Programs

Economics is the study of how people choose to use resources including the time and talent people have available, the land, buildings, equipment, and other tools on hand, and the knowledge of how to combine them to create useful products and services.

Earth Science is the study of the earth and its processes. It involves examination of the earth's materials, structure, history and all of the living things on it, including how and when they formed and evolved.  This kind of study of the earth helps to develop an understanding of its future and the need for careful management of its resources.

If you thrive on helping other people, you might consider a career in criminal justice. The Criminal Justice Careers Program offers preparation for a broad range of career opportunities in the expanding Criminal Justice field. Careers in criminal justice offer interesting and intense work and provide high pay and excellent benefits and retirement programs. The RCC Criminal Justice Careers Program offers basic and advanced certificates as well as an AAS degree.

In simplest terms, chemistry is the science of matter. Anything that can be touched, tasted, smelled, seen or felt is made of chemicals.

Chemists are the unsung heroes in the sciences who transform the everyday materials around us into amazing things. Some chemists work on cures for cancer while others monitor the ozone protecting us from the sun. Still others discover new materials to make our homes warmer in the winter, or new textiles to be used in the latest fashions. The knowledge gained through the study of chemistry opens many career pathways.

Biology has been called the science of life. From the most basic cellular processes to the internal workings of the most complex organisms, biology teaches us about ourselves and other plant and animal species, and how we all coexist on earth. Richland's course offerings include anatomy and other biological science courses for health professions and pre-professional medicine students.

Anthropology students at Richland Community College will study human beings, from their common origins as hominids to their vast capacity for cultural diversity. Anthropology teaches a variety of skills that can be useful outside the college setting such as attention to details, careful record keeping, analytical reading, critical thinking, social ease in strange situations, and strong skill in oral and written expressions. It provides a good complement to business courses, foreign language student, technical training, fine arts, etc.

The need for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration exists all over. Cooling and heating devices help regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality in residential homes, commercial locations, and industrial facilities. Many items like food and medicine require refrigeration to keep them from spoiling. Technicians carry out repairs, maintenance, and installations of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. As these systems are often called HVACR systems, workers are often referred to as HVACR technicians.

Engineering is the practical application of science and math to solve problems, and it is everywhere in the world around you. From the start to the end of each day, engineering technologies improve the ways that we communicate, work, travel, stay healthy, and entertain ourselves.

The Drafting & Design Engineering Program introduces students to fundamentals of drafting, working drawing production, various media used in the drafting room, manufacturing processes, and other specialties that will enhance employment opportunities. It is designed both for persons currently employed in industry and for those desiring initial employment as an industrial drafter. The work is done indoors at all kinds of manufacturing firms.

Students taking automotive technology courses at Richland are provided with a solid foundation of knowledge, experience, and skills to assist in job entry and career advancement in the automotive industry.  Students diagnose and repair all the current sophicticated automotive technology.  The Automotive Technology program has achieved master certification by the National Automotive Tecnician Education Foundation (NATEF).  Students are prepared for the world-recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification, and are encouraged to complete the certification process b