Associate in Arts (A.A.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Adult Fast Track (AFT) program?
The Adult Fast Track program is an accelerated program designed to accommodate the needs of adults, age 24 or above, who lead busy lives but are seriously committed to continuing their education. Students in the A.A. program complete their associate’s degree in approximately two years by attending class one night per week. While the program is intensive and rigorous, it is manageable for individuals who are highly motivated and self-disciplined.
What is the AFT Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree?
The A.A. degree is designed specifically for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university. Students accepted into the A.A. degree program attend classes once per week from 6 to 10 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m. or 8 to 10 p.m., with short vacation breaks twice per year. Most course sessions last eight or nine weeks.
What does the A.A. degree curriculum cover?
The A.A. degree emphasizes general education in the social/behavioral sciences and humanities. These courses are traditionally required in a variety of bachelor’s degree programs. The math course in this degree requires a background in algebra, so students may need to enroll in basic algebra in preparation for the college-level math course.
Is the A.A. degree program accredited?
All degrees offered through the AFT program are fully accredited by the North Central Association and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), which requires that students pass the State of Illinois Constitution test.
How do I apply to the program?
Once you have become familiar with the AFT program and have decided to apply, follow steps outlined on the Admissions Check List. Be aware that you must see a C.O.D. counselor prior to submitting your application to the AFT program. The application process, including the counselor or coordinator appointment, applying to C.O.D., and testing and transcript evaluation, may take eight weeks or longer. The application process must be completed prior to determining a student’s acceptance into the AFT program. Students should begin the application process as early as possible. Acceptance to C.O.D. does not equal acceptance into the AFT program.
When should I register for classes?
Prior to each term, AFT students will receive an AFT registration letter in the mail. Students must register for all of their classes no later than three weeks prior to the start of that term. Standard late fees apply to students who register late. An interest free monthly payment plan, FACTS, is also available.
Am I required to take the Math Placement Test?
Students interested in completing the A.A. degree must take the Math Placement Test because the required math courses in this program necessitate an algebra background. By taking the math assessment at an early stage in the application process, students know immediately if their basic algebra needs strengthening. If this is the case, the preparatory course(s) can be worked in before the program begins. The results of the math assessment have no bearing on acceptance into the program; results are used solely for advising purposes. More information regarding A.A. math prerequisites is available online.
What if my assessment results in the Reading or Writing Placement Tests indicate that I do not have college-level skills?
Often, adults returning to school need refresher courses to prepare them for the rigors of college-level work. The placement tests identify the assistance you might need and allows College of DuPage to guide you toward completion of the appropriate preparatory courses. In most cases, students who require academic preparation need only take one or two preparatory courses. If this is the case, you can be accepted into the program once you have successfully completed the required preparatory courses in reading and/or writing.
Can I be considered for the Adult Fast Track program if I have already earned college credit?
The AFT program is designed for students who have little or no college credit, but it can sometimes work well for students who have already earned a significant number of credits. All prior college credit for the A.A. degree must meet the cumulative GPA requirement of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
What if I have already taken some of the courses that are part of the program?
If a student has previously completed a specific course in the program, he or she does not enroll in that course session. Other course options can be considered during that session, such as independent study, traditional courses, and Internet courses, or a student may decide instead to enjoy a brief “vacation” and continue when the next session begins.
Are courses in the program taught differently than traditional courses?
The program is designed around a series of eight- or nine-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, however, are the same as for traditional 16-week courses. While textbooks, materials and content of the courses are the same, the method of delivery is different, as the program is geared toward adult learning. Instructors may lecture, but there are more opportunities for active participation in this program through discussions, simulations, exercises, group work, projects and demonstrations. Some instructors prefer to test in order to evaluate learning. Tests take place during either regularly scheduled class time or outside of normal classroom hours.
How much homework can I expect?
These courses are scheduled in an abbreviated time frame. Because of this, more emphasis is placed on the learner to complete work outside of the classroom setting than in traditionally-scheduled courses. Homework varies according to teaching style and course content, but students should plan on a minimum of 20 hours of homework per week, depending on their skills and comfort with the assignments.
What are the Illinois Constitution test requirements?
Per the college Catalog, all students must satisfactorily complete the Illinois State Constitution test requirement for graduation. An Illinois high school diploma generally satisfies this requirement. Students may also opt to take the Constitution test at C.O.D.
Is help available if I need it?
A full array of support services are provided for students in the AFT program, including Admissions, Registration, computer resources, online access to library databases, math and writing assistance, tutoring, Assessment and Testing services, and Counseling and Advising. The AFT program is administered out of the Westmont Regional Center and most support services are available at this center.
Is there a minimum cumulative GPA that must be maintained throughout the program?
Yes, students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative College of DuPage GPA to remain in the AFT program.
How much does the AFT program cost?
For residents and full-time workers in the College of DuPage district, the current tuition is $108 per credit hour. There is a $15 per course fee for all AFT students to cover the additional administrative costs of this program. This amounts to approximately $300 per student over the approximately two-year program. Students only pay the $15 fee for the classes they must complete in order to receive the degree. In addition to tuition, a student can expect to pay approximately $75 to $100 per course for books. In addition, several courses have minimal lab fees ranging from approximately $10 to $30.
Can non-AFT students take AFT courses?
Yes, if there is space available, we do open sections up to non-AFT students. Though, rest assured that non-AFT students need to meet the same admission guidelines as an AFT student. Also, be aware that determining available space in a class depends on the number of AFT students who need a particular section. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to register for your classes as outlined in your registration letter. Once we are three weeks out from a term start, enrollment is totally opened to non-AFT students.
Do cohort groups ever fill up and prevent someone from enrolling?
Yes, cohort groups do fill up, so it is best to apply early. Check our web site for specific dates.
Do AFT courses ever cancel?
On occasion, due to low enrollment, individual courses in the AFT program are cancelled. If this happens, your AFT adviser will help you to identify alternative options.
More questions?
Call (630) 942-FAST and ask to speak with a C.O.D. counselor or an AFT adviser, or visit the AFT web site.
A.A. Degree Application Form
Adult Fast Track
College of DuPage
Westmont Center
650 Pasquinelli Drive
Westmont, IL 60559
Roberta M. Sell
Associate Dean
(630) 942-FAST
fasttrack@cod.edu
