Business Technology

Why Business Technology?

The Business Technology program prepares you with skills and certifications to efficiently process information as well as manage a fast-paced business. Learn about the business world while gaining hands-on experience in software application packages.

There are several paths you can take in the Business Technology program that include stackable certificates and industry-recognized credentials leading to entry-level employment.

Program Details

Business Technology

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Degree Requirements
View Degree Requirements
Certificates
View Certificates
Microcertificates
View Microcertificates

Program Highlights

Associate in Applied Science - Business Technology

The Associate in Applied Science – Business Technology degree provides training for today’s technology-driven business environment. Students gain practical skills in business operations and administrative functions, as well as extensive knowledge of software application packages. The program also includes instruction in effective communication skills and technology innovations for the office. Students choose a specialization in Accounting, Administrative Office Professional, Microsoft Office Specialist, or Small Business Management. Graduates gain a strong business foundation and may pursue entry-level roles in a variety of business and administrative settings.

Heartland and Industry Credentials

Completers will be prepared to take these certification exams:

  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate  
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert  
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Access Expert  
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate  
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert  
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Outlook Associate

Special Program Information

You must choose an area of emphasis in either: Accounting Technology, Administrative Office Professional, Microsoft Office Specialist, or Small Business Management. You will earn a certificate in that area of emphasis.

Several of the courses in this program are offered in a Guided Self-Paced format. Guided Self-Paced courses allow the flexibility to work at your own pace while meeting established deadlines and checkpoints throughout the semester. All coursework will be completed online using Canvas with support from instructors and Business Technology Lab Facilitators. Lab hours can be completed in the Business Technology Learning Center, or virtually through Zoom. Over 25+ lab hours a week are available during the day and evening for students to get assistance with coursework. The Microsoft Office Certification exam for Level II and Level III courses must be taken in-person in the Business Technology Learning Center.  An in-person onboarding session is required prior to starting the course.

Some courses provide an option to do a proficiency exam in place of taking a course. For more information please visit the testing center for prior learning exam information.

Average Class Size

20 Students - receive more individualized attention 

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person (evening), online, and Guided Self-Paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are required

Completion Time 

  • 24 months - 4 semesters 
  • 60 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved 

  • Skills USA
  • Future Business Leaders of America
Apply Now Request Info Faculty Directory

Degree Requirements

Associate in Applied Science - Business Technology

60 Credit Hours

General Education Requirements
Course Hours

ENGL 101 - Critical Reading & Writing or ENGL 105 - Writing for Industry

*ENGL 105 does not count as IAI General Education credit

3

Humanities or Fine Arts - Any one IAI Humanities or IAI Fine Arts course

3

Social & Behavioral Science - Any one IAI Social & Behavioral Science course

3
Life or Physical Science - Any one IAI Life Science or IAI Physical Science course

3-4

Mathematics - Any college-level Mathematics course or TMAT 103 - Technical Mathematics

*TMAT 103 does not count as IAI General Education credit

3-4

Total Credit Hours

15-17
Business Technology Core Requirements
Course Hours

ATEC 120 - Accounting Fundamentals or ACCT 200 - Financial Accounting 

(Students should take ACCT 200 from the Core Requirements)

3-4
BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1
BTEC 115 - Business Communication

3
BTEC 150 - Customer Relations

1
BTEC 170 - Supervision

3
CTEC 136 - Excel Level I

1
CTEC 137 - Excel Level II

1
CTEC 138 - Excel Level III

1
CTEC 146 - Access Level I

1
CTEC 147 - Access Level II

1
CTEC 156 - Word Level I

1
CTEC 157 - Word Level II

1
CTEC 158 - Word Level III

1
CTEC 166 - Outlook and OneNote

2
DMED 101 - Introduction to Digital Media

3
OTEC 101 - Keyboarding

1
TECH 299 - Internship in Technology

1

Emphasis Options - Choose at least one emphasis option to complete requirements: 

18-19

Choose remaining elective hours for each Emphasis Option from courses on this list:

Varies

Total Credit Hours

45

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Request Info

Certificates

Administrative Office Professional Certificate

The Administrative Office Professional Certificate focuses on practical skills for working in modern office environments. Students gain hands-on experience using computers and common business technologies, including office software applications. Graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions such as receptionist, office clerk, office manager, or administrative assistant. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science - Business Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • Receptionist
  • Secretary/Administrative Assistant
  • Data Entry
  • Office Clerk
  • Executive Assistant
  • Marketing Professional 

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: 


  • Heartland Community College 
  • State Farm 
  • Country Financial 
  • Rivian 
  • Watershed Foods 
  • Illinois Wesleyan University  

Heartland and Industry Credentials 

 
  • Administrative Office Professional Certificate 
  • Completers will be prepared to take these certification exams: 
    • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate  
    • Microsoft Office Specialist: Access Expert  
    • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate  

Special Program Information

Several of the courses in this program are offered in a Guided Self-Paced format. Guided Self-Paced courses allow the flexibility to work at your own pace while meeting established deadlines and checkpoints throughout the semester. All coursework will be completed online using Canvas with support from instructors and Business Technology Lab Facilitators. Lab hours can be completed in the Business Technology Learning Center, or virtually through Zoom. Over 25+ lab hours a week are available during the day and evening for students to get assistance with coursework. The Microsoft Office Certification exam for Level II and Level III courses must be taken in-person in the Business Technology Learning Center.  An in-person onboarding session is required prior to starting the course. 
 
Some courses provide an option to do a proficiency exam in place of taking a course. For more information please visit the testing center for prior learning exam information. 

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person (evening), online, and Guided Self-Paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 19 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

CTEC 136 - Excel Level I

1

CTEC 137 - Excel Level II

1

CTEC 146 - Access Level I

1

CTEC 147 - Access Level II

1

CTEC 156 - Word Level I

1

CTEC 157 - Word Level II

1

CTEC 166 - Outlook and OneNote

2

BTEC 115 - Business Communications

3

BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1

BTEC 150 - Customer Relations

1

OTEC 101 - Keyboarding

1

OTEC 102 - Advanced Keyboarding

1

OTEC 104 - Office Simulation

2

OTEC 113 - Records Management

2

Total Credit Hours

19

Request Administrative Office Info

Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate

The Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate focuses on developing proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications. Students gain experience with both basic and advanced features across the Microsoft Office Suite to build practical software skills. Graduates are prepared to pursue Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams, including Excel Associate and Expert, Access Expert, Word Associate and Expert, PowerPoint Associate, and Outlook Associate. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science - Business Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • Medical Billing Specialist
  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Data Analyst
  • Office Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Database Specialist
  • Marketing Professional 

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: 

  • Heartland Community College 
  • Rivian 
  • State Farm 
  • Country Financial 
  • Gobena Coffee

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate
Completers will be prepared to take these certification exams: 
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Access Expert
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint Associate
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Outlook Associate    

Special Program Information

Several of the courses in this program are offered in a Guided Self-Paced format. Guided Self-Paced courses allow the flexibility to work at your own pace while meeting established deadlines and checkpoints throughout the semester. All coursework will be completed online using Canvas with support from instructors and Business Technology Lab Facilitators. Lab hours can be completed in the Business Technology Learning Center, or virtually through Zoom. Over 25+ lab hours a week are available during the day and evening for students to get assistance with coursework. The Microsoft Office Certification exam for Level II and Level III courses must be taken in-person in the Business Technology Learning Center.  An in-person onboarding session is required prior to starting the course.

Some courses provide an option to do a proficiency exam in place of taking a course. For more information please visit the testing center for prior learning exam information.

This program is not covered by financial aid, however, students are eligible to apply for the work ready scholarship or you can explore other funding options here. 

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are guided self-paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 12 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

CTEC 125 - PowerPoint

1

CTEC 136 - Excel Level I

1

CTEC 137 - Excel Level II

1

CTEC 138 - Excel Level III

1

CTEC 146 - Access Level I

1

CTEC 147 - Access Level II

1

CTEC 148 - Access Level III

1

CTEC 156 - Word Level I

1

CTEC 157 - Word Level II

1

CTEC 158 - Word Level III

1

CTEC 166 - Outlook and OneNote

2

Total Credit Hours

12

Suggested Sequence

Request Microsoft Office Specialist Info

Small Business Management Certificate

The Small Business Management Certificate strengthens the core skills needed to run and grow a successful small business. The program builds practical knowledge in business communication, accounting, computer applications, taxes, customer relations, marketing, financial planning, and day‑to‑day business operations.

This certificate is designed for current and aspiring small business owners and managers across a wide range of industries. It supports individuals already working in management roles who want to enhance their business expertise, those preparing to launch a new business, and students interested in office management positions within small business settings. All courses in this certificate apply toward the Associate in Applied Science - Business Technology.  

Career Pathways 

  • Manager 
  • Office manager 
  • Supervisor 
  • Franchise Owner 
  • Business development manager 
  • Assistant store manager 
  • Staffing supervisor 
  • Restaurant general manager 
  • Warehouse supervisor 
  • Director of operations 
  • Shift supervisor

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include: 

  • State Farm
  • Tesla
  • Fairlawn Real Estate
  • Sam’s Club
  • Ferrero 

Heartland and Industry Credentials 

  • Small Business Management Certificate 

Special Program Information

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are in-person (evening), online, and Guided Self-Paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 19 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

ATEC 120 - Small Business Accounting

3

ATEC 130 - Quickbooks Accounting

3

BTEC 115 - Business Communications

3

BTEC 150 - Customer Relations

1

BTEC 170 - Supervision

3

BTEC 250 - Small Business Management

3

BUSN 210 - Legal Environment of Business

3

Total Credit Hours

19

Request Small Business Management Info

Microcertificates

Access Microsoft Office Specialist Microcertificate

The Access Microsoft Office Specialist Microcertificate provides students with the skills to be proficient in basic and advanced features of Microsoft Office Access. Upon completion, students will be prepared to earn certification as an Microsoft Office Specialist: Access Expert. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science – Business Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • This microcertificate is to help current employees to increase their skills for the workforce.  

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Microsoft Office Access Specialist Certificate

Completers will be prepared to take certification exams:

  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Access Expert Exam

Special Program Information

These courses are offered in a Guided Self-Paced format. Guided Self-Paced courses allow the flexibility to work at your own pace while meeting established deadlines and checkpoints throughout the semester. All coursework will be completed online using Canvas with support from instructors and Business Technology Lab Facilitators. Lab hours can be completed in the Business Technology Learning Center, or virtually through Zoom. Over 25+ lab hours a week are available during the day and evening for students to get assistance with coursework. The Microsoft Office Certification exam for Level II and Level III courses must be taken in-person in the Business Technology Learning Center.  An in-person onboarding session is required prior to starting the course. 
 
Some courses provide an option to do a proficiency exam in place of taking a course. For more information, please visit the testing center for prior learning exam information. 
 

This program is not covered by financial aid, however, students are eligible to apply for the work ready scholarship or you can explore other funding options here. 

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are guided self-paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 3credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

CTEC 146 - Access Level I

1

CTEC 147 - Access Level II

1

CTEC 148 - Access Level III

1

Total Credit Hours

3

Request Access Microsoft Office Specialist Info

Excel Microsoft Office Specialist Microcertificate

Excel Microsoft Office Specialist Microcertificate provides students with the skills to be proficient in the basic and advanced features of Microsoft Office Excel. Upon completion, students will be prepared to earn certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science – Business Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • This microcertificate is to help current employees to increase their skills for the workforce.  

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Microsoft Office Excel Specialist Certificate

Completers will be prepared to take these certification exams:

  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert 

Special Program Information

These courses are offered in a Guided Self-Paced format. Guided Self-Paced courses allow the flexibility to work at your own pace while meeting established deadlines and checkpoints throughout the semester. All coursework will be completed online using Canvas with support from instructors and Business Technology Lab Facilitators. Lab hours can be completed in the Business Technology Learning Center, or virtually through Zoom. Over 25+ lab hours a week are available during the day and evening for students to get assistance with coursework. The Microsoft Office Certification exam for Level II and Level III courses must be taken in-person in the Business Technology Learning Center.  An in-person onboarding session is required prior to starting the course. 
 
Some courses provide an option to do a proficiency exam in place of taking a course. For more information please visit the testing center for prior learning exam information. 
 

This program is not covered by financial aid, however, students are eligible to apply for the work ready scholarship or you can explore other funding options here. 

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are guided self-paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 3 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

CTEC 136 - Excel Level I

1

CTEC 137 - Excel Level II

1

CTEC 138 - Excel Level III

1

Total Credit Hours

3

Request Excel Microsoft Office Specialist Info

Word Microsoft Office Specialist Microcertificate

Word Microsoft Office Specialist Microcertificate provides students with the skills to be proficient in the basic and advanced features of Microsoft Office Word. Upon completion, students will be prepared to earn certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert. The courses included in this certificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science – Business Technology.

Career Pathways 

  • This microcertificate is to help current employees to increase their skills for the workforce.  

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Microsoft Office Word Specialist Certificate
Completers will be prepared to take these certification exams: 
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate
  • Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Expert 

Special Program Information

These courses are offered in a Guided Self-Paced format. Guided Self-Paced courses allow the flexibility to work at your own pace while meeting established deadlines and checkpoints throughout the semester. All coursework will be completed online using Canvas with support from instructors and Business Technology Lab Facilitators. Lab hours can be completed in the Business Technology Learning Center, or virtually through Zoom. Over 25+ lab hours a week are available during the day and evening for students to get assistance with coursework. The Microsoft Office Certification exam for Level II and Level III courses must be taken in-person in the Business Technology Learning Center.  An in-person onboarding session is required prior to starting the course. 
 
Some courses provide an option to do a proficiency exam in place of taking a course. For more information please visit the testing center for prior learning exam information. 
 

This program is not covered by financial aid, however, students are eligible to apply for the work ready scholarship or you can explore other funding options here. 

Average Class Size

  • 20 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are guided self-paced
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required 

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters
  • 3 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours

CTEC 156 - Word Level I

1

CTEC 157 - Word Level II

1

CTEC 158 - Word Level III

1

Total Credit Hours

3

Request Word Microsoft Specialist Info

Data Analytics Microcertificate

The Data Analytics Microcertificate provides learners with a foundational understanding of how to store, organize, analyze, and interpret data to support informed decision-making. Through a combination of hands-on exercises and real-world examples, participants develop essential skills in simple error detection, data filtering and retrieval, simple descriptive statistics, and data visualization through the use of common analytics tools such as spreadsheets, programming, a database query language and a data visualization tool. The microcertificate is designed for beginners as well as professionals seeking to enhance their analytical capabilities. This microcertificate prepares graduates to apply data-driven approaches in a variety of workplace settings.

The courses included in this microcertificate can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science – Business Technology, the Associate in Applied Science - Computer Networking Technology, or the Associate in Applied Science - Industrial Technology. 

Career Pathways

The Data Analytics Microcertificate primarily supplements and complements skills that students obtain in other technical areas, and most completers will likely have either previously developed a skill set or will be in the process of doing so. However, the following positions require a minimum of basic data analytics expertise: 

  • Entry-level data analyst 
  • Business Intelligence Assistant 
  • Administrative or Office roles that have some data responsibility 
  • Junior financial or budget analyst 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • Data Analytics Microcertificate

Special Program Information

This program is not covered by financial aid, however, students are eligible to apply for the work ready scholarship or you can explore other funding options here. 

Average Class Size

  • 24 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Classes are online 
  • Classes are 16 weeks
  • Math placement is required
  • Previous experience with Excel or completion of CTEC 136 recommended

Completion Time

  • 12 months - 2 semesters (Fall Start only)
  • 6 credit hours
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

  • Skills USA
  • Future Business Leaders of America 
Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
BTEC 130 - Data Analytics I

3

BTEC 131 - Data Analytics II

3

Total Credit Hours

6

Request Data Analytics Info

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

  • $0

    Application Fee

  • 70+

    Programs of Study

Contact Information

Career & Technical Education Division

SCB 2400
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8860
Fax: 309-268-7963
Email: jess.washington@heartland.edu

 

Career & Technical Education Contacts

Jess Washington 

Program Assistant – Career & Technical Education Division
Email: Jess.Washington@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8871

Career & Technical Education Leadership

Adam Campbell

Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2410

Kortney Watts

Associate Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2409