Business Management Certificate

How to get started in the Business Management Technical Certificate Program:

My name is Candice Patterson and I, along with the business success coach, help advise the Business Management Technical Certificate Students. I am excited to hear that you are interested in being a part of the Business Management Technical Certificate. The fall semester will be here before you know it so it is very important to get both CSCC’s Application and Financial Aid Process started asap.

Please see the steps below to complete to get started and get your spot secured for the Business Management Technical Certificate beginning each fall semester.

1. Complete your application to CSCC

Click the following link to apply – http://mycs.cc/applynow (If this does not open, copy and paste into a new page.)
To Apply to CSCC:

• Select the Fall 2026 Application
• Choose Certificate
• Select the Business Management Technical Certificate in the Business Learning Community as your program of study.
• Insert a picture of your photo id with your application.

If you are a first time user, you will have to create an account. Be sure to write down your user name and password if you do not finish the application at that time.

IMPORTANT: Please do not delay. If you know you are interested, go ahead and apply. Remember, there is no application fee to apply, and you can go ahead and get started rather than stressing later.

2. Complete your FAFSA

First, create an FSA ID by clicking on the following link (This is your signature for the FAFSA, so make sure you write this down.) – https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch (If this does not open, copy and paste into new page.)
Then, start your FAFSA by clicking on the following link- http://www.fafsa.gov/ (If this does not open, copy and paste into new page.) To complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA, you will be using your 2024 tax info (I would try to use the upload feature rather than enter yourself – quicker and more accurate).

3. Complete your Adult Reconnect Application
*NOTE: Be sure to be logged into your CougarNet email account before proceeding so you can access the directions link below.

Complete the 2026-2027 Tn Reconnect Application

4. Please Give Update:

As you complete these items, please notify Candice Patterson, Director of the Advance Business Program. This way, I can follow up with admissions and other areas in Enrollment Services to see what further documentation, testing, etc is needed for enrollment. Remember, she is here to help you succeed! candice.patterson@cscctn.edu.

5. Admissions Requirements – Items to begin gathering

Official sealed high school transcripts/GED Transcripts
Official sealed college transcripts (for each college you have attended)
(Have transcripts sent electronically to admissions@clevelandstatecc.edu or mailed to Cleveland State Community College, ATTN: Admissions, 3535 Adkisson Dr, Cleveland, TN 37312)

**Although there may be additional items requested, these are the ones that usually take the most time to receive. Again, if you should have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask.

Candice Patterson
Associate Professor, Business
Director of the Advance Business and Customer Service Programs
Business and Healthcare Division
(423) 478.6245
candice.patterson@cscctn.edu