Twenty
New Degrees
and Certificates!
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE
Get ready for a Green
Future at COD
An integral part of “going green” involves finding new sources of energy, but it also means educating and training people in conserving and efficiently
using existing energy sources, including wind and solar power. The future will demand this knowledge across many disciplines. College of DuPage has
added four new certificates to address this growing need.
“We’re very excited about all of this,” said Karen Randall, Dean of Business and Technology. “Renewable energy is breathing new life into the electronics
and manufacturing fields, and our programs are changing to be more modern and pick up on the new trends that are happening in this country.”
Renewable Energy Certificate
(Electronics Technology)
Featuring classes in Electronics and Electro-Mechanical Technology, this certificate prepares students to work
in such emerging fields as solar and wind energy. Two windmills and four solar panels were installed on the
roof of the Technical Education Center in preparation for this new program.
Types of Jobs: Photovoltaics (PV) and Solar Energy System Installers, Green Power Technicians, Systems
Technicians, Energy Specialists, Maintenance Technicians
Sustainable Landscapes Certificate
(Horticulture)
This certificate stresses eco-friendly trends in landscaping, allowing avid home gardeners and professionals
alike an opportunity to keep up with green alternatives. “Horticulture and landscaping are the ultimate green
industries,” said COD Horticulture Professor Julia Fitzpatrick-Cooper.
Types of Jobs: Landscape Designer, Landscape Contractor, Grounds Management, Garden Designer, Garden
Maintenance, Environmental Management, Green Roofs
Sustainable Interiors Certificate
(Interior Design)
Interior designers require resources that combine recycled materials and regulated, sustainable manufacturing
processes for their clients’ design projects. “Today’s designer looks not only at the product itself, but also its
pre- and post-product life — how it was manufactured and where it will go after it’s used by the consumer,”
said Ann Cotton, professor and coordinator of COD’s Interior Design program.
Types of Jobs: Interior Designer, Green/Sustainable Design Materials Specialists and Consultants
Energy Audit Certificate
(Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)
Students will learn to find deficiencies in energy usage in residential and commercial buildings in order to
recommend appropriate weatherization methods. In addition, they will learn to write energy audit reports.
Types of Jobs: HVACR Service Technicians, Building Inspectors, Mechanics, Installers
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE
“We see the global future
very clearly and hope to
encourage our students
to take part in our
sustainable, green
initiatives because doing so
contributes to a more
functional and healthier
environment for everybody.”
— Ann Cotton, Professor and
Coordinator, Interior Design
EDUCATION AND
CHILD CARE
MANUFACTURING AND
TECHNOLOGY
Statistics reflect the need for qualified child care
workers. The 2010-2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor
Occupational Outlook Handbook projects an 18 percent
increase for employment of early child care workers
through 2016, while Illinois workNet predicts a 20
percent growth rate for assistant teachers in the
Naperville-Joliet region alone.
The new Technical Education Center, opened in
2009, contains the architecture, interior design,
ornamental horticulture, automotive technology,
computer-aided design, construction management,
electro-mechanical technology, electronicsintegrated engineering technology, HVACR,
manufacturing technology and welding technology
programs. The shining new TEC building is opening
its doors wide to better opportunities for COD
students to learn and train in the latest technology.
Teaching Early Childhood Education Degree
(AAT)
(Early Childhood Education and Care)
This 64-credit degree provides students the equivalent of the
first two years of most four-year college and university early
childhood teacher education programs.
Types of Jobs: For students who plan to go on to a fouryear college or university or earn a bachelor’s degree with
an Illinois Type 04 teaching certification
Infant to Toddler Certificate
(Early Childhood Education and Care)
Students choose this certificate to gain specific knowledge
and skills in this early childhood specialty. Students may
have previously received an early childhood certificate or
degree or may choose this certificate to begin their early
childhood education.
Types of Jobs: Entry-level positions in child care centers,
Head Start programs and family child care
Assistant Teacher Certificate
(Early Childhood Education and Care)
This certificate provides entry-level students with a certificate
that can lead to employment as an assistant teacher, and
returning students who already have a degree can become
childcare qualified.
Types of Jobs: Entry-level positions in child care centers,
Head Start programs, park district and recreation programs,
before- and after-school care, and family child care
Fitness Instructor Certificate
(Physical Education)
This program is designed to prepare students for successful
completion of a national certifying fitness instructor
exam and leads to entry-level positions in the health and
fitness profession.
Types of Jobs: Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Exercise
Leader, Aerobics Instructor, with emerging openings in the
wellness field, such as corporate wellness and aging
population specialties
Advanced Multi-Skilled Technician Certificate
(Electronics Technology)
This certificate program trains technicians in the fields of electronics, electricity, mechanics and
computers. Students include unemployed or underemployed individuals with an interest in
engineering or related technical fields, students seeking retraining, or those requiring skill
diversification in an existing business.
Types of Jobs: Systems Technician, Energy Specialist, Maintenance Technician, Industrial Process
Technician, Testing Technician, Instrument and Control Technician
Digital Logic Device Programming Certificate
(Electronics Technology)
Students in this program are trained in digital logic device programming for embedded systems. This
field has a positive employment outlook, with an average annual growth rate of about 15 percent.
Types of Jobs: Embedded Systems Programming Technician, VHDL Programmer, Electronics
Repair Technician, Logic Devices Programmer, Logic Circuits Testing Technician, Computer Repair
Technician, Basic and Assembly Language Programmer
Electrician’s Preparation Certificate
(Electronics Technology)
This certificate trains technicians in the fields of electricity and electrical standards related to
applications such as residential, commercial and industrial wiring and electrical maintenance. It’s
possible for students in this program to complete the requirements in one 16-week semester.
Types of Jobs: Maintenance Technician, Building Operator, Building Electrical Technician, Testing
Technician, Commercial Building Wiring Technician, Building Controls Technician
Electricity and Electronics Technology Certificate
(Electronics Technology)
This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in the fields of analog and digital
electrical and electronic devices, including microcomputers and industrial automation.
Types of Jobs: Electronics Technician, Electronics Repair Technician, Maintenance Technician,
Building Controls Installer, Testing Technician, Computer Repair Technician
Manufacturing Skills Standards Certificate
(Manufacturing Technology)
This three-course certificate includes quality control, technical mechanics and industrial safety
concepts and skills. It prepares students for the nationally recognized Manufacturing Skills
Standard Council exam (MSSC).
Types of Jobs: Production Technician, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Production Process
Development, Maintenance, Installation and Repair, and Health, Safety and Environmental Assurance
“We’re excited to offer the (AAT in Early Childhood Education), as it’s our first transfer degree.
Also, our Early Childhood Assistant Teacher certificate can lead to employment as an assistant teacher for
entry-level students, and provides an opportunity for returning students who already have a degree to
become child care qualified. The state is seeing demand for these types of programs.”
— Cynthia Rice, Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Care
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE
BUSINESS AND
TECHNOLOGY
Adaptation and innovation are crucial in today’s challenging
economy. The College of DuPage Business and Technology
division is staying a step ahead of the curve by offering new
degrees and certificates in professions that are experiencing rapid
growth. The College will continue to monitor national, state and
local business trends to ensure that its students receive the most
up-to-date training in expanding fields.
Cosmetology Degree (AAS)/Certificate
(Cosmetology)
The College of DuPage Cosmetology program is a partnership with the Technology Center of DuPage, which
has a state-licensed school of cosmetology. Students may choose to work on a certificate or a degree in
Cosmetology through Admissions and Registration at College of DuPage. The program is offered at the COD
Addison and Naperville regional centers.
Types of Jobs: Hairdresser, Hairstylist, Colorist, Makeup Artist, Manicurist, Manager, Sales, Technical Support
Administrative Assistant and Meeting/Event Planner Degree (AAS)/Certificate
(Office Technology Information)
This program prepares students for employment as administrative assistants with a focus on travel, meeting
and event planning in public, private and corporate settings. The curriculum combines coursework from both
the Office Technology Information and Travel and Tourism areas.
Types of Jobs: Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Corporate Events Planner, Meeting Planner
Paralegal Studies Degree (AAS)
and Paralegal Studies Certificate
(Paralegal Studies)
The career and technical components of the paralegal curriculum include instruction in introductory
paralegal studies, drafting legal documents, litigation, introductory and advanced legal research and
writing, business law, professional ethics, law office organization, and a required work-based learning or
practicum component. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Types of Jobs: Paralegal, Legal Assistant
Property Management Certificate
“American Bar
Association
approval means
that … COD’s
paralegal education
program has been
determined to meet
ABA guidelines,
preparing paralegal
students to enter the
workplace and
succeed
professionally in
their chosen
career.”
— Sally Fairbank, J.D.
Coordinator, COD
Paralegal Studies Program
(Real Estate)
This certificate provides a basic understanding of the varied functions and responsibilities of the property
manager. Completion qualifies students to take either the Illinois Real Estate Broker or Salesperson
License Examination.
Types of Jobs: Property Manager, Broker Licensee, Salesperson Licensee
For general information about any of the College’s new degrees and certificates,
please contact the Admissions and Information office, Student Resource Center
(SRC), Room 2046, (630) 942-2482 or (630) 942-2380, admissions.cod.edu.
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE
MCS-11-4988 (R3/11)500
For more specific information, check the college website, www.cod.edu,
and click on “Academics” and then “Programs, Certificates and Degrees.”