Degree Programs

Culinary Arts program

College of DuPage offers seven degrees. Degrees are awarded at the close of each semester. 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.

Degrees

  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.

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 the minimum required number of credits in courses numbered 1000 or above (or equivalent) as specified for each degree. The Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in General Studies, and Associate in Fine Arts-Music degrees require a minimum of 64 credit hours. The Associate in Engineering Science degree requires a minimum of 68 credit hours. The Associate in Fine Arts-Art degree requires a minimum of 61 credit hours.
  2. Possess a minimum 2.00 ("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.
  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.

General Education Student Learning Outcomes

In 2009 COD faculty approved a set of General Education Student Learning Outcomes which they later modified and reaffirmed in 2018 for students enrolled in all associate degree programs. General Education refers to a broad body of knowledge and skills common to all educated people, regardless of their profession. A strong general education curriculum includes courses in the arts; the humanities which include literature, history, philosophy and foreign languages; mathematics, natural sciences and the social sciences.

Associate Degree Areas of Study