Academic Divisions, Programs and Special Populations

Academic Affairs

Learning Technologies

Learning Technologies' goal is to provide instructional design and LMS technology support to the faculty at College of DuPage. Further, it is to introduce our faculty colleagues to innovative uses of LMS technology and other learning technology tools that will improve student success, academic excellence, and enhance the student experience in their educational pursuits. Additionally Learning Technologies continually researches and develops training opportunities regarding the use of current and emerging LMS technologies for use in higher education in the, online, hybrid, and face-to-face modalities of instruction. Our aim is to support the college's mission of academic excellence and student success through collaborative and innovative actions.

Remote Learning Options

In addition to in-person courses, COD offers two other remote learning options to fit your schedule: online (NET) courses, hybrid (HYB) courses and virtual classroom meetings (VCM). 

Online (NET) Courses

NET courses are taught completely online and follow instructor timelines with interaction occurring mostly through discussion boards and written messages. All assignments are submitted online.

Hybrid (HYB) Courses

HYB courses are a variation of online and in-person learning. Students meet on-campus for labs, studios or clinical work, but have additional required learning to be completed online.

Virtual Classroom Meeting (VCM) Courses

With VCMs, students meet in real-time on specified days and times as they normally would in-person, but the class is completely online. The use of video chat software allows students regular face-to-face contact, but in a virtual format.

For more information about remote learning options, please visit Online Class Formats.

Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad/Global Education

Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad courses include field-based, hands-on experiences that complement classroom curriculum. Courses take students out of the classroom to a variety of destinations locally, throughout the United States and around the world. Global Education serves the international and multicultural interests of the College through faculty and curriculum development, global organizations and cultural events. For more information about Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad/Global Education, contact (630) 942-2356 or visit cod.edu/field.

Honors Program

The College of DuPage Honors Program offers academically ambitious students courses that emphasize critical and creative thinking, providing students with opportunities to delve deeper into course materials and gain insight through lively classroom discussions in an enriched learning environment. The Honors Program is designed for new and current College of DuPage students who are highly motivated, enjoy learning and want to be part of a community through classes and extracurricular activities.

For more information, visit cod.edu/honors.

Workforce Development

Workforce Development efforts at College of DuPage are comprehensive and integrated into how the institution serves students and communities in District 502. It is directly tied to the mission of the College through guiding principles and institutional priorities related to access, affordability, workplace readiness, career and technical education, community development and obtaining skills associated with cutting-edge technology. The College establishes and maintains positive working relationships and special partnerships with area employers, non-profit agencies, industry and trade associations, school districts, and colleges and universities.

Workforce Development educational opportunities and support services are focused on the needs of unemployed/underemployed residents in the area, as well as those seeking new careers that require specialized short-term training, and/or a college certificate or degree. Services also assist with the financial assistance process through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) grant offered by DuPage County’s local One-Stop, workNet DuPage Career Center.

The local One-Stop houses representatives from multiple government agencies to assist the unemployed/underemployed job seeker. Workforce Development services are located in the same building as DuPage County’s local One-Stop, workNet DuPage Career Center at 2525 Cabot Drive #302 in Lisle, (630) 942-2389.

For more information, please visit the Workforce Development Services page.

High School Equivalency (HSE) Testing

College of DuPage is the official site for administration of the High School Equivalency (HSE) Tests for DuPage County residents. HSE Testing offers adults who have not completed high school the opportunity to take the HSE Tests and earn the Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate from the State of Illinois. For more information or to register to take the HSE Tests, visit the HSE webpage. No formal preparation is required to take the HSE Tests; however, individuals may take HSE preparation courses through the College. For information about preparation courses, contact Continuing Education at (630) 942-3697 or visit cod.edu/hse.

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons consists of Tutoring Services, the Math Assistance Area, and Writing, Reading, and Speech Assistance. COD placement test preparation resources and info sessions are available, as well as Blackboard and myACCESS support. Services are free of charge to COD students who seek to maintain or improve their grades, have difficulty completing their coursework, or need extra support.

The off-campus Learning Commons in the Addison, Carol Stream, Naperville and Westmont centers provide testing services, digital library resources and a student computer lab. At these locations, students can meet with an instructor, work independently or collaborate in small groups on projects in a one-stop environment.

The Learning Commons are open every day (includes evening and weekend hours) at the following locations:

Learning Commons—Glen Ellyn

425 Fawell Blvd.
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2102
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
(630) 942-3940

Addison Center Learning Commons

301 S. Swift Road
Addison, IL 60101
(630) 942-4650

Carol Stream CENTER Learning Commons

500 Kuhn Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(630) 942-4900

Naperville CENTER Learning Commons

1223 Rickert Drive
Naperville, IL 60540-0954
(630) 942-4750

Westmont CENTER Learning Commons

650 Pasquinelli Drive
Westmont, IL 60559-1252
(630) 942-4850

McAninch Arts Center

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage presents more than 300 events annually and home of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, two award-winning professional companies in residence, New Philharmonic Orchestra and the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, and to the academic programs of Music, Theater and Dance. The MAC presents an annual performance series of international and national touring artists, gallery openings, Visiting Artist Lectures, and an International Film Series. The facility is the preeminent regional center for arts education and presentation in the district and features a world-class contemporary Art Gallery, Belushi Performance Hall (820 seats), the Playhouse Theatre (200 seats), Studio Theatre (80 seats), a 2,500-seat outdoor Lakeside Pavilion, and state-of-the-art classrooms and art studios.

Since opening its doors in October 1986, the McAninch Arts Center has been focused on enriching the community with paid and free world-class entertainment opportunities that go beyond the stage, through community engagement, a free summer Lakeside series, education programs, pre-performance lectures, classes with visiting artists and events for K-12 schoolchildren. The MAC provides residents with interactive arts experiences that engage, enlighten and entertain. The MAC prides itself on booking artists who are willing to offer master classes that allow COD students a rare and unique intimate learning experience with artists including Savion Glover or the composer of Wicked, Steven Schwartz.

This commitment to increasing community access to the arts has earned the McAninch Arts Center the Illinois Arts Council’s Partners in Excellence designation, which recognizes 40 of the most significant cultural institutions in the state. For more information, call (630) 942-3008 or visit atthemac.org.

Testing Center

The Testing Center provides both academic and specialized testing to assist College of DuPage students and community members. The Academic Testing department administers placement tests, classroom tests, and online course tests, as well as the TABE test, Health Science program entrance exams, and career interest and personality inventory tests. The Specialized Testing department administers the High School Equivalency Tests, proctored exams and high-stakes certification exams, including Pearson Vue, PSI, CLEP, WorkKeys and Scantron. Many testing services are also offered at College of DuPage centers. For more information, contact (630) 942-2400 or visit cod.edu/testing.

Learning Resources

The Learning Resources Division encompasses a number of academic support departments, including Learning Commons, the Library and the Testing Center.

Library

The Library serves all academic programs offered at all COD locations, providing teaching and learning materials to support and enrich students’ educational experiences. The 100,000-square-foot facility in the Student Resource Center on the Glen Ellyn campus provides comfortable seating, ample study space, student study rooms, public computers and AV equipment for use by students. The Library houses a wide variety of informational resources for students, faculty, staff and community members. These materials include more than 240,000 books, 364 journal subscriptions, and many non-print materials such as 148 databases, eBooks, streaming media, DVDs, music CDs, eAudiobooks, and anatomical models. Specialized collections include career and college information, philanthropy resources, the College Archive and an institutional repository. The Archive collects and maintains material chronicling the history of COD from its founding in 1967 to the present. DigitalCommons@COD is an open-access repository that collects, preserves and showcases scholarly, educational and creative works produced by the COD community.

The Library’s website, library.cod.edu, is the gateway to a wide variety of library services and research resources. An online catalog provides easy look-up of library materials. Numerous specialized research databases support learning across the entire curriculum. They may be accessed by anyone on campus or remotely by registered students, faculty and staff. Public computers in the Library are equipped with productivity and creative software. In the Library’s Digital Media Lab, students can create and edit audio, video, and images and receive assistance from trained staff.

Library services include the circulation of print and non-print materials, reference service, library and information literacy instruction, interlibrary loan, printing, copying and access to computers. The Circulation Desk provides borrowers’ services, issues student ID cards, and checks out reserve materials and audiovisual equipment to students, faculty and staff.

Classroom delivery of equipment is provided upon the request of the instructor. Reference service is offered during all hours of operation on campus and virtually. For more information about the Library and its services, call (630) 942-2350 or visit library.cod.edu.

Arts, Communication and Hospitality Division

Arts, Communication and Hospitality encompasses a broad range of arts courses and programs that provide students with an opportunity to create, perform, study and participate in the arts. The Arts, Communication and Hospitality division includes coursework, degrees and certificates in Architecture and Construction Management, Art and Art History (Drawing, Painting, Computer Art, Ceramics, Jewelry, Printmaking, Sculpture, Time Arts), Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Dance, Fashion Studies, Graphic Design and Interactive Media, Hospitality and Tourism, Interior Design, Motion Picture/Television (Animation), Music, Photography, Speech and Theater.

Students in Arts, Communication and Hospitality are provided opportunities to:

  • employ a variety of media and processes as a means of personal and cultural expression;
  • develop their understanding and perception of sensory materials and messages in creating, producing, displaying and interpreting works of communication and the cultural arts in a broad range of media;
  • develop original ideas, tap creative impulses and stimulate the imagination;
  • develop analytical and evaluative skills and the ability to articulate critical insights into various forms of cultural expression;
  • participate in theater, music, film and dance in educational and public settings;
  • study practical, commercial, historical, social and cultural contexts for communication and the cultural;
  • study and employ appropriate tools, technologies, techniques and materials in the creation of communication and the cultural arts.

Faculty in Arts, Communication and Hospitality are working artists and performers, and those in the Applied Arts have industry experience. The faculty is committed to providing students with a full understanding of the arts and opportunities to participate in and perform in a broad range of student performance groups, including groups in music and theater, and in exhibiting work in the student art galleries and other venues on and off-campus.

For more information about Arts, Communication and Hospitality, call (630) 942-2048 or visit cod.edu/academics/divisions/art-comm-hospitality/index.aspx.

Business and Applied Technology Division

Always aware of the current and emerging trends in business, industry and computer technology, the Business and Applied Technology Division prepares its students with the skills needed for immediate success in the job market and with a solid academic base for continuing their education at a degree-granting institution.

Faculty program chairs work closely with business and industry through professional networks and advisory committees to maintain current and relevant curricula. Faculty have real-world experience to bring to their classes, ensuring that students receive a strong education based on both theory and applied approaches to learning, career guidance and career skill development.

Business programs include Accountancy, Business, Management and Marketing, Office Technology and Paralegal Studies. Applied Technology programs include Computer and Information Technology, Computer and Information Science, Automotive Service Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Horticulture, Manufacturing Technology and Welding.

Continuing Education and Public Services Division

Continuing Education/Public Services classes are offered on campus in Glen Ellyn and at more than 45 off-campus sites, including College of DuPage Centers, high schools, local businesses and other convenient locations throughout District 502. Through innovative lifelong learning opportunities, beginning at kindergarten and journeying through every phase of life, Continuing Education delivers a diverse range of content-rich courses and programs for a broad set of learners: K to 12 students, area professionals and businesses, law enforcement, public service employees, and community members of all abilities, ages and interests.

Flexible class formats, convenient schedules and varied pricing allow Continuing Education to increase accessibility to education by catering offerings to the ever-evolving needs of students. Whether students seek personal enrichment or professional development, Continuing Education seeks to remove obstacles and clear the path toward new goals.

Continuing Education is dedicated to the non-traditional student, with an emphasis on connecting learning experiences and exploring career pathways. By connecting a diverse community of learners to the College, Continuing Education brings together individuals, professionals, companies, municipalities and organizations in support of educational opportunities that improve quality of life and regional economic vitality.

For more information, contact the Continuing Education Division at (630) 942-2208 or visit cod.edu/conted.

Adult Enrichment

Adults of all ages can benefit from a diverse range of personal enrichment courses available through College of DuPage Continuing Education. Adult Enrichment courses are available in a variety of subject areas including art and music, finance and investment, health and wellness, history and humanities, hobby and recreation, home and garden, and computers. For the current Continuing Education Schedule of Classes, visit cod.edu/conted.

Lifelong Learning Program

Offering classes designed for students over the age of 50, with extensive opportunities to learn new skills, pursue an interest and be part of a community of learners. Daytime and evening courses, special events, Lunch Break Lectures and Sage Series presentations are offered at the Glen Ellyn campus and several other convenient locations. A reduced fee applies for those 55 years and older. For more information, visit cod.edu/lifelong.

Developmental Adult Enrichment Program

Specialized courses are available for adults with developmental disabilities that help build academic, social and everyday living skills. To learn more about individual programs, visit cod.edu/vocational or call (630) 942-2208.

Vocational Skills

These workplace-oriented courses are developmental-level, non-credit courses designed to develop skills that can lead to competitive, entry-level employment and enhance everyday living skills.

Developmental Literacy

In a small-group setting based on ability level, students develop reading and writing skills and have the opportunity to advance through the classes. These courses complement other offerings within College of DuPage.

COACH (Career Opportunity ACHievement)

COACH is a two-year cohort program for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In addition to an academic focus on reading, writing, math and computer literacy, COACH also promotes social skills, independence and career exploration. Visit cod.edu/COACH for more details.

English Language Acquisition (ELA), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and High School Equivalency (GED®) Preparation

Adult Education Program

Tuition-free Adult Education classes are funded by state and federal grants. Adult Education classes assist adults in becoming literate; obtaining knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency; gaining the skills necessary to become full partners in the education of their children; and completing their secondary school education. College of DuPage prepares Adult Education students for success in higher education and the workplace. For more information, visit cod.edu/adult_education.

Eligible participants in the program are adults who:

  • are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school and who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to function effectively in society;
  • do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and have achieved an equivalent level of education; or
  • are unable to speak, read or write the English language.

English Language Acquisition (ELA)

Tuition-free Adult English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes serve adults whose first or primary language is not English and who wish to understand, speak, read and write English for everyday use, to gain employability skills, or transition to college-level coursework. Beginning through advanced-level courses are offered at locations throughout the district. This program helps adults engage more fully in the community, workplace and academic environments by improving their English skills. For more information, call (630) 942-3697 or visit cod.edu/ELA.

Adult Literacy and Basic Education

Tuition-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses serve adults who do not have a high school diploma and who need to develop basic reading, spelling, grammar, writing, math or problem-solving skills. Adults reading below ninth-grade level are advised to begin their high school equivalency preparation here. For more information, call (630) 942-3697.

High School Equivalency (GED®) Preparation

Tuition-free high school equivalency courses serve adults who lack a U.S. high school diploma, have a ninth-grade reading level and need to prepare to take the GED® test to earn a High School Equivalency certificate. Instruction is offered in the six areas covered on the GED®Test: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. Students also prepare to write the required essay. Instruction is available in English or Spanish. Online courses, delivered in English, are also available. For more information, call (630) 942-3697 or visit cod.edu/hse.

Integrated Career and Academic Preparations System (ICAPS)

Through the tuition-free ICAPS program, students prepare for high-demand jobs by earning certifications in Information Technology or Manufacturing while earning high school equivalency. For more information, visit cod.edu/ICAPS.

U.S. Citizenship

This tuition-free course serves adults who are preparing to take the test for U.S. citizenship. It provides an overview of American history; federal, state and local government; U.S. customs, institutions, citizenship rights and responsibilities; and the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions. Instruction is restricted to English. For more information, call (630) 942-3697.

Professional Development

Professional development at College of DuPage offers highly focused, skills-based training in business, leadership, computers, healthcare, law enforcement, massage therapy, project management, real estate, transportation and logistics, and other key industries to prepare individuals to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Customized training is available for area employers through Business Solutions and business development support is provided by the Business Development Center. Mentorship, guidance and support for developing and growing businesses are cultivated through COD’s partnership with Innovation DuPage. 

Business Solutions

Business Solutions programming is designed to meet the evolving needs of regional employers and employees by offering affordable, customized contract trainings, and online courses and training for industry-recognized skills and certifications. Business Solutions also offers training programs that are ideally suited for those who want specialized skills and knowledge for career advancement.

For more information, call (630) 942- 2770 or visit cod.edu/bsolutions.

Career Training

College of DuPage’s Continuing Education division offers a variety of ways to change your career. Our career training programs provide individuals with short-term, flexible and professional instructors. Explore the Career Training programs in more detail by visiting cod.edu/conted or call (630) 942-2208.

Innovation DuPage

Innovation DuPage (ID) is a nonprofit business incubator, accelerator and training center created by College of DuPage (COD). Through public-private collaboration, ID supports startups and young businesses, fosters student innovation and drives business growth in greater DuPage County. ID empowers entrepreneurs, inspires and informs regional businesses, and deepens collaboration between educational and governmental partners. Through focused mentoring, workshops, events and resource sharing, ID nurtures the entrepreneurs that drive innovation and create jobs. ID’s full-service business incubator and accelerator, complete with co-working space, is housed in the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. For more information, call (630) 942-3340, email ID@InnovationDuPage.org or visit www.innovationdupage.org.

Business Development Center

The Center for Entrepreneurship provides free consulting, workshops and training through its three areas of expertise:

  • The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) assists entrepreneurs and small business managers in the areas of business management, marketing, finance and operations, and assistance in disaster preparedness, including business continuity and recovery planning.
  • The Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center (IPTAC), is designed for increasing business with the government, or improving the current level of government contracting.
  • The Illinois International Trade Center (ITC) offers free market research and consulting assistance to Illinois companies that are interested in exporting their products or services.

For more information, call (630) 942-2600, email bdc@cod.edu, or visit cod.edu/business-development-center.

Public Services

Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI)

In September 2011, Continuing Education opened the state- of-the-art Homeland Security Education Center (HEC) as the cornerstone facility for the new Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI). HSTI brings together experts from law enforcement, fire science, public safety, counterterrorism, private sector security, and emergency planning and disaster preparedness, for integrated professional development. The HEC offers the first in the nation non-military 4D indoor training complex; forensic, cyber and internet investigation labs; smoke, EMS and building construction labs; emergency operations center, and a mock courtroom. In 2015, construction was completed on the Homeland Security Training Center (HTC), which offers state-of-the-art first responder training simulators, a 911 call center training lab, a 24-position, 50-yard live tactical range, as well as multi-use classrooms to support HSTI programs and training courses.

Homeland Security Training Programs

The Homeland Security Training Institute (HSTI) at College of DuPage offers courses to serve the needs of the modern emergency planner and first responder. Programming is focused on education for law enforcement, fire science, first responders and corporate security personnel in the area of homeland security. Through a series of courses in program models such as law enforcement, disaster preparedness, counterterrorism, intelligence, emergency response, NIMS/ NRF/ICS, and private sector security, the HSTI continues to develop training programs for working professionals, as well as public safety programs for the community. In 2015, HSTI developed a comprehensive training program designed to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. For more information about our exclusive membership program opportunities, please call (630) 942-3723 or visit cod.edu/hsti.

Suburban Law Enforcement Academy

The Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) has been a leader in training law enforcement professionals since its inception in 1994. College of DuPage is home to one of only seven law enforcement academies in Illinois, and is fully accredited by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB). The Basic Academy is authorized by the ILETSB to conduct the mandated 560-hour (14-week) Basic Law Enforcement Officers course four times per year. Upon completing the training, recruits are prepared to take the State of Illinois certification examination. For more information about Suburban Law Enforcement Academy programs and courses, please call (630) 942-2677 or visit cod.edu/slea.

Youth Education

College of DuPage youth education programs include year-round enrichment and reinforcement opportunities for children and youth from kindergarten through high school.

Youth Academy

The College of DuPage Youth Academy offers an extensive range of educational programs from elementary and middle school through high school and college preparation. This includes enrichment courses as well as academic programs to help students with advancement and recovery. College of DuPage Continuing Education also administers an extensive summer high school program. Youth Academy programs are designed to bridge learning and skill gaps between secondary and post-secondary schools, while allowing young adults to explore future career pathways.

The Youth Academy includes:

  • Career Exploration
  • College Preparation
  • Computer and Technology Programs
  • Counselor-in-Training Summer Camp
  • Elementary, Middle School and High School Enrichment
  • Explorer Summer Camp
  • High School Credit - for Advancement and Recovery
  • Music Lessons
  • STEAM Programming
  • Talent Search
  • Teen Xtreme
  • Test Preparation
  • Tutoring and Music Lessons
  • Youth Leadership Program

For more information about Youth Academy programs, call (630) 942-2208 or visit cod.edu/youth.

Liberal Arts Division

The Liberal Arts Division is comprised of the following disciplines: English, English Language Studies (ELS), History, Humanities, Interpreting, Languages including American Sign Language, Philosophy and Religious Studies.

English

English includes studies in Composition, Developmental Reading and Writing, Creative Writing, Technical and Professional Writing, Linguistics, Literature and Film. These disciplines provide an educational framework within which students develop their abilities to think critically and to express themselves clearly, effectively and creatively to different audiences. Many of the courses in English satisfy general education requirements for graduation and can be transferred to other institutions. Many courses also feature enriched learning experiences for students, including Honors courses, service learning projects, experiential learning and field-based research, peer mentoring opportunities, and extended learning communities. Students in English are provided educational opportunities to:

  • develop a range of strategies for writing, reading, and listening more effectively;
  • acquire critical information literacy skills, including the ability to locate, evaluate, and synthesize information from a variety of sources and for different purposes;
  • nurture a deeper aesthetic awareness and the capacity for meaningful self-expression;
  • cultivate their ability to think critically and to respond creatively to complex problems and situations;
  • enhance their understanding of and respect for personal, social and cultural diversity;
  • foster greater rhetorical awareness, including the ability to consider a variety of perspectives and audiences when communicating;
  • explore a wide number of genres and styles in academic, professional, and public settings;
  • understand and effectively use a range of technologies for researching and communicating in 21st century contexts.

English faculty sponsor student curricular activities, including Prairie Light Review and the Writers Read series. For more information, call (630) 942-2047 or visit cod.edu/plr. 

For more information, visit cod.edu/english.

English Language Studies

English Language Studies (ELS) offers a series of tuition-based language courses that prepare non-native speakers of English for study at U.S. colleges and universities as well as for professional employment in the United States. The two primary goals of the courses are for students to acquire academic language proficiency and to develop intercultural communication competence. Students in English Language Studies are provided educational opportunities to:

  •  analyze a variety of authentic fiction and nonfiction texts;
  • write for multiple academic and professional purposes;
  • develop strategies for critical listening;
  • lead and participate in class and small group discussions centered around complex academic topics;
  • give engaging presentations for a variety of academic and professional purposes;
  • acquire new vocabulary including idioms and common usage;
  • learn and use strategies to improve language accuracy;
  • demonstrate the ability to find and synthesize information as well as to appropriately cite all sources;
  • view issues from multiple perspectives and analyze how those perspectives developed;
  • practice cultural sensitivity and understand the value of diversity;
  • apply techniques for promoting interpersonal, cultural, and linguistic communication as well as repair any breakdown in communication.

For more information, email Jill Granberry at granberr@cod.edu or visit cod.edu/els.

Humanities

Humanities includes subject areas that address the question of what it means to be human. Subject areas in the Humanities include History, Humanities, Languages, Philosophy and Religious Studies. The study of Humanities frees students to think beyond personal and cultural boundaries and to consider informed actions that have constructive outcomes for the future. Many of the courses in Humanities satisfy the general education requirements for graduation and can be transferred to other institutions.

Students in Humanities are provided educational opportunities to:

  • develop skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of readings and writings related to the Humanities;
  • develop an understanding of history, philosophy, religious studies, the arts and cultural contexts;
  • develop an awareness of human spiritual, intellectual, social and political aspirations;
  • develop insight into various cultures through the study of history, world languages, the arts, philosophical and religious texts;
  • develop creative and critical thinking skills.

Humanities faculty are committed to providing high quality educational and intellectual opportunities that challenge students to reflect critically on themselves and the world around them. Many courses also feature enriched learning experiences for students, including Honors courses, study abroad, service learning projects, experiential learning and field-based research, peer mentoring opportunities, and extended learning communities.

For specific information about History, Humanities, Languages, Philosophy and Religious Studies, call (630) 942- 2047 or visit cod.edu/liberal_arts.

Nursing and Health Sciences Division

Nursing

Students graduating from the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and enter a career as a licensed professional registered nurse. 

Students graduating from the Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program (CNATP) are prepared to sit for a certification exam and enter a career as an entry-level certified nurse assistant. 

Knowledge and skill requirements are constantly changing in the health science fields. The Nursing programs keep pace with these changes. The faculty with work experience and professional degrees, up-to-date simulation and technological resources, and the guidance of advisory committees comprised of representatives from business and industry, health and public service agencies, and institutions. Through these mechanisms, the division strives to advise students about current job requirements and labor market conditions, facilitate employment, and meet the diverse workforce needs of the College district. Additionally, opportunities exist for continued education both at College of DuPage and through articulated capstone programs at baccalaureate-degree granting colleges and universities either at the time of graduation or after several years of clinical practice.

The ADN program is located in the Health and Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility that houses classrooms and laboratories. Supervised clinical health care experiences are provided at area hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. Due to the prerequisite education required, as well as limited clinical resource availability, the College has limited enrollment for the Nursing programs. Candidates for these programs must submit applications with an application fee, and meet admission criteria beyond that required for enrollment at College of DuPage. Group advising sessions are offered regularly for the majority of these programs. For information about admission into the various Nursing and Health Sciences programs, contact the Admissions and Outreach office, (630) 942-2626.

In addition, as a part of the admission process and/or prior to placement in the clinical setting, the student must complete select clinical participation requirements. These may include but are not limited to CPR, criminal background checks and meeting of health requirements, including drug screening.

Note: Most health programs require students to attend advising sessions. For assistance with advising and admissions questions, please contact the Health Services Program Advising office at (630) 942-2259 or schedule an appointment by email at healthcareadvising@cod.edu.

For more information please check out these web pages:

Health Sciences

Students graduating from one of the programs in the Health Sciences areas are prepared for direct entry into professional, semiprofessional, technical and skilled employment. Some students, however, elect to continue their education through articulated capstone programs at baccalaureate-degree granting colleges and universities either at the time of graduation or after several years of clinical practice.

Knowledge and skill requirements are constantly changing in the health sciences fields. The Health Sciences area programs keeps pace with these changes through an expert faculty with work experience and professional degrees, up-to-date technological resources, and the guidance of advisory committees comprised of representatives from business and industry, health and public service agencies, and institutions. Through these mechanisms, the division strives to advise students about current job requirements and labor market conditions, facilitate employment, and meet the diverse workforce needs of the College district.

Located in a state-of-the-art facility, the Health and Science Center houses classrooms and laboratories. Supervised clinical health care experiences are provided at area hospitals and clinics. Due to the prerequisite education required, as well as clinical resource availability, the College has limited enrollment processes for the following health care programs in the Health Sciences sub-division: Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs: Vascular and General Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Radiologic Technology, Cardiac Interventional Radiographic Specialist, Radiation Therapy, Proton Therapy, Mammography, Medical Assistant, Hearing Instrument Dispensary Technician, Speech Language Pathology Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Respiratory Care, Health Information Technology, Eye Care Assistant, Surgical Assistant and Surgical Technology.

Candidates for these programs must submit applications with an application fee, and meet admissions criteria beyond that required for enrollment at College of DuPage. Group advising sessions are offered regularly for the majority of these programs. For information about admission into the various Health Sciences programs, contact the Admissions and Outreach office, (630) 942-2626.

Other Health Sciences career programs, such as Central Sterile Processing Technician, Long-Term Care Administration, and Phlebotomy/EKG are open enrollment and, while these programs do not require separate admission, they do require verification of program requirements prior to admission. For assistance with advising and admissions questions, contact the Health Services Program Advising office at (630) 942-2259 or schedule an appointment by email at healthcareadvising@cod.edu.

For more information, please check out these web pages:

Social/Behavioral Sciences and the Library Division

Faculty in the Social and Behavioral Sciences seek to cultivate in students a broad perspective on human behavior, our cultural heritage and our relationships with others, our social institutions and the environment. Twelve subject areas are included: Anthropology; Justice Studies; Economics; Early Childhood Education and Care; Education; Geography; Human Services; Library and Information Technology; Political Science; Physical Education, Fitness, and Sport Studies; Psychology; and Sociology. In addition to imparting knowledge of academic disciplines, the faculty challenges the learner to critically examine values, ideologies, social structures, political arrangements and accepted assumptions. Degrees and certificates are offered in the disciplines of Anthropology, Justice Studies, Early Childhood Education and Care, Education, Geography, Human Services, Library and Information Technology, Physical Education and Sociology. For more information, call (630) 942-2010 or visit cod.edu/sbsl.

Information Literacy Instruction Program

The mission of the Library’s Information Literacy Instruction program is to teach students to be effective users and producers of ideas and information. The program provides students with varied opportunities for acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to become information literate. The program is administered through class sessions with library faculty, free workshops and the Library’s Research 101 online tutorial at codlrc.org/research101.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Division

The STEM curriculum educates students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Study in the STEM disciplines includes exposure to theoretical concepts as well as problem-solving applications.

Science

The sciences include biological sciences (Anatomy/Physiology, Biology, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology), Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics. Biological sciences examine components of the living world and their interaction with the physical world. Chemistry explores the composition, structures and properties of substances and the changes they undergo. Earth Sciences include geology, meteorology, astronomy and water science. Physics studies the conceptual laws of motion, properties of states and matter, energy and forces.

Technology

The technological programs in the STEM division include Computer and Internetworking Technologies, Computer Information Systems, Electronics Technology and Electro-Mechanical Technology. Technology programs include certificates and Associate in Applied Science degrees that prepare students with job market skills as well as the academic base to pursue baccalaureate education.

Engineering

Engineering combines the principles of science and mathematics with the principles of problem solving to provide advances in technology. College of DuPage offers an Associate in Engineering Science degree.

Math

Mathematics provides the tools and skills to understand quantitative relationships found in business, technology and the physical, biological and social sciences. Courses range from foundational mathematics through linear algebra and differential equations.