Find out more about Rio Salado College

Add a credential to your resume that can make a difference to employers.  Rio Salado offers this Academic Certificate in Creative Writing entirely online where you can enhance your writing skills and learn to communicate effectively to target audiences.  You’ll build a portfolio as you complete your coursework, giving you a foundation to pursue your writing career.  Areas of writing taught in this program, include:

• Nonfiction
• Poetry
• Comic books
• Screenwriting

Designed for non-native English speakers, this online Academic Certificate in Language & Literary Culture focuses on North American English.  As a 100% online program, this Rio Salado coursework can be completed at home, around your busy schedule.  The focus of this certificate is to improve reading and writing skills, while enhancing your vocabulary.  Subjects covered include:

• Composition
• Business writing
• American literature
• Critical reading

This Rio Salado program focuses on language and linguistic structure.  Offered completely online, you can take advantage of this opportunity to develop oral and written communication skills in a new language, from the comfort of your own home.  Among others, you can learn:

• Arabic
• French
• German
• Japanese
• Navajo

Earn an Academic Certificate in Spanish online from Rio Salado.  This program focuses on both language and culture.  Coursework can be completed entirely through distance learning, so you can skip the commute to campus.  You’ll have the knowledge and vocabulary to communicate with confidence when you select an area of emphasis, such as:

• Spanish for Educational Settings
• Spanish for Medical Interpretation
• Spanish for Business Communication

Whether you want to design for professional or personal use, this online Certificate of Completion in Digital Design from Rio Salado fits the bill. You can learn the latest technology for graphic design and visual communication in this program.  Coursework involves:

• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• InDesign
• Publishing

The online AAS in Accounting degree program from Rio Salado College provides students with skills and knowledge in the field of accounting, preparing them for positions such as accounting clerk, accounts payable/receivable clerk, claims clerk, credit clerk, or comparable positions. Courses cover topics such as:

• Financial Accounting 
• ​Managerial Accounting
• Income Tax Preparation
• ​Payroll, Sales & Property Taxes

The online AAS in General Business degree program is designed to meet the needs of students who desire a broad overview of business and not to enroll in a specialized business curriculum. Students become acquainted with major areas of business, improve their business vocabulary, and gain an understanding of influencing factors in business decision making and activities. In addition, this program may aid students in recognizing a specific business field to be pursued in future studies. 

The online AAS in Organizational Management degree program from Rio Salado College is designed to provide students with leadership and communication skills and techniques for planning, directing, and evaluating business situations, with an emphasis on effective allocation of time, money, materials, space, and personnel. Courses cover topics such as:

• Human Relations in Business
• Business Communication
• ​Project Management 
• ​Management & Leadership

The online AAS in Public Administration degree program from Rio Salado College is designed to meet the needs of employees of government agencies and those desiring employment or advancement in government agencies. The program covers the history, present, and future of public administration, and courses include topics on:

• Finance
• Communication
• ​Organizational Behavior 
• Teamwork
• ​Management Styles

The online AAS in Quality Customer Service degree program from Rio Salado College is designed to provide students with the training necessary for employment in the customer service field. Courses cover topics in:

• Customer Service
• Teamwork
• Communication Skills 
• ​Professional Development

The online AAS in Retail Management degree program from Rio Salado College is designed to prepare individuals working in the retail management, food industry, and related fields, for the mid-level management position challenges of the future. Courses cover topics such as:

• Financial & Managerial Accounting
• ​Human Relations in Business
• Management & Leadership
• Principles of Marketing

The online Certificate of Completion in Accounting program from Rio Salado College is designed for students seeking to gain skills and knowledge in the field of accounting. Graduates of this program may pursue entry-level positions such as:

• Accounting Clerk
• Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
• Claims Clerk
• ​Credit Clerk
• ​Full-Charge Bookkeeper

The online Certificate of Completion in General Business program from Rio Salado College provides students with business training for various entry-level positions in business. Courses include an introduction to:

• ​Business concepts
• ​Accounting & computer principles
• ​Legal issues related to business

The online Certificate of Completion in Insurance Studies from Rio Salado College provides students with the knowledge and skills training required for various entry-level positions in the insurance industry. Courses include an introduction to the insurance industry, in addition to the insurance areas of:

• Property
• Liability
• Personal 
• ​Commercial

The online Certificate of Completion in Organizational Leadership program from Rio Salado College provides students with leadership and communication skills and techniques for planning, directing, and evaluating business situations. This program also emphasizes procedures for effective allocation of time, money, materials, space, and personnel. Courses cover topics such as:

• Computer Information Systems
• Human Relations in Business
• Business Communication
• ​Project Management

The online Certificate of Completion in Public Administration program from Rio Salado College is designed to train employees of government agencies and those seeking employment or advancement in government agencies. The curriculum addresses the history, present, and future of public administration, while developing students' skills in:

• Communication
• Organizational Behavior
• ​Teamwork
• Finance
• ​Computer Usage

The online Certificate of Completion in Quality Customer Service program from Rio Salado College is designed to provide students with training to meet the requirements for employment in non-sales areas. Courses focus on:

• Customer Service
• ​Teamwork
• Communication Skills
• ​Professional Development

The online Certificate of Completion in Retail Management program from Rio Salado College is designed to prepare individuals working in the retail industry and related fields to effectively manage and communicate in the work environment. Students receive training in:

• Supervision & Management
• Marketing
• ​Financial Management
• ​Business Planning

The online Certificate of Completion in Small Business Start-Up program from Rio Salado College is designed to meet the needs of individuals who wish to become entrepreneurs. Courses provide a background in marketing, management, finance, and a capstone course in which students complete a business plan. 

Rio Salado's Associate in Applied Science in Computer Technology online degree provides students with information and training required in the use, application and technological developments of computers in a changing electronic environment. Courses provide instruction in the following areas: computer applications in the business environment and current trends and development in computers; graphical applications; electronic spreadsheets; database; word processing; and computer operating systems.

Graduates of this program possess the skills and knowledge to gain entry-level computer technician and administrator positions. They may find work in government, education and private industries. Popular career choices may include: network administrator, computer security specialist, webmaster, computer systems administrator, computer technician, and computer network analyst.

Rio Salado College’s Associate in Applied Science in Mobile App Development degree gives students the knowledge and skills required to work in the mobile programming field. The program also includes a variety of certificates, including:

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Programming
• Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Programming and System Analysis
• Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Mobile Apps Programming

Students will develop in areas such as critical thinking and problem solving through hands-on experience in developing user interfaces and applications.  Apply credits earned through this program to bachelor of applied science programs.  By taking this online computer science degree in programming, students are prepared for entry-level careers in the field.

Earn a Certificate of Completion in Computer Technology online with Rio Salado College.  This program provides a variety of certificate concentrations, including digital design, web design, computer usage/application and advanced usage/application.  Studies will cover subjects such as:

• E-commerce
• Animation techniques
• Project management software

Students who earn this certificate may excel further into an academic pathway through transferable credit, or pursue career paths as web designers, graphic designers, and more.  Take advantage of flexible start dates to earn this certificate of completion ASAP.  Expand upon skills and knowledge directly applicable to the computer science field with this online program at Rio Salado College.

Rio Salado College’s Certificate of Completion in Computer Usage and Application focuses on the basic use of software applications.  This program is designed to provide an overview of the use, application, and developments of computers in today’s fast-paced technological environment. Courses will cover subjects including but not limited to: 

• Word processing
• Electronic worksheets
• Database management

Students who earn this certificate may excel further into an academic pathway through transferable credit, or pursue career paths as web designers, graphic designers, and more.  Take advantage of flexible start dates to earn this certificate of completion ASAP.  Expand upon skills and knowledge directly applicable to the computer science field with this online program at Rio Salado College.

Develop knowledge about the Foundations of Mobile App Development with an online Certificate Completion program from Rio Salado College.  Courses from this program are applicable to the AAS as well as CCL in Mobile App Development at RSC.  Studies will cover topics such as:

• Photoshop
• Computer Information Systems
• Web Development

Students will learn how to apply design program solutions, critical thinking and communication skills to the workplace.  Graduates with this certificate are prepared to pursue entry-level coding, programming, and software development careers.  Become a software developer, web developer, digital interface designer, and more with an online certificate from Rio Salado College.

Rio Salado College’s Certificate of Completion in Programming is designed to prepare students to work in the programming field. This program provides an in-depth exploration of different computer languages and technical skills.  Courses focus on subjects such as:

• Programming Theory
• Java Programming
• Visual Basic Programming

Students will develop the ability to identify software and hardware components, interpret data, apply logic tools to program business and structures, and more.  Graduates with this certificate are prepared to pursue entry-level coding, programming, and software development careers.  Expand upon skills and knowledge directly applicable to the computer science field with this online program at Rio Salado College.

With an online Certificate of Completion in Web Design concentrating in User Interface, students of Rio Salado College are trained for careers as help desk technicians, web designers, or graphic designers.  Studies will cover a range of subjects such as:

• Project management software
• Web design and publishing
• Computer operating systems

Graduates with this degree may find pursuable, entry-level work in the UI/UX fields, or go on to pursue further education in computer science.  Gain the skills and competencies to design personal or professional web pages.  Expand knowledge in a highly competitive field with the foundation to build upon professionally through RSC online.

You can gain entry-level employment with the Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice from Rio Salado College. The online administration degree leads to such careers as:

• Bailiffs
• Correctional officers
• Private security officers
• Public safety telecommunicators

Through the online administration associate’s degree program, you learn skills in communication, writing, collaboration, and logical and sound reasoning. Graduates know the basics of criminology theory, criminal and constitutional law, and agency operations.

You can work behind the scenes in the field of law with the Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal from Rio Salado College. The online paralegal degree benefits those who have such skills and behaviors as:

• Highly organized
• Curious nature
• Excellent at prioritizing
• Verbal and writing communication

Through the paralegal associate’s degree program, you learn about legal ethics, criminal procedure, and legal research. Graduates can enter the workforce or continue their education for a bachelor’s degree.

You can begin your journey to work in our criminal legal system with the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Rio Salado College. The online criminal justice degree leads to work in such areas as:

• The courts
• Security 
• Corrections 
• Investigations

Through the online criminal justice associate’s degree program, you learn to use technology to collect data for sound decision-making. For those choosing to continue their education, future careers include being a judge, lawyer, professor, and statistician.

You can earn credentials to further your career with the Certificate of Completion in Administration of Justice from Rio Salado College. The online administration program provides both personal and professional development as well as knowledge in such areas as:

• Criminology
• Juvenile justice
• The police function
• Procedural criminal law

Through the online administration certificate program, you can earn another certificate of completion by selecting appropriate electives. Other certificate options include Corrections, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security.

If you are a fan of legal dramas, you can take a fast track to working in the field of law with the Certificate of Completion in Paralegal from Rio Salado College. The online paralegal program covers such topics as:

• Ethics
• Business law
• Civil litigation
• Legal foundations

Through the online paralegal certificate program, you gain the skills to assist attorneys in their work. Students gain legal skills and preparation for industry certification.

The online Certificate in Sustainability program is interdisciplinary and builds a strong academic expertise along one of five significant pillars of sustainability, where students examine and assess how to minimize unintended consequences and enhance a mutually productive relationship between man and nature. Students must choose one of the following five tracks:

• Land use and human transformations of the earth
• Competition for water and other natural resources from the earth systems
• Political and economic treatment of the earth
• Coupled human-environment interactions
• Entrepreneurship for transforming ideas for sustainable products/services into viable businesses

Become a socially responsible citizen with this online sustainability degree that strives to ensure graduates are ecologically and environmentally aware. Study sustainable living practices associated with economics, equity, and the environment. Gain skills in critical thinking, inquiry, and discourse as you also study ethical theories and moral principles associated with environmental issues.  

With this online environmental science degree, you will learn to:

• Analyze environmental quality and natural resource problems
• Analyze cultural perspectives on the environment
• Demonstrate cognitive and socio-emotional awareness of nature

This degree is primarily designed for those seeking an Associate of Arts degree with plans to transfer to a four-year institution.

Prepare for a career in mathematics as an actuary, statistical assistant, business intelligence analyst, and much more. This online mathematics degree provides knowledge in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, computational mathematical science, and other related fields. Study proportional relationships, spatial reasoning, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus as you learn to use mathematics to solve problems.  

The online mathematics degree is designed to be the first two years of a four-year degree. Graduates go on to a four-year college or university.

Prepare to make a difference in your community and beyond with an online sustainability degree. With the online environmental science degree, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to examine the relationship between people and their natural and built environments. Learn about sustainability, environmental science, conservation, and resource management.

This program is designed to be the first two years of a four-year curriculum. After graduation, students transfer to a four-year college or university to specialize in an area that is covered by this degree.

Rio Salado College offers an online social work degree, the Academic Certificate in Child and Family Professional Development.  This Academic Certificate is designed for practitioners in the early childhood, school-age, or home visitor field.  It can be used to meet a wide variety of national credentialing requirements, including the Council for Professional Recognition CDA or the National Child Care Association CCP.  You will complete the required training clock hours and resource file/portfolio required to apply to external credentialing organizations, but the external credential is awarded by the external credentialing organization. 

Students will take courses in the following areas:

• Family Child Care
• Infant Toddler
• Preschool
• Home Visitor
• School Age

The Associate in Applied Science in Addictions & Substance Use Disorders from Rio Salado College is an online substance abuse counseling degree program.  Graduates are prepared to begin careers in social work, counseling, mental health, psychology, or rehabilitation.  The curriculum provides the skills necessary to assist chemically dependent people with alleviating their addictions, focusing on ethics, communication, interviewing and documentation, and recovery and relapse skills.  You will study advanced theories and techniques, family dynamics, relationships, and multicultural and diverse populations.  Courses also teach various intervention models. 

With this affecting so many people in so many ways, there is a need for professionals trained in chemical dependency to work in many settings, including:

• Human resources
• Civil courts
• Criminal justice
• Social services
• Welfare services
• Adolescent and child services

The Associate in Applied Science in Family Life Education is an online human services degree from Rio Salado College.  This program prepares students to enter such fields as family life education, human development, or child and family organizations at the paraprofessional level.  With this program you will learn to work in adoption and foster care, in adult day care centers, with crisis intervention programs, in hospice care, with disabled and developmentally challenged individuals, and in shelters and other child and family, community-based organizations, among other settings. 

Students select to focus on one of the following:

• Parent Education
• Adolescent Development
• Adult Development and Aging
• Child and Family Organizations Management and Administration

Rio Salado College offers an online substance abuse counseling degree program, the Certificate of Completion in Addictions & Substance Use Disorders Level I.  This program is designed to launch students’ careers in social work, counseling, mental health, psychology, or rehabilitation.  You will gain the skills necessary to assist chemically dependent people with alleviating their addictions.  Courses focus on theories and techniques, communication skills, interviewing and documentation, and recovery and relapse.  The curriculum prepares students to help with:

• Recovery processes
• Relapse factors
• Family dynamics
• Intervention models
• Professional ethics

Upon completion you will be prepared for careers in such settings as human resources, civil courts, criminal justice, education, social services, welfare services, and adolescent and child services.

Rio Salado College offers an online substance abuse counseling degree, the Certificate of Completion in Addictions & Substance Use Disorders Level II.  This program is designed to launch careers in social work, counseling, mental health, psychology, or rehabilitation.  Students gain the skills necessary to assist chemically dependent people with alleviating addictions, focusing on the recovery process, relapse factors, family dynamics, various intervention models, and professional ethics.  In addition, coursework covers advanced theories and techniques in substance abuse counseling, relationships, and multicultural and diverse populations.  In addition to preparing students to become addictions and substance abuse disorder professionals, this degree program can also be used as continuing education for current professionals.

Rio Salado College offers an online human services degree, the Certificate of Completion in Child & Family Organizations Management & Administration.  This certificate is designed for students planning to enter the family life education, human development, early childhood settings, or child and family organizations field at the paraprofessional level.  The curriculum is incremental and sequential, with one level incorporated into the next.  You will work with faculty to smoothly move from one educational level to the next without loss of credit. 

Graduates are prepared for employment opportunities within the management and administration of such programs as:

• Adoptions and foster care
• Crisis intervention programs
• Group and halfway houses
• Senior citizen centers
• Psychiatric facilities
• Community-based organizations

The Certificate of Completion in Parent Education from Rio Salado College is an online social work degree program.  This certificate prepares students to enter the family education field.  You will focus on parent education.  Courses cover topics in:

• Home-Based Visitation
• Parenting & Family Development
• Cross Cultural Parenting

Graduates may seek employment opportunities in adoption and foster care, crisis intervention programs, social service agencies, and other child and family, community-based organizations.

The Certificate of Completion in Professional Addictions Counseling is an online substance abuse counseling degree from Rio Salado College for students pursuing careers in social work, counseling, mental health, psychology, or rehabilitation.  The curriculum develops the skills necessary for assisting chemically dependent persons to alleviate their addictions.  Courses focus on self-help groups, the recovery process, relapse factors, family dynamics, and the various medical, emergent, and intervention models. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to help people in a variety of settings, including:

• Human resources
• Civil courts
• Criminal justice
• Education
• Welfare services
• Adolescent and child services

This program is also designed to help professionals meet their educational requirements for state and national addiction certification and to gain continuing education credits.