Rio Salado College

Overview
With a physical location in Arizona, Rio Salado is a public two-year college that has been offering online courses for over 15 years. The school has over 40,000 distance learning students taking nearly 700 different online courses. Rio Salado's large number of online students isn't too surprising, when you consider that it offers over 60 online associate's degrees and certificates. Associate's degree options include both transfer associate's of arts degrees and career-focused associate's of applied science programs.

Student Appeal
The relatively low price tag of a public two-year college is enticing to many would-be students, especially with the option of a flexible online format. Furthermore, students at Rio Salado won't feel left out, no matter where they are in their educational development; Rio Salado's student body is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, with no particular background being overrepresented.

Accreditation
Rio Salado College has regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Programs Offered:

Associate's Degrees

AAS - Clinical Dental Assisting DegreeAAS - Clinical Dental Assisting Degree
Students in this program take classes in foundational science, liberal arts, and clinical dental assisting techniques. Courses cover dental materials, clinical care, and dental anatomy.
Associate Degree in General BusinessAssociate Degree in General Business
Want a basic understanding of legal and ethical issues in business, human relations, and computer information systems? This degree is designed for students who want a basic business foundation, in order to enter the workforce or improve their current skillset.
Associate Degree in Military LeadershipAssociate Degree in Military Leadership
Military professionals, including veterans, those actively deployed, and those in the reserves, can benefit from this training. Students take general education courses, as well as 18 credits in military-specific electives.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders
Students in this program learn the vital skills of human services professionals specializing in addictions and substance abuse; interviewing, counseling, and documentation are some of the topics covered. Psychology and sociology courses provide background in the nature of human behavior.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Administration and ManagementAssociate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Administration and Management
This degree provides training to individuals aspiring to positions in early childhood management, supervising, or leadership. Students take courses in areas like child development and education, as well as management principles.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Family Life EducationAssociate in Applied Science (AAS) in Family Life Education
This terminal degree discusses the skills for professionals in human services, social work assistance, and other family services organizations. Students learn about adult development, child development, parent education, and management.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in ParalegalAssociate in Applied Science Degree in Paralegal
Graduates of this program will have basic information and communications skills, as well as knowledge of legal areas. Courses discuss torts, the constitution, elder law, and other specific legal topics.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Public AdministrationAssociate in Applied Science Degree in Public Administration
This degree is geared towards individuals who aspire to employment in a government agency or to careers in the military. The core of public administration classes discusses public finance, organizational behavior, and information systems.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Quality Customer ServiceAssociate in Applied Science Degree in Quality Customer Service
Graduates of this program will have the skills to provide customer service skills in a variety of industrial settings. Communication, team dynamics, quality customer service are some of the required classes.
Associate in Applied Science in Computer TechnologyAssociate in Applied Science in Computer Technology
Upon completing this program, students will understand computer operating systems, graphical applications, and other uses of computers in the business and personal setting. Students are also required to take the general education core of classes.
Associate in Applied Science in Dental Office ManagementAssociate in Applied Science in Dental Office Management
Graduates of this program will be prepared to perform duties such as dental billing, budget development, and the supervision of personnel. Required classes cover the fundamentals of healthcare delivery and office procedures.
Associate in Applied Science in Early Learning & DevelopmentAssociate in Applied Science in Early Learning & Development
Students in this program learn career-ready skills through internships in preschools and other early childhood settings. Coursework discusses early learning principles, development, and family and culture.
Associate in Applied Science in eLearning Design SpecialistAssociate in Applied Science in eLearning Design Specialist
This degree prepares students to use technology to deliver classes, multimedia presentations, and other types of information. This program requires an in-person internship.
Associate in Applied Science in Organizational ManagementAssociate in Applied Science in Organizational Management
The organizational development degree helps students develop interdisciplinary business skills, such as communication, financial management, and personnel management abilities. Students complete an 18 credit core of organizational classes, as well as 19-25 specialized electives.
Associate in Applied Science in Sustainable Food SystemsAssociate in Applied Science in Sustainable Food Systems
This innovative program discusses sustainable food purchasing, cooking and baking, and the economic movement of food. The degree is appropriate for those currently working in culinary arts or the food service industry, or those who would like to enter this professional area.
Associate in ArtsAssociate in Arts
The general AA degree is perfect for students who wish to transfer general requirements to a four-year college, to complete their major. Rio's degree is 64 credits and covers math, English, natural science, social science, arts, and humanities.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement TechnologyAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Technology
Law enforcement technology is an appropriate area of study for current law enforcement officers and those who hope to enter this profession. Required courses discuss patrol procedures, criminal law, search and seizure, and more.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Retail ManagementAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Retail Management
A retail management degree covers the business skills for the day-to-day administration of retail establishments. Graduates leave with an understanding of human relations, accounting principles, merchandising, and marketing.
Associate of Applied Science in CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science in Corrections
The corrections degree covers skills relevant to careers in law enforcement or corrections. Students learn about the political science aspect of the corrections system, as well as the hands-on skills of supervision.
Associate of Applied Science in Detention ServicesAssociate of Applied Science in Detention Services
This degree is made up of 18 required credits in detention services, 21-25 credits of general education requirements, and 21 restricted electives in detention services areas. Detention services classes cover security and emergency procedures, types of inmates, and management techniques.
Associate's Degree in AccountingAssociate's Degree in Accounting
Entry-level accounting clerk, auditing, claims clerk, and bookkeeping positions are some of the jobs available to graduates of this degree. Course work covers accounting principles, managerial accounting, and relevant computer skills.

Certificates

Academic Certificate in Language StudiesAcademic Certificate in Language Studies
This certificate is aimed at students who want a basic foundation in linguistics and foreign cultures. Students take an introductory linguistics course and electives in the language of their choice.
Certificate in AccountingCertificate in Accounting
The certificate covers the same core accounting skills of the associate's degree, without the general education requirements and accounting electives. Students complete 23-26 core credits in accounting fundamentals.
Certificate in Child and Family Professional DevelopmentCertificate in Child and Family Professional Development
Students in this program take 16 required credits in family child care, toddler care, preschool care, home visitor skills, and school age care. The certificate is useful for fulfilling Council for Professional Recognition CDA or the National Child Care Association CCP certification requirements.
Certificate in Creative WritingCertificate in Creative Writing
Learn the craft and technical skills of compelling writing in this 21 credit program. Poetry, nonfiction, children's literature, and screenwriting are some of the available courses.
Certificate in K-12 eLearning DesignCertificate in K-12 eLearning Design
Current K-12 teachers can learn the skills for engaging students through a technological platform in this certificate. Courses cover elearning technology and media, assessment, and foundations of K-12 elearning.
Certificate in K-12 Online TeachingCertificate in K-12 Online Teaching
Teaching online classes takes a special set of abilities, ones that current teachers may like to add to their skillset. This certificate touches on engaging online learners, legal issues in online learning, facilitating elearning, and more.
Certificate in Language and Literary Culture of the USACertificate in Language and Literary Culture of the USA
Students can boost their reading, critical thinking, and writing skills in this academic certificate. Classes discuss topics like composition, business writing, and literature and the American experience.
Certificate in Sustainability and Ecological LiteracyCertificate in Sustainability and Ecological Literacy
Professionals in energy areas, utilities, non-profits, or similar positions may find great value in this certificate in sustainability. Environmental Ethics and Environmental Biology are two required classes.
Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Adolescent DevelopmentCertificate of Completion (CCL) in Adolescent Development
After finishing this certificate, educators and others will better understand the transition to adulthood and the psychology of adolescents. Students also hone their professional writing skills and complete an internship.
Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Small Business Start-UpCertificate of Completion (CCL) in Small Business Start-Up
Entrepreneurs and others can find helpful skills for designing a business plan and getting a business off the ground in this program. Internet marketing, customer relations, and hiring are some of the other topics covered.
Certificate of Completion in Adult Development and AgingCertificate of Completion in Adult Development and Aging
Human service workers, healthcare professionals, and others interacting with the elderly can learn how to better understand and serve their clients with this certificate. Graduates will also be equipped to seek paraprofessional positions in social service agencies, hospice care centers, and similar facilities.
Certificate of Completion in Advanced Computer Usage and ApplicationsCertificate of Completion in Advanced Computer Usage and Applications
Ready to cover the advanced skills of computer applications for business and personal settings? This certificate covers advanced use of PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and project management software.
Certificate of Completion in Child & Family Organization Management & AdministrationCertificate of Completion in Child & Family Organization Management & Administration
Those interested in management or supervisory positions in social service, childcare, early childhood education, and similar settings may find a good fit in this certificate. Management skills, project management, and computer skills are discussed.
Certificate of Completion in Clinical Dental AssistingCertificate of Completion in Clinical Dental Assisting
This 31 credit program covers foundational science and clinical skills necessary to become a dental assistant. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Certificate of Completion in Computer Usage and ApplicationsCertificate of Completion in Computer Usage and Applications
Need a basic understanding of computer skills for your professional goals? Learn about consumer computer applications, operating systems, and Internet use in this certificate.
Certificate of Completion in Digital DesignCertificate of Completion in Digital Design
Students in this program study the computer applications used to make graphic and digital designs. Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator are some of the programs covered.
Certificate of Completion in eLearning Design SpecialistCertificate of Completion in eLearning Design Specialist
Classes in this program cover the skills for creating and facilitating elearning environments for a variety of learners. Students learn how to effectively lead and communicate in a team-based setting.
Certificate of Completion in Family Child Care ManagementCertificate of Completion in Family Child Care Management
Graduates of this program will understand the managerial and developmental principles necessary for working in a family child care setting. Students learn how to make curriculum for young students and establish safe learning environments.
Certificate of Completion in General BusinessCertificate of Completion in General Business
This 21 credit certificate covers a variety of business skills. Classes discuss legal issues, ethics, and accounting; students can also focus the certificate through electives.
Certificate of Completion in Infant Toddler DevelopmentCertificate of Completion in Infant Toddler Development
Check out this certificate if you are interested in learning the developmental stages of young children, to understand their cognitive and social growth. This 16 credit program includes 6 classes.
Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement TechnologyCertificate of Completion in Law Enforcement Technology
This comprehensive, 39-credit program covers everything from patrol procedures to professionalism in policing. The certificate discusses both policing skills and the theory of law enforcement.
Certificate of Completion in Military LeadershipCertificate of Completion in Military Leadership
Learn about leadership, communication, motivation, and other essential skills of military personnel in this program. Students choose 6 military specific electives to tailor their certificate to their interests.
Certificate of Completion in Networking: Design and System SupportCertificate of Completion in Networking: Design and System Support
Upon completing this certificate, students will understand how to set up computer systems, install software, and maintain computer networks. The program can act as a foundation for entry-level networking work, or to support professionals in other IT or business areas.
Certificate of Completion in Organizational LeadershipCertificate of Completion in Organizational Leadership
It takes a particular combination of business skills and leadership charisma to run an organization. Students in this program study communication skills, human relations, business management, and techniques of supervision.
Certificate of Completion in ParalegalCertificate of Completion in Paralegal
Learn the basics of legal writing and research in this certificate. Students also leave with an understanding of the litigation process and particular legal areas.
Certificate of Completion in Parent EducationCertificate of Completion in Parent Education
Graduates of this program will understand the place of the family in the social structure of society, as well as the responsibilities of a social service home visitor. Classes include Foundations of Parent Education and Home-Based Visitation.
Certificate of Completion in ProgrammingCertificate of Completion in Programming
Concrete programming skills and programming theory are covered in this 34 credit program. Visual Basic, C, and Java are some of the languages students learn.
Certificate of Completion in Public AdministrationCertificate of Completion in Public Administration
In this certificate, students learn the practical skills of managing a public agency, as well as the history and future of public administration. Finance administration, organizational behavior, and computer use are some of the topics covered.
Certificate of Completion in Quality Customer ServiceCertificate of Completion in Quality Customer Service
Students in this program take 5 required customer service classes plus 1 elective of their choosing. Students leave the program understanding fundamentals of professional development, communication, and teamwork.
Certificate of Completion in Retail ManagementCertificate of Completion in Retail Management
This 33 credit program is aimed at professionals in food service and other retail settings. Business skills like accounting and customer relations are discussed in the context of retail.
Certificate of Completion in Sustainable Food SystemsCertificate of Completion in Sustainable Food Systems
Learn how our nation produces and consumes food, as well as strategies for making this process more environmentally sustainable. Nutrition, gardening, food and culture, and organic food production are some topics covered.
Certificate of Completion in Web Design: User InterfaceCertificate of Completion in Web Design: User Interface
Students in this program learn the fundamentals of front-end web development, such as use of HTML, graphic design, and multimedia technology. E-commerce is also discussed.
Professional Addictions Counseling CertificateProfessional Addictions Counseling Certificate
*Requires a degree in behavioral health or a related field. Current behavioral health professionals can increase their understanding of addictions counseling in this professional program. Along with 1 required class, students select 7 electives from topics like adolescent substance abuse, chemical dependency, and sexual addiction.

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Rio Salado College

Rio Salado College

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