Frequently Asked Questions

How is a certificate different from a degree?

What is the difference between an Associate of Arts (A.A.) and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree?

What is IAI?

What are prerequisites?

Why should I complete a prerequisite course?

Is every course offered every semester?

Which accounting course should I take first?

What is the Center for Independent Learning (CIL)?

Which courses are available in the Center for Independent Learning?

What is C.O.D. Online?

Which courses are available through C.O.D. Online?

How do online courses compare to classroom-based courses?

What can I do to succeed in an online course?

Which courses should I take as a CPA exam candidate?

How can I obtain more information about Accounting at C.O.D.?


How is a certificate different from a degree?
A certificate focuses on a specific area of knowledge, while a degree combines an area of focus with a broad range of academic courses.

What is the difference between an Associate of Arts (A.A.) and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree?
An A.A. degree in Accounting is usually geared for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university in a residential, full-time program. The A.A.S. degree is accepted by many local colleges and universities, especially adult part-time programs. The A.A. includes more liberal arts courses, while the A.A.S. focuses more on a specialty area.

Please see Choosing the Right Degree Program and Keeping Your Options Open for more information on deciding which Accounting degree to pursue.

What is IAI?
IAI is the acronym for the Illinois Articulation Initiative. An accounting course that is designated as an IAI course will transfer to any public or private college or university in Illinois.

What are prerequisites?
Prerequisites are courses (or demonstrated equivalent experience) that students must complete prior to enrolling in a similar higher-level course.

Why should I complete a prerequisite course?
A prerequisite course provides the background necessary for the successful completion of a higher-level course. A higher-level course instructor assumes that a student has mastered the content of the prerequisite course. Generally, mastery of the content covered in a prerequisite course will improve a student’s chances of successful performance in the higher-level course.

Is every course offered every semester?
No, but many Accounting courses are available each term. Basic courses are offered every semester. These courses are also offered in day, evening and weekend sessions. Please see "Courses by Delivery Mode" for more details.

Which accounting course should I take first?
The C.O.D. accounting sequence (1140 and 1150) is an appropriate choice for students who plan to transfer to a business program at a baccalaureate institution, as well as for students who plan to operate their own businesses at some point in the future. Most students begin by taking Financial Accounting (ACCOU 1140), while other students are more suited to begin with Accounting Procedures (ACCOU 1110). Financial Accounting (ACCOU 1140) is specially designed for (1) students who have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in college-level English and Math courses; or (2) students who have business experience or completed accounting courses in high school. Students who do not fall into one of these two categories should enroll instead in Accounting Procedures (ACCOU 1110); such students should meet with an adviser regarding transferability of this course.

What is the Center for Independent Learning (CIL)?
The Center for Independent Learning (CIL) offers a variety of course delivery systems. Some are delivered via audiotape or videotape, while others require individual appointments with an instructor.

CIL courses combine the advantages of independent learning with the support of a structured series of assignments. Instructors are available in person and/or by phone or e-mail. Tele-courses and audio-courses are additional methods for enhancing a student’s learning experience.

Which courses are available in the Center for Independent Learning?
Please see "Courses by Delivery Mode" for details.

What is C.O.D. Online?
C.O.D. Online offers independent and individual learning opportunities via the Internet. Courses combine the advantages of independent learning with the support of a structured series of assignments, chat rooms and instructors available by telephone or e-mail. Courses completed via Internet appear on a grade report in the same manner as classroom-attended courses.

Which courses are available through C.O.D. Online?
Please see "Courses by Delivery Mode" for details.

How do online courses compare to classroom-based courses?
Please visit C.O.D. Online – General Information for this information.

What do I need to do to succeed in an online course?
Please visit C.O.D. Online – Succeeding in Internet Courses for this information.

Which courses should I take as a CPA exam candidate?
Please see Information for CPA Exam Candidates for details.

How can I obtain more information about Accounting at C.O.D.?
For more information, call the program coordinator, Lisa Capozzoli, at (630) 942-3400, or contact her via e-mail at: capozzol@cod.edu.


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