Online degrees at College of DuPage give you the flexibility of completing your educational goals while still making time to keep up with your work schedule and other at-home obligations. Earn an Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts or certificate online when it is most convenient for you.
Benefits of Earning Your Online Degree
Online degrees and certificates offer you increased flexibility and convenience compared to traditional in-person courses including the:
- Ability to apply online for admission.
- Affordable cost of tuition. COD has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state of Illinois and is one of the most affordable community colleges in the United States. Both the technology fee and out-of-district fee often added to earning an online degree are currently being waived, making the cost of earning an online degree the same as a traditional in-person degree.
- Seamless transfer of credits. If you are returning to college, you can transfer credits you have previously earned at another higher education institution or you can take a credit by proficiency examination. A credit by proficiency examination gives students the opportunity to gain credit for knowledge acquired through an occupation or life experience related to specific COD courses.
- Access to placement tests. Eligible students can take proctored placement tests remotely for certain courses through the Virtual Testing Center.
- Online tutoring support services. The Learning Commons offers a variety of course-based tutoring, math, writing, reading, and speech assistance through one-on-one or small-group video appointments and drop-in sessions.
- Opportunity to maintain work-life balance, all while keeping money in your pocket. With online degrees, you'll save on gas, wear and tear on your vehicle and you'll spend less time traveling to and from campus so you can have more time to focus on your studies.
Online Degree and Certificate Programs
In addition to an in-person format, the following degrees and certificates are currently available online:
Accounting, Associate in Applied Science
The Accounting Associate in Applied Science degree is designed to provide the theoretical and practical background necessary for supervisory and administrative careers in accounting and accounting-related areas.
- ACCOU 2140
- ACCOU 2150
- ACCOU 2205
- ACCOU 2241
- ACCOU 2242
- ACCOU 2251
- BIOLO 1100
- BUSIN 1100
- CIS 1110
- CIS 1150
- EARTH 1140
- ECONO 2201
- ECONO 2202
- ENGLI 1101
- MATH 1218
- OFTI 1200
PHILO 1114
Learn more about the Accounting, Associate in Applied Science degree.
Accounting Specialist
The Accounting Specialist Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in areas such as accounts payable, accounts
receivable, and payroll. Also develops computerized general ledger software skills
to complement this role.
Advanced Accounting Certificate
The Advanced Accounting Certificate provides an in-depth study of accounting for students needing to meet the educational
requirements to qualify for the Certified Public Accountant Examination. It is also
for business professionals seeking an in-depth analysis of accounting for career advancement.
Application and Technical Support Specialist, Associate in Applied Science
The Application and Technical Support Specialist degree prepares students to provide help, support and technical advice to computer users.
- BUSIN 1111
- CIS 1150
- CIS 1160
- CIS 1180
- CIS 1205
- CIS 1310
- CIS 1400
- CIS 1610
- CIS 2770
- CIS/CIT 1450
- CIT 1100
- CIT 1116
- ENGLI 1105
Learn more about the Application and Technical Support Specialist degree.
Associate in Arts
The Associate in Arts degree represents the first two years of study for students who plan to transfer and pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.
- ACCOU 2140
- ANTHR 1000
- ART 1100
- BIOLO 1100
- BIOLO 1151
- BUSIN 1100
- CHEMI 1105
- CRIMJ 1100
- EARTH 1140
- EDUCA 1100
- ENGLI 1101
- ENGLI 1102
- ENGLI 1130
- ENGLI 1150
- HISTO 1110
- HUMNT 1101
- MATH 1218
- MATH 1533
- MATH 1635
- MATH 2231
- MUSIC 1100
- PHILO 1100
- PHILO 1110
- PHYSI 1100
- POLS 1100
- PSYCH 1100
- RELIG 1100
- SOCIO 1100
- SPEEC 1100
- THEAT 1100
Bookkeeping Certificate
The Bookkeeping Certificate prepares students to work with and manage an organization's financial accounts, including
recording and analyzing financial information, preparing financial reports for management,
and processing payroll.
Business Environment & Concepts Certificate
The Business Environment and Concepts certificate is designed for CPA Examination candidates who have a non- business baccalaureate
degree. This certificate satisfies the Business Ethics, Business Communications, and
Business hours required to sit for the CPA Exam.
Consumer Marketing Certificate
The Consumer Marketing certificate prepares students for customer service and consumer relations responsibilities.
Criminal Justice, Associate in Applied Science
The Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students for career entry or career advancement in criminal justice agencies. This program is particularly useful for those pursuing careers with local and state law enforcement agencies, and it can also prepare students for entry-level correctional and private security positions.
- CRIMJ 1100
- CRIMJ 1151
- CRIMJ 2150
Learn more about the Criminal Justice, Associate in Applied Science degree.
Digital and Social Media Marketing Certificate
The Digital & Social Media Marketing Certificate provides students the foundational understanding of developing a digital marketing
strategy. Students will be able to optimize a company's digital marketing efforts
through SEO, digital content creation, analysis of digital metrics, develop email
campaigns, and learn best website practices.
Entrepreneurship Certificate
The Entrepreneurship certificate requires a minimum of 12 credits.
Human Resource Management Certificate
The Human Resource Management (HRM) certificate is designed to develop HR competencies required to launch and/or advance an HR career.
Skills and experiences in HR processes and policies, networking, building connections,
and mentoring and coaching are developed.
Long-Term Care Administration, Certificate
The Long-Term Care Administration certificate prepares students for a variety of administrative and management positions in agencies providing long-term health care.
- ACCOU 2140
- ENGLI 1101
- LTC 1130
- LTC 1140
- LTC 1160
- MANAG 2240
Learn more about the Long Term Care Administration certificate.
Management, Associate in Applied Science
The Management Associate in Applied Science degree prepares students for management and supervisory careers in business and industry.
- ACCOU 2140
- BUSIN 1100
- BUSLW 2205
- BUSLW 2211
- CIS 1150
- CIS 1221
- ECONO 2201
- ENGLI 1101
- MANAG 2210
- MANAG 2220
- MANAG 2240
- MANAG 2295
- MARKE 2210
- MATH 1218
- OFTI 1200
- PHILO 1114
- PSYCH 1100
- SPEEC 1100
Learn more about the Management, Associate in Applied Science degree.
Management Certificate
The Management certificate offers students the opportunity to study the managerial process and gain valuable
skills in coordinating and overseeing the work of organizational resources so that
the goals of the firm can be accomplished.
Marketing, Associate in Applied Science
The Marketing program provides the academic and practical background for a successful career in this dynamic field. Graduates have many employment opportunities, including inside and outside sales, customer services, consumer marketing, business-to-business marketing, e-commerce and promotions.
- ACCOU 2140
- BUSIN 1100
- BUSLW 2205
- BUSLW 2211
- CIS 1150
- CIS 1221
- ECONO 2201
- MANAG 2210
- MARKE 1150
- MARKE 2210
- MARKE 2220
- MARKE 2225
- MARKE 2230
- MARKE 2240
- MARKE 2270
- OFTI 1200
- PHILO 1114
- PSYCH 1100
Learn more about the Marketing, Associate in Applied Science degree.
Marketing Certificate
The Marketing certificate requires a minimum of 31 credits.
Organizational Leadership Certificate
The Organizational Leadership certificate requires 12 credits courses in Management.
Paralegal Studies Certificate
The Paralegal Studies certificate prepares its graduates to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of
an attorney.
Paralegal Studies Degree
The Paralegal Studies degree prepares its graduates to perform substantive legal work under the supervision of
an attorney.
Paraprofessional in Education, Certificate
The Paraprofessional certificate is designed to prepare individuals to take on the role of a paraprofessional also known as a teacher's assistant, in a K-12 classroom. Students will take a variety of classes to introduce them to aspects of teaching and learning that will help them to be successful as a paraprofessional.
- EDUCA 1100
- EDUCA 1101
- EDUCA 1150
- EDUCA 2201
- EDUCA 2230
- PSYCH 2220
Learn more about the Paraprofessional in Education certificate.
Software Development, Associate in Applied Science
The Software Development degree prepares students to design, develop, and maintain software through the implementation of established software design constructs in standard programming languages.
- CIS 1150
- CIS 1180
- CIS 1230
- CIS 1400
- CIS 1410
- CIS 1640
- CIS 2770
- CIS/CIT 1140
- CIS/CIT 1450
- ENGLI 1105
- MANAG 2170
- PHILO 1114
Learn more about the Software Development, Associate in Applied Science degree.
Supervision Certificate
The Supervision certificate is designed to provide individuals in first-line managerial positions with current
content in balancing the requirements for high work performance with the diverse needs
of the workforce.
Web Programmer, Certificate
The Web Programmer certificate requires 31 credits.
- CIS 1120
- CIS 1130
- CIS 1300
- CIS 2320
- CIS 2571
- CIS 2572
Writing Studies’ Professional Writing Certificate
The two-time national award-winning Writing Studies program offers students a Professional Writing Certificate that can be completed fully online and in less than a year. Students gain real hands-on experiences writing with and for organizations and nonprofits. They also assemble a professional portfolio of their writing to use on the job market. Upon completion, students make career changes, secure internships and writing jobs, and gain entrance into undergraduate and graduate programs.
- ENGLI 1101
- ENGLI 1102
- ENGLI 1105
- ENGLI 1110
- ENGLI 1115
- ENGLI 2105
- ENGLI 2110
- ENGLI 2115
Online Degree Formats
COD offers several different types of online class formats, but only online (NET) and virtual classroom meetings (VCM) are offered for online degrees. Both NET and VCM course formats are offered every semester.
Online (NET) courses are taught completely online following instructor timelines and learning outcomes. Students interact mostly through discussion boards and written messages and all assignments are submitted online.
Find an Online Course
COD's hybrid and online course search makes it easier for you to find non-traditional courses. Course descriptions, professors and sections are listed, but you will need to use Student Planning to register for classes after you have submitted your application for admission.
Spring 2024 Hybrid and Online Course Search
Get Started Earning Your Online Degree
The first step to earning your degree is to follow the five steps to enrollment which includes applying for admission. If you have questions regarding the admissions process, contact Admissions and Outreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online courses are administered through Blackboard, the learning management system used at COD. You will find your course syllabus and calendar in Blackboard and you can access your assignments, tests and course discussions. You will be expected to log on to Blackboard frequently--every day in many cases and sometimes over the weekend.
Each course is different, but the majority of online courses are structured like traditional courses. Work must be completed by certain deadlines (you can't wait until the last week to do it all), which are usually spaced week-by-week. You will need to log on to look at new lecture material and to complete any assignments that the instructor has put on the site.
In many courses, you will also be responsible for participating in weekly discussions. These are done through online discussion boards, where you will be graded on your responses to questions and engagement with other students.
The SmarterMeasure Self-Assessment Tool can help determine if online learning is a right fit for you.
The majority of online courses at COD are delivered entirely online and will not necessitate students coming to campus. However, there are some online courses that will require you to come to campus for placement testing or for proctored exams or to outside locations for clinical practicums.
You can complete your work any time of day or night that you want. This is part of what makes online classes so great for working adults.
You will have to meet weekly deadlines. This means that you will have to keep pace and ensure that you are completing work regularly so that you will not miss deadlines and fall behind in the course.
Many of the things that will make you successful in an online class are the same things that make you successful in a traditional class: completing course reading assignments, asking questions, watching lectures and studying on a regular schedule.
Because online courses are student-centered, a lot of your success depends on your active participation. For each credit hour you are taking, you will need to spend three to four hours completing the requirements of the course.
While you may not be on campus, that doesn't mean you're completely isolated from the resources COD provides.
The Learning Commons offers both live and email assistance and tutoring services in math, writing, reading and speech. You can also contact tech support, faculty members and staff working in every department in the school, from registration to the library, if you need help.
