Educational Opportunities

Degrees

Seven degrees are granted by College of DuPage:

  1. The Associate in Arts degree represents the first two years of study for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  2. The Associate in Science degree represents the first two years of study for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.
  3. The Associate in Engineering Science degree is intended for students who wish to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school in the field of engineering.
  4. The Associate in Applied Science degree represents the completion of study in a career and technical education program. Students earning this degree may seek employment following graduation or transfer to a baccalaureate-granting college or university that has articulation agreements with College of DuPage for these programs.
  5. The Associate in General Studies degree is designed for students who desire to arrange a program of courses to meet their personal interests.
  6. The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Art is intended for students who wish to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school with a Bachelor in Fine Arts program.
  7. The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Music is intended for students who wish to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school with a Bachelor in Music program.

Degrees are awarded at the close of each semester. However, when a student completes all requirements for a degree, the completion date is recorded on the student's permanent record. The requirements for each degree are recommended by the faculty and approved by the president of the College.

Graduation Requirements for All Associates Degrees

Students are subject to the degree requirements that are in effect during the academic year in which they originally enroll, as well as subsequent applicable changes. Some state certification programs may require students to be subject to the most current requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to verify the appropriate degree requirements with a counselor or advisor and the Office of Student Records. Current degree information is also available at cod.edu/programs/degree_programs.aspx.

Each candidate for a degree shall:

  1. Complete the minimum required number of credits in courses numbered 1000 or above (or equivalent) as specified for each degree. The Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in General Studies, and Associate in Fine Arts-Music degrees require a minimum of 64 credit hours. The Associate in Engineering Science degree requires a minimum of 68 credit hours. The Associate in Fine Arts-Art degree requires a minimum of 61 credit hours.
  2. Possess a minimum 2.00 ("C") average in both College of DuPage coursework and the combined grade point average of all College of DuPage courses numbered 1000 and above and all courses accepted for transfer from other institutions.
  3. Complete a minimum of 20 applicable credits toward a degree at College of DuPage.
  4. File an Application for Degree or Certificate completion no sooner than one semester before the anticipated completion date. Run a degree audit online to check the progress towards a degree.
  5. Satisfy all financial obligations and other specific requirements.
  6. Be in good academic standing at the time final credits for the degree are earned.

Note: Students are subject to degree requirements as stated in the College of DuPage Catalog current at the time of original enrollment, as well as subsequent applicable changes, unless enrollment has been broken for more than three consecutive semesters, including summer semester. When enrollment has been broken for more than three consecutive semesters, the student is subject to degree requirements stated in the College of DuPage Catalog current at the time of re-enrollment.

The College reserves the right to award a degree or certificate to eligible students who have completed all requirements, regardless of application.

Certificate Requirements

Each candidate for a certificate shall:

  1. Possess a minimum of 2.00 ("C") average in both College of DuPage coursework and the combined grade point average of all College of DuPage courses numbered 1000 and above and all courses accepted for transfer from other institutions.
  2. Complete a minimum of one-half the applicable credits at College of DuPage.
  3. File an Application for Degree or Certificate no sooner than one semester before the anticipated completion date. Run a degree audit online to check the progress towards a certificate.
  4. Satisfy all financial obligations and other specific requirements.
  5. Be in good academic standing at the time final credit for the certificate is earned.

Note: Students are subject to certificate requirements as stated in the College of DuPage Catalog current at the time of original enrollment, as well as subsequent applicable changes, unless enrollment has been broken for more than three consecutive semesters, including summer semester. When enrollment has been broken for more than three consecutive semesters, the student is subject to certificate requirements stated in the College of DuPage Catalog current at the time of re-enrollment.

General Education

General Education refers to a broad body of knowledge and skills common to all educated people, regardless of their profession. A strong general education curriculum includes courses in communications, humanities and fine arts, mathematics, physical and life sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. In 2018, College of DuPage faculty ratified the following General Education Student Learning Outcomes for students enrolled in all associate degree programs.

General Education Student Learning Outcomes

Students achieve the general education learning outcomes as a result of successful completion of the general education requirements for any degree program. Upon completion of a degree program:

Critical Thinking

Graduates can effectively identify and challenge assumptions, develop and assess viability of solutions, and provide a logically structured argument. They can make connections between subject areas and use interdisciplinary thinking to evaluate contemporary social issues.

Information Literacy

Graduates can explain the need for information, locate information effectively and efficiently, evaluate information and its sources critically, and use information effectively, ethically, and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.

Communication

Expression and Exchange of Ideas

Graduates can formulate coherent, well-supported oral and written arguments that use language and rhetoric appropriate to the setting, purpose, and audience.

Physical and Life Sciences

Scientific Reasoning

Graduates can use generally accepted scientific means and procedures to analyze data, make inferences, and advance logical conclusions.

Mathematics

Quantitative Reasoning

Graduates can interpret mathematical models and identify their limitations, employ strategies to model and find solutions to problems, and use terminology to represent and communicate mathematical information.

Humanities and Fine Arts

Cultural and Historical Comprehension

Graduates can demonstrate an understanding of and critically evaluate diverse events, values, and ideas rooted in human experience and apply socially responsible and ethical reasoning to local and global concerns.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human Behavior and Societal Knowledge

Graduates can recognize how social, political, historical, and economic institutions shape society and individual behaviors. They can apply methods of inquiry used by social and behavioral scientists and identify causes and variations of social diversity.

To meet these aims of general education, some flexibility exists for each student to select courses. The requirements for each associate degree determine specific choices in each category and comply with the Illinois Articulation Initiative Standards.

Curriculum Distribution Categories for General Education Requirements

Communication

Communication includes studies in English and Speech. These disciplines provide an educational framework within which students may develop their abilities to think independently and to express themselves clearly, effectively, and creatively. Instructors focus on the skills of communication and the contexts in which human expression occurs. Educational opportunities are provided that:

  • develop, through practice, the student's abilities in observing, listening, reading, speaking, and writing effectively.
  • develop the student's skills in obtaining, interpreting, and evaluating information and ideas.
  • encourage the student's creative expression.
  • enhance the student's awareness of and respect for personal, social, and cultural diversity.
  • allow for the student's exploration of various methods and technologies in communication.

Humanities and Fine Arts

Humanities and Fine Arts include subject areas that address the meaning of being human. They provide the student with a basis for value judgment and a context for thoughtful action. The study of the humanities frees the student to think beyond personal and cultural limitations, to relate present experiences to human traditions, and to consider and choose constructive action in the present and for the future.

Courses in Humanities and Fine Arts are designed to:

  • develop the student's skills in study, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
  • provide the student the opportunity to develop original ideas and to create works of art.
  • develop the student's understanding of history, philosophy, and the fine and performing arts.
  • develop the student's awareness of the nature of being human, social issues, and spiritual aspirations.
  • develop the student's insight into various cultures through the study of the arts, literature, history, and foreign languages.
  • develop, through study and participation, the student's insight and abilities in the visual and performing arts.
  • provide the framework for an understanding of cultural, political, and intellectual heritage.

The subject areas include Foreign Languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, etc.), certain English and History courses, Humanities, Philosophies, Religious Studies, Art, Theater, and Music.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Social and Behavioral Sciences courses provide students with a broad perspective on human behavior, our cultural heritage, our relationships with others, our social institutions, and the environment. The subject areas include Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, and Sociology.

Physical and Life Sciences

Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Science deal with natural laws and theories and their application to human needs. Universal phenomena are studied and analyzed. The Life Sciences (Biology, Botany, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Zoology) examine the components of the living world and their interactions with the physical and chemical world.

Mathematics

Mathematics provides the tools and skills to organize our thoughts and apply problem-solving techniques. The study of mathematics helps students understand the quantitative relationships found in business, technology, and the physical, natural, and social sciences.

Human Relations

The Human Relations category has been designed in accordance with the requirements of Illinois Public Act 87-581 to include coursework on improving human relations with an emphasis on issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and other concerns related to improving human relations. Courses also may focus on non-Western and American diversity.

Global/Multicultural Studies

The College of DuPage faculty has made an educational commitment to international/intercultural studies. The purpose of this category is to enhance student capacity to:

  • conceptualize and understand the complexity of an international system (economics, government, politics, etc.).
  • understand world cultures and international events.
  • appreciate the diversity as well as commonality of human values, beliefs, and behaviors.
  • understand and apply the principles of intercultural communication.
  • broaden student perspective by exposure to a culture different from the student's own.

Contemporary Life Skills

Courses in this category are intended to help students use creative expression, problem solving, interpersonal communication, health and body, computers/technology, and personal development to function in a changing, technological, and complex society.

General Education Categories

For the Associate in Applied Science and Associate in General Studies degrees, general education and elective courses are organized under the following categories of general education. Electives for the A.A.S. degree vary, depending on the program. Check with a counselor or advisor for a list of electives. 

Any course, 1000-level or higher, can be taken as an elective for the A.G.S. degree.

Communication

ENGLI 1101English Composition I3
ENGLI 1102English Composition II3
ENGLI 1105Workplace Writing3
SPEEC 1100Fundamentals of Speech Communication3
SPEEC 1120Small-Group Communication3
SPEEC 1150Introduction to Business Communication3

Physical/Life Sciences1

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Zoology
1

Course selection must include at least one course with a laboratory component.

Mathematics

Select mathematics course(s) consistent with specific and general degree requirements. Includes PSYCH 2280 Statistics/Social & Behavioral Sciences and SOCIO 2205 Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Humanities/Fine Arts

  • French
  • German
  • History except for the following:
    HISTO 1130History of the United States to 18653
    HISTO 1140History of the United States Since 18653
    HISTO 2210History and Culture of Africa3
    HISTO 2215History and Culture of South Asia3
    HISTO 2242African-American History3
    HISTO 2260United States History Since 19453
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Religious Studies
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Speech
    SPEEC 1110Oral Interpretation3
    SPEEC 2210Readers' Theater (Group Performance of Literature)3
  • SURGT 1000 Ethical Considerations in the Health Care Industry
  • Theater

Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Anthropology
  • Economics (except ECONO 1110 Consumer Economics and Personal Finance)
  • Education
    EDUCA 1100Introduction to Education3
    EDUCA 1101School Procedure3
  • Political Science
  • Psychology (except PSYCH 1140 Human Sexuality and PSYCH 2280 Statistics/Social & Behavioral Sciences)
  • Social Science
  • Sociology (except SOCIO 2205 Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences and SOCIO 2290 Sociology of Communication & Media)

Human Relations

  • ART 1100 Introduction to Visual Art and Culture
  • College Skills
    COLLG 1105Career Development2
    COLLG 1110Interpersonal Skills for Life and Work2
  • Human Services
    HUMAN 1113Interpersonal Dynamics3
    HUMAN 1121Cross-Cultural Communications3
  • Spanish
    SPANI 1100Civilization and Culture of Spain3
    SPANI 1110Latin American Culture & Civilization3
  • Speech
    SPEEC 1120Small-Group Communication3
    SPEEC 2200Intercultural Communication3

Global/Multicultural Studies

This list of courses is subject to change at the beginning of each fall semester. Check with the Counseling and Advising Center for an updated educational plan at cod.edu/counseling/student_planning.aspx.

  • MCOMM 1120 Introduction to Broadcasting in a Global Environment
  • Music
    MUSIC 1104Introduction to American Music3
    MUSIC 1115Introduction to World Music3
  • Sociology
    SOCIO 2210Social Problems3
    SOCIO 2220Sexual Relationships, Marriage & Family3

Contemporary Life Skills

This list of courses is subject to change at the beginning of each fall semester. Check with the Counseling and Advising Center for an updated educational plan.

  • Accounting
    ACCOU 1110Accounting Procedures3
    ACCOU 2140Financial Accounting4
  • Architecture
    ARCH 1100Introduction to Architecture3
    ARCH 1121Architectural Design Communication4
  • Automotive Technology
    AUTO 1040Automotive for Non-Majors3
    AUTO 1110Engine Design and Operation3
  • BUSIN 1100 Introduction to Business
  • Computer and Information Technology
    CIT 1100IT Fundamentals3
    CIT 1121Introduction to Networks3
  • Computer and Information Science
    CIS 1110Introduction to Informatics2
    CIS 1120The Internet2
    CIS 1130Windows Basics2
    CIS 1150Understand Computers/Information/Systems3
    CIS 1400Programming Logic and Technique4
  • Criminal and Justice Studies
    CRIMJ 1100Introduction to Criminal Justice3
    CRIMJ 2150Multiculturalism and Diversity3
  • Fashion Studies
    FASHI 1200Beginning Clothing Construction3
    FASHI 1201Clothing Construction I3
  • LIBRA 1101 Intro to Libraries & the Information Age
  • Manufacturing Technology
    MANUF 1180Quality Control3
    MANUF 2280Industrial Safety2
  • Mass Communication
    MCOMM 1100Introduction to Mass Communication3
    MCOMM 1105News Reporting & Writing for Multimedia3
  • Mathematics
    MATH 1100Business Mathematics3
    MATH 1220Quantitative Literacy3
  • Motion Picture/Television
    MPTV 1011Introduction to Motion Picture and Television3
    MPTV 1020Editing for Motion Pictures and Television3
    MPTV 1220Introduction to Television Studio Production3
  • Office Technology Information
    OFTI 1100Keyboarding and Document Fundamentals3
    OFTI 1200MS Office for Professional Staff3
    OFTI 1210Word Processing I3
  • Sociology
    SOCIO 1205Introduction to Data Science3
    SOCIO 2200Introduction to Research Methods3
    SOCIO 2290Sociology of Communication & Media3
  • Any discipline's internship courses

Electives

Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degrees

In addition to the courses specified as part of the General Education Core Curriculum, students may select electives from the following areas. Students may select electives from any discipline at the College. This may include up to 10 credit hours in career and technical courses selected from the areas below. Students are strongly advised to consult with a counselor or advisor and/or a transfer institution in selecting elective courses.

  • CULIN 1110 Basic Nutrition
  • DANCE 1100 Dance Appreciation
  • Early Childhood Education and Care
    ECEC 1101Growth & Development of the Young Child3
    ECEC 2870Internship (Transfer)1-4
  • Earth Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English (except ENGLI 2863 Internship (Career & Technical Ed))
  • FASHI 1116 Weaving II
  • Foreign Languages: Arabic, Chinese (except CHINE 1800 Special Project), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish
  • Geography
  • History (except HISTO 2270 History of Chicago)
  • Humanities
  • INTER 2870 Internship (Transfer)
  • Mass Communication
  • Mathematics except for the following:
    MATH 1100Business Mathematics3
    MATH 1102Mathematics for Health Sciences3
    MATH 1104Mathematics for Horticulture3
    MATH 1115Technical Mathematics I3
    MATH 1116Technical Mathematics II5
  • Microbiology
  • Motion Picture/Television
    MPTV 1111Film/Video Aesthetics3
    MPTV 2022Screenwriting for Short Forms3
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • PHOTO 1105 History of Photography
  • Physical Education (except PHYS 2863)
  • Physics except for the following:
    PHYSI 1800Special Project1-3
    PHYSI 2800Special Project1-3
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Science
  • Sociology
  • Speech (except SPEEC 1140 Public Relations)
  • Theater
  • Zoology

Reminders

  1. When a student breaks enrollment for more than three consecutive semesters, including summer semester, the student is subject to the degree requirements as stated in the College of DuPage Catalog that is current at the time of re-entry, subject to changes.
  2. Courses numbered below 1000 represent courses not usually found in the curriculum of a baccalaureate degree-granting institution and therefore may not transfer. They do not apply to any College of DuPage degree or certificate.
  3. Students are responsible for proper class registration each semester. Selecting courses relevant to future goal sand degree requirements is the responsibility of the student.
  4. Students should contact a counselor or advisor for advice regarding degree requirements, transfer requirements, and achievement of educational goals.
  5. All students intending to transfer are encouraged to plan their programs according to the requirements of the transfer institution.
  6. Degree and major requirements at baccalaureate degree-granting institutions may require more than two academic years of study after completion of an associate degree at College of DuPage.
  7. Some College of DuPage courses have been designed for two-year programs. Although they are considered college level, they may not meet the objectives of a bachelor's degree program and therefore may not be transferrable.

Eligibility for Awarding of a Second Degree

A student meeting specific qualifications may earn two or more different degrees from College of DuPage. Credits earned for degrees already completed may apply toward subsequent degrees. However, a minimum of 10 additional institutional credits must be earned at College of DuPage for each degree sought after the first degree is awarded.

Career Clusters at College of DuPage

College of DuPage participates in the national initiative of Career Clusters, intended to help states and educational institutions organize their programs and career exploration activities around theme/skill/knowledge-based continuity concerns. This allows students to explore like-kind occupational/vocational and career possibilities with a focus on opportunities. The 16-Cluster format used by the U.S. Department of Education encompasses all 970-plus occupations.

Using the Career Clusters, College of DuPage offers direction to students who may not yet know what they want to do but have an idea of their academic strengths and interests. It allows students, prospective and current, along with the community at-large to see the similarity between different fields. It also focuses on promoting the seamless transition of coursework between areas of study and progression from high school to College of DuPage, and through College of DuPage to a college or university.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

  • Horticulture
  • Sustainable Landscapes
  • Hospitality Management
  • Pre-Veterinary
  • Architecture and Construction Architecture
  • Construction Management
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration

Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communication

  • Art
  • Fashion Merchandising and Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Sustainable Interiors
  • Motion Picture/Television
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Theater
  • English
  • Mass Communication
  • Technical Communication
  • Speech Communication

Business Management and Administration

  • Business
  • Facility Management
  • Management
  • Office Technology Information
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Event Planner

Education and Training

  • Humanities
  • Library and Information Technology
  • Physical Education Fitness Instructor
  • Sports Performance Training
  • Teacher Preparation
  • Teaching Online Utilizing Technology
  • Early Childhood Education and Care - Assistant Teacher

Finance

  • Accounting

Government and Public Administration

  • Political Science

Health Science

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Medical Assistant
  • Non-Invasive EKG
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Clinical Laboratory Science
  • Phlebotomy
  • Health Information Technology
  • Long-Term Care Administration
  • Practical Nursing (PN)
  • Nursing (ADN) (Pre-BSN)
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Diagnostic Medical Imaging Nuclear Medicine
    • Computed Tomography
  • Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiography
    • Mammography
  • Diagnostic Medical Imaging Sonography
    • Vascular Sonography
  • Respiratory Care
  • Surgical Technology
  • Central Sterile Processing Distribution
  • Speech Language Pathology Assistant
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Pre-Dentistry

Hospitality and Tourism

  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management
  • Wine Appreciation and Knowledge
  • Resort Management
  • Travel, Tourism, and Event Planning

Human Services

  • Cosmetology
  • Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Human Services
    • Corrections Counseling
    • Residential Child Care
    • Veterans Counseling
    • Developmental Disabilities
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Information Technology

  • Computer and Information Science
  • Computer and Information Technology

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Services

  • Criminal Justice
    • Homeland Security
    • Forensic Criminal Investigations
  • Fire Science
    • Emergency Medical Technician
    • Paramedic
    • Emergency Management
  • Paralegal Studies

Manufacturing

  • Manufacturing Technology
    • Manufacturing Skills Standards
  • Integrated Engineering Technology
  • Welding

Marketing, Sales, and Service

  • Fashion Merchandising and Design
  • Marketing
  • Fashion Apparel Production

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

  • Electro-Mechanical Technology
  • Electronics Technology
  • Integrated Engineering Technology
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Biotechnology
  • Biology
  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Physics
  • Zoology

Assessment of Student Learning in Disciplines/Programs

Faculty in academic disciplines and career and technical education programs administer meaningful, action-oriented assessments of their curricular effectiveness through Academic Program Review. The crux of College of DuPage's Academic Program Review process is a discipline-wide student outcomes assessment project developed by each discipline/program.

The type of assessment varies from one discipline/program to another and is reflect of its needs. For examples, disciplines/programs with capstone courses may use a portfolio as their project; whereas, those with large-enrollment introductory courses may use a multiple-choice exam that is given to all sections. Additionally, program accreditation bodies may have competency-based instruments that are used by the College to assess student learning. The assessment results are evaluated and used by the discipline/program to develop plans for curriculum updates, student learning, and program enhancements.

Placement Testing for Math, Reading, and Writing

Tests in the areas of reading, writing, math, and English Language Studies are available for students to determine the appropriate course placement and satisfy course prerequisites. Scores from placement tests are used to prepare an educational plan that will be relevant and meaningful for students as they work toward successful completion of their educational goals. For more information about placement testing, visit cod.edu/testing.

Reading Placement Testing

The Reading Placement Test is designed to assist students in determining their preparedness to read at a college level. Test scores will indicate a level of reading proficiency, which will be important for success in courses requiring a college-level reading ability. Students may be exempt from taking the Reading Placement test. For a complete list of exemptions, visit cod.edu/testing.

Writing Placement Testing

The Writing Placement Test is designed to assist students in determining their preparedness to write at a college level. Test scores will indicate a level of proficiency in the use of standard written English, which will be important for success in English Composition and all other courses requiring a college-level writing ability. Students may be exempt from taking the Writing Placement Test. For a complete list of exemptions, visit cod.edu/testing.

Mathematics Placement Testing

The Math Placement Test is designed to place students into an appropriate math course. Math prerequisites may be met using prior college coursework or a qualifying score on the Math Placement Test. Prerequisites are listed by individual course in the mathematics section of the College of DuPage Catalog. For further math advising, contact the STEM Division or the Learning Commons-Math Assistance Area, (630)942-3339.

College Articulation and Transfer Opportunities

The College Articulation and Partnership Coordinator works with the Academic Divisions to develop Articulation Agreements and transfer guides to benefit College of DuPage students interested in transferring to colleges and universities to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree. The number of courses and credits transferrable to receiving colleges and universities varies by academic discipline/program of study and institution. The College has Articulation Agreements with public and private colleges and universities in Illinois and other states. A 2+2 Articulation Agreement provides and opportunity for students to complete their first two years of study at College of DuPage before transferring as juniors to another college or university. A 3+1 Articulation Agreement allows students to complete the first three years of study at College of DuPage before transferring as seniors to institutions that award the bachelor's degree. Formal transfer guides identify courses by their official name and number and the specific college credit hours earned for transferring from College of DuPage to other institutions.

The transferability of College of DuPage courses is determined by the receiving college or university. Generally, College of DuPage courses numbered 1100 or above are accepted by other institutions when these courses are part of, or applicable to, a degree at that institution. College of DuPage is also a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows the transfer between participating colleges and universities of selected general educational courses and lower-division major courses. For more information on IAI, check their website at www.itransfer.org.

Students may pursue transfer opportunities on their own with bachelor's degree-granting institutions; however, following a formal transfer guide will provide a more efficient and effective transfer of credits earned at College of DuPage. Students planning to transfer their College of DuPage credits should: 

  1. Begin early to explore possible transfer institutions that meet their educational goals for a specific program of study.
  2. Contact the transfer institution for detailed information regarding specific degree requirements, transfer student policies and procedures, and opportunities for special scholarships available for transfer students.
  3. Confer with a College of DuPage Student Success Counselor or Program Advisor concerning transfer plans.

For more information on articulation agreements, transfer guides, and special partnerships with baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, check the College of DuPage transfer information website at cod.edu/transfer or contact College of DuPage's Counseling, Advising, and Transfer Services department at (630)942-2259.

Internships and Service Learning

Academic Internship Program

Internships at College of DuPage involve students participating in occupational work experience with onsite supervision. Learning objectives are developed by the student and faculty member, with approval of the employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Students can earn college credit for working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour up to a maximum of four credit hours. Students can enroll in Academic Credit up to two times, earning up to eight credit hours. The enrollment criteria for students to register for internship credit are the following: 

  • A 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and
  • 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study.
  • Students will work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the Associate Dean from the academic discipline where the student is requesting to earn credit.

Upon successful completion of the course, a student is expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

  • Evidence of increased field of study proficiency; 
  • Applied academic theory to the world of work;
  • Appropriate work skills, including communication, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, self-management, initiative, and technical skills.

Students will take the following steps when earning internship credit:

  1. Meet with the Career Services Center to discuss the internship and credit process.
  2. The student will be assigned to meet with a faculty member in the program/discipline where the student plans to earn college credit. This faculty member will guide the student through their internship experience.
  3. Develop written learning goals under the leadership and direction of the faculty member and the employer supervising the internship.
  4. In collaboration with the worksite supervisor, complete an initial assessment of student's skills.
  5. Work toward accomplishment of the learning goals under direction of the employer supervisor and the faculty member guiding the internship.
  6. Keep a log of workplace accomplishments and hours worked.
  7. In cooperation with the employer supervisor, complete a final assessment of student skills.
  8. The student will be evaluated by completion of the agreed upon learning goals established with the faculty member guiding the student, the assessments by the employer/workplace supervisor, and completion of required work hours.

Students who are interested in pursuing an academic internship should consult Career Services in the Student Services Center (SSC) 3258 or call (630)942-2230.

Service Learning

A COD Service Learning course incorporates volunteer service hours at a local non-for-profit community organization. The service site is a learning lab for application of course content and engages the student in civic and social responsibility. Service activities should meet identified community need(s) and the course instruction and assignments must include reflection of the service activities in such a way that broadens understanding of course content and civic responsibility.

For more information about Service Learning, call (630)942-2230 or email servicelearning@cod.edu.

High School Partnerships - Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment

Dual Credit is the result of a formal agreement with a high school that allows academically qualified high school students to enroll in college-level courses taught at the high school by a high school teacher qualified as a dual credit instructor by College of DuPage.

Upon successful course completion, students earn both college credit and high school credit. Dual Credit course offerings are coordinated with the high school through the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment program.

Dual Enrollment (High School Cohort model) is an opportunity for academically qualified high school students to enroll in college-level courses taught at the high school by College of DuPage faculty. Upon successful course completion, students exclusively earn college credit.

For more information about these programs, visit cod.edu/dual-credit or call (630)942-2880.

Cooperative Agreements for Instructional Programs

Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources (CAREER)

College of DuPage is a member of the Comprehensive Agreement Regarding the Expansion of Educational Resources (CAREER), an agreement that provides expanded educational services with other community colleges in Illinois. Members of the CAREER consortium offer in-district tuition rates for select career and technical programs. CAREER allows students from a participating institution to enroll in an approved program at another participating institution if the program is not available in their home district, and they will be charged in-district tuition. There is no chargeback to a student's home district. The process to apply for an Incoming or Outgoing Cooperative Agreement is explained below.

Participating Institutions

  • Black Hawk College
  • Carl Sandburg College
  • College of DuPage
  • College of Lake County
  • Danville Community College
  • Elgin Community College
  • Heartland Community College
  • Highland Community College
  • Illinois Central College
  • Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
  • Illinois Valley Community College
  • John A. Logan College
  • John Wood Community College
  • Joliet Junior College
  • Kankakee Community College
  • Kaskaskia College
  • Kishwaukee College
  • Lake Land College
  • Lewis and Clark Community College
  • McHenry County College
  • Moraine Valley Community College
  • Morton College
  • Oakton Community College
  • Parkland College
  • Prairie State College
  • Rend Lake College
  • Richland Community College
  • Rock Valley College
  • Sauk Valley Community College
  • Shawnee Community College
  • South Suburban College
  • Southeastern Community College
  • Southwestern Illinois College
  • Spoon River College
  • Waubonsee Community College
  • William Rainey Harper College

Incoming Cooperative Agreements

Individuals who want to enroll in an Associate in Applied Science degree or certificate program not offered by their own community college may apply for a cooperative agreement at College of DuPage. The process begins with the student applying through their own community college at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the term for which they intend to enroll at College of DuPage. Cooperative agreements are available for community colleges within the State of Illinois. Most community college districts do not approve cooperative agreements for single courses, developmental courses, or non-credit courses. For information on applying for a cooperative agreement, contact the Office of Student Registration Services, Student Services Center (SSC) 2221, call (630)942-2377, or email registration@cod.edu.

Outgoing Cooperative AGreements

Students residing in College of DuPage District 502 who wish to enroll in an approved program not offered by College of DuPage may be eligible for a cooperative agreement to attend another community college in Illinois that offers that curriculum. A student approved for a cooperative agreement will be entitled to that college's in-district tuition rates (Board Policy 25-50). The process to apply for a cooperative agreement to attend another community college in Illinois must be filed 30 calendar days prior to the start of the term. Single courses, developmental courses, non-credit courses, and Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees do not qualify for cooperative agreements. For information on applying for a cooperative agreement, contact the Office of Student Registration Services, Student Services Center (SSC) 2221, call (630)942-2377, or email registration@cod.edu.

Learning for Life

Continuing Education/Extended Learning serves a diverse cross-section of District 502 residents through the Youth Academy, Adult Enrichment, Adult Education, Homeland Security Training Institute, and Business Solutions units. Continuing Education offerings begin at kindergarten and journey through every phase of life. The Youth Academy serves elementary, middle, and high school students; Business Solutions serves employees and employers with professional development and career training; and Adult Enrichment serves adults pursuing personal growth. Continuing Education seeks to connect the College to the larger community, introduce non-traditional students to expert faculty, support innovative teaching and learning, and enhance academic and career pathways through dynamic programs and services. Continuing Education brings value to community members of all ages, partnering with public and private sector organizations to positively contribute to regional economic development and the overall quality of life.