Lake College Heavy Equipment program is a two-year curriculum designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and work skills needed to enter the construction equipment repair field, with emphasis placed on earthmoving equipment repair and maintenance. This mechanical field program is structured with both lecture and laboratory experience and leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
College personnel takes great pride in the fact that most work is based on realistic “live” work situations. Emphasis is placed on heavy equipment power trains, hydraulic systems, machine maintenance, diesel engine maintenance, electrical systems, diesel engine electronics, and computerized system controllers in relation to the modern technology of today’s industry. Course work includes two supervised occupational experience internships (on-the-job training).
Industrial Electronics & Maintenance Technician
RLC's Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician program through the Applied Science and Technology Division prepares students for a wide selection of professions in the workplace, from developing and distributing products to machining and technical repair. The job market for industrial electronics and maintenance technicians is expected to grow by 1.7 percent by 2020, states the U.S. Department of Labor.Manufacturing Technology
The manufacturing technology program prepares graduates for supervisory or technical positions in manufacturing. Curriculum requirements are broad-based so that graduates can obtain employment in a wide variety of manufacturing areas. Some include quality control, production and inventory control, manufacturing processes, and computer-aided manufacturing. The technician will develop a fundamental knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, quality processes, computer, electrical, mechanical and machine control systems related to manufacturing disciplines.
Truck Driver Training
Truck driving is one of the fastest-growing industries today. There is a constant demand for over-the-road drivers. It is one of the few occupations where students who complete training are almost certain to go to work immediately. Most receive job offers prior to completion of the course.
The Rend Lake College Truck Driver Training Program has trained over 1,200 drivers since 1990. This program is perfect for the person who may be unemployed or is seeking a higher-paying job. Short-term training is designed for individuals with little or no commercial driving experience.
Students receive hands-on training from experienced instructors in newer model tractor-trailers. A low student-to-instructor ratio means more personalized instruction. Individuals who complete the program receive a Commercial Driver’s License.
Visual Communication Design
If you are looking for a thriving career that grows with you and challenges your creativity, let Rend Lake College get you started by enrolling in our Visual Communication Design program! We have degree and certificate options.
Designers decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods, such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. They help to motivate, inspire, inform, and communicate ideas, concepts, and brands by visual problem solving for a particular audience. Designers use a variety of visual solutions and computer software, such as Adobe applications, to develop and create their design solutions. Designers are instrumental in the creation of:
- Layout & design of magazines and other publications
- Promotional displays
- Product packaging
- Advertising and marketing materials
- Logos and signage
- Websites, video, mobile applications and other multimedia
Welding Technology
Interested in the metalworking industry? RLC students have several options to work both hands-on and in the classroom to prepare for a growing workforce. With one 2-year degree and five occupational certificates, there is something for every student. The welding, soldering, and brazing industry is expected to grow by 2.4 percent, or 1,180 new jobs, between 2010 and 2020, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
Welding programs are designed to provide the student with a wide range of welding experiences. Programs will cover welding theory, blueprint reading, metallurgy and inspection and test procedures. There will be extensive laboratory practice in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and oxy-acetylene welding processes. The student will learn to weld with electrodes and wires in all positions common to the welding industry. Program completers will have adequate skills to qualify for employment as a welder.
Heavy Equipment Technology
The Rend Lake College Heavy Equipment program is a two-year curriculum designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and work skills needed to enter the construction equipment repair field, with emphasis placed on earthmoving equipment repair and maintenance. This mechanical field program is structured with both lecture and laboratory experience and leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
College personnel takes great pride in the fact that most work is based on realistic “live” work situations. Emphasis is placed on heavy equipment power trains, hydraulic systems, machine maintenance, diesel engine maintenance, electrical systems, diesel engine electronics, and computerized system controllers in relation to the modern technology of today’s industry. Course work includes two supervised occupational experience internships (on-the-job training).
Industrial Electronics & Maintenance Technician
RLC's Industrial Electronics and Maintenance Technician program through the Applied Science and Technology Division prepares students for a wide selection of professions in the workplace, from developing and distributing products to machining and technical repair. The job market for industrial electronics and maintenance technicians is expected to grow by 1.7 percent by 2020, states the U.S. Department of Labor.Manufacturing Technology
The manufacturing technology program prepares graduates for supervisory or technical positions in manufacturing. Curriculum requirements are broad-based so that graduates can obtain employment in a wide variety of manufacturing areas. Some include quality control, production and inventory control, manufacturing processes, and computer-aided manufacturing. The technician will develop a fundamental knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, quality processes, computer, electrical, mechanical and machine control systems related to manufacturing disciplines.
Truck Driver Training
Truck driving is one of the fastest-growing industries today. There is a constant demand for over-the-road drivers. It is one of the few occupations where students who complete training are almost certain to go to work immediately. Most receive job offers prior to completion of the course.
The Rend Lake College Truck Driver Training Program has trained over 1,200 drivers since 1990. This program is perfect for the person who may be unemployed or is seeking a higher-paying job. Short-term training is designed for individuals with little or no commercial driving experience.
Students receive hands-on training from experienced instructors in newer model tractor-trailers. A low student-to-instructor ratio means more personalized instruction. Individuals who complete the program receive a Commercial Driver’s License.
Visual Communication Design
If you are looking for a thriving career that grows with you and challenges your creativity, let Rend Lake College get you started by enrolling in our Visual Communication Design program! We have degree and certificate options.
Designers decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods, such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. They help to motivate, inspire, inform, and communicate ideas, concepts, and brands by visual problem solving for a particular audience. Designers use a variety of visual solutions and computer software, such as Adobe applications, to develop and create their design solutions. Designers are instrumental in the creation of:
- Layout & design of magazines and other publications
- Promotional displays
- Product packaging
- Advertising and marketing materials
- Logos and signage
- Websites, video, mobile applications and other multimedia
Welding Technology
Interested in the metalworking industry? RLC students have several options to work both hands-on and in the classroom to prepare for a growing workforce. With one 2-year degree and five occupational certificates, there is something for every student. The welding, soldering, and brazing industry is expected to grow by 2.4 percent, or 1,180 new jobs, between 2010 and 2020, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
Welding programs are designed to provide the student with a wide range of welding experiences. Programs will cover welding theory, blueprint reading, metallurgy and inspection and test procedures. There will be extensive laboratory practice in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and oxy-acetylene welding processes. The student will learn to weld with electrodes and wires in all positions common to the welding industry. Program completers will have adequate skills to qualify for employment as a welder.
Applied Science & Technology Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 ext. 1261
Email: AppliedScience@rlc.edu
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Applied Science
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Applied Science
