Associate Degree Programs

Degrees

Nine degrees are granted by College of DuPage:

1. The Associate in Arts degree (A.A.) represents the first two years of study for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.
2. The Associate in Science degree (A.S.) 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 (A.E.S.) 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 (A.A.S.) 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 of study.
5. The Associate in General Studies degree (A.G.S.) 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 (A.F.A.) 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 (A.F.A.) is intended for students who wish to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school with a Bachelor in Music program.
8. The Associate in Arts in Teaching Secondary Mathematics (A.A.T.) is intended for students who wish to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school to complete all requirements for a bachelor's degree and teacher certification at the secondary level for mathematics.
9. The Associate in Arts in Teaching Early Childhood Education (A.A.T.) is intended for students who wish to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting school to complete all requirements for a bachelor's degree and the Type-04 Teacher Certification for Early Childhood Education.

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 academic record. The requirements for each degree are recommended by the faculty and approved by the president of the College.

Graduation Requirements for All Associate's 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 Records office. 

Each candidate for a degree shall:

1. Complete at least 64 credits in courses numbered 1000 or above (or equivalent) as specified for each degree.
2. Possess a minimum 2.0 ("C") average in 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, with the final 10 credits at the College.
4. File an Application for Degree or Certificate completion no sooner that 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.