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C.O.D., National-Louis Partner in Human Services Program
By Ken Reed

Working adults can now earn associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Human Services in as little as four years by enrolling in a new College of DuPage 3 + 1 program developed in partnership with National-Louis University (NLU).

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Human Services Generalist degree is a new offering at C.O.D. When it is taken through the college's accelerated Adult Fast Track (AFT) program, designed to accommodate the needs of busy adults age 24 or older, students can complete their associate's degree in about two and one-half years by attending classes one night per week.

Then students have the option of making a “seamless transfer” to NLU to earn their bachelor's degree in Human Services with about one more year of study. Students may also consider transferring to other local schools.

Roberta Sell, C.O.D. associate dean of Academic Alternatives and Instructional Support, noted that students who pursue this program in the traditional method would need to attend class multiple days per week and it would take longer for them to earn their degree.

She said the C.O.D./NLU program involves a cohort. “So anytime we have 20 students, we can start a group,” she said. “We are hoping to start our first group in August, so students should apply as soon as possible.”

Sell said that students in this program enroll in courses on the C.O.D. main campus in Glen Ellyn during the first year of study. They can then take additional classes at a C.O.D. regional center the second year. Classes meet one night per week from 6 to 10 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m.

C.O.D.’s A.A.S. in Human Services Generalist degree prepares students to enter the Human Services field with a multitude of skills, including the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to deliver professional services that assist clients with their bio-psychosocial growth.

Students have a choice of many theoretical and experience-based learning opportunities in the fields of mental health, advocacy and crises intervention.

Courses cover topics such as group dynamics, interpersonal dynamics, domestic violence and psychiatric rehabilitation. Graduates are also prepared to act as a client advocate.

Students interested in the Human Services Generalist program must meet with Rita Bobrowski, coordinator, prior to submitting an application to the Adult Fast Track program. The application process, which includes meeting with Bobrowski, applying to C.O.D., testing and transcript evaluation, may take eight weeks or longer. Bobrowski’s telephone number is (630) 942-2024.

The AFT program is designed around a series of eight- to 12-week courses. These courses usually require less in-classroom time, but more time outside of class devoted to homework, online activities and other innovative learning environments. Textbooks, materials and content of the courses are the same as for traditional 16-week courses.

Students who enter the Human Services field with a two-year degree can expect to earn a mean salary of between $27,000 to $30,000 per year. Employment opportunities include careers as case managers, counselors and/or client advocates in a variety of treatment settings.

More about the Adult Fast Track program
More about the Human Services program
More about the Human Services program at National-Louis University