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City Colleges of Chicago prepares students for success in business careers across industry sectors by providing expert instruction, real-world experience, and strong industry connections. Our business programs evolve with employer needs, ensuring students gain the skills to thrive in today’s workforce.
Whether you’re launching your career or advancing your skills, City Colleges offers:
- Flexible schedules to fit your busy life
- Short-term, career-focused certifications to get to work quickly
- Transfer pathways to four-year universities
- Apprenticeships & hands-on business experience
- A supportive, welcoming learning environment
With the right education and connections, your future in business starts here.
Explore Business degree and certificate options in our online catalog.
Classroom-to-Workforce Options
Your business career, co-created with ChicAgo’s industry leaders.
At City Colleges of Chicago, we don’t just teach business—we design it. Our pathways are built in direct partnership with Chicago’s top employers to ensure you aren’t just earning a credential; you’re gaining a competitive edge.
Whether you are launching your first venture, upskilling for a promotion, or pivoting into an AI-augmented role, our stackable frameworks are built for the future of work.
Modern Pathways for High-Demand Roles:
- Accounting (AAS degree) – Master the language of business through finance, auditing, and strategic tax preparation.
- Banking & Financial Services – Prepare for careers as bank tellers, personal bankers, and loan officers. (Expanding to Advanced Certificate, coming Fall 2026)
- CPA Preparation (Post Baccalaureate) – After earning a bachelor’s degree, getting a CPA license can demonstrate expertise to employers.
- Digital Marketing & Analytics – Learn to drive growth through data-backed storytelling and consumer behavior analysis. (Expanding Advanced Certificate → AAS degree, coming Spring 2027)
- Human Resources – Operationalize equity, talent management, and workplace policy in the modern corporate environment. (Expanding Basic Certificate → AAS degree, coming Spring 2027)
- Sales & Entrepreneurship – From “Idea to Venture.” A stackable journey starting with a Basic Certificate in Entrepreneurship, leading to an AAS in Sales & Leadership. (Basic Certificate in Entrepreneurship → Advanced Certificate in Sales → AAS degree in Sales & Entrepreneurship, coming Spring 2027)
- Business Apprenticeship (AAS degree) – The ultimate “Earn While You Learn” model, pairing classroom theory with hands-on experience at approved industry partners. For approved Apprentices only.
- Business Management (AA degree) – A broad-spectrum leadership foundation designed for seamless transfer to four-year university partners. (coming Spring 2027)
The CCC Advantage: Stackable & Scalable
Our programs are designed to be stackable, meaning your education grows with your career. Start with a high-value certificate to enter the workforce quickly, then stack those credits into an Associate Degree when you’re ready to lead.
Start with a Certificate → Earn your Associate Degree → Transfer or Rise.
Transfer Pathways
City Colleges offers guaranteed transfer pathways to four-year universities, making it easy to continue your education and earn a bachelor’s degree in business. Start with an associate degree, then transfer seamlessly to one of our partner universities to complete your business education at a fraction of the cost.
Gain Real-World Experience
Prepare for your future with apprenticeships, internships, and career development services designed to connect you with hands-on learning and job opportunities. Through employer partnerships and City Colleges Career Services, you can:
- Find work-based learning opportunities (including internships, micro-internships, and apprenticeships) to build experience while you study
- Explore potential career paths, search and apply for positions, develop resumes, and prep for interviews at your college’s Career Development Center
Student Success
Jessica Atieno-Walker
Although she speaks softly, Jessica Atieno-Walker exudes confidence when she discusses life’s possibilities. She earned her Associate in Arts in…
Esmeralda Cirilo
Esmeralda Cirilo, Harold Washington College’s 2023 salutatorian, grew up in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and attended Community Links High School.…
Ashley Moncrief
City Colleges of Chicago alumna Ashley Moncrief has persevered to get to where she is today, and she’s not done…
Sandra Magallon
Born to immigrant parents from Michoacán, México, Sandra Magallon was raised in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and attended Curie High…
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