Frequently Asked Questions

Sections:

How is a certificate different from a degree?
What is the difference between an Associate of Arts (A.A.) and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree?
What is IAI?
What are prerequisites?
Why should I take a prerequisite?
Is every course offered every semester?
What is the Business Simulation?
Which courses are available in the Business Simulation?
What is COD Online?
Which courses are available through COD Online?

How is a certificate different from a degree?
A certificate focuses on a specific body or area of knowledge while a degree combines that focus with a broad academic background.

What is the difference between an Associate of Arts (A.A.) and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) Degree?
An A.A. degree is usually geared to transfer to a baccalaureate-granting college or university in a residential, full-time program. The A.A.S. degree is accepted by many local colleges and universities, especially adult, part-time programs. The A.A. includes more liberal arts courses, while the A.A.S. focuses more on your specialty area.

What is IAI?
IAI is the acronym for the Illinois Articulation Iniative. A course which is designated IAI will transfer to any public or private college or university in Illinois.

What are prerequisites?
Prerequisites are courses (or demonstrated equivalent experience) that you must take prior to enrolling in another higher-level course.

Why should I take a prerequisite?
The prerequisite course should give you the background necessary for the higher-level course. The higher-level course instructor assumes that you have mastered the content of the prerequisite course. Generally, mastery of the content of a prerequisite course should improve your chances of successful performance in the higher level course.

Is every course offered every semester?
No, but many courses are. The following basic courses are usually offered every term:

Business 1100 (Introduction to Business)
Management 1100 (Supervision)
Management 1161 (Small Business Management)
Management 2210 (Principles of Management)
Management 2240 (Human Resource Management)
Marketing 2210 (Principles of Marketing)
Marketing 2220 (Sales)
Marketing 2240 (Advertising)

These courses are also offered in day, evening and weekend sessions. Many are also offered in the Business Simulation, through COD Online and Adult Fast Track. Please see Convenient Course Formats for more details.

What is the Business Simulation?
The Business Simulation is a course delivery system that stresses team work, goal orientation and task completion. This class method is most similar to the situations you will encounter in the work world.

The Business Simulation at College of DuPage also incorporates the use of various computer software in goal attainment and task completion, thus mirroring a work situation most accurately.

Which courses are available in the Business Simulation?
Please see Convenient Course Formats for more details.

What is COD Online?
COD Online offers independent and individual learning opportunities via the Internet. Courses combine independent learning and a structured series of assignments, with chat rooms and instructors available by telephone or email.

Which courses are available through COD Online?
Please see Convenient Course Formats for more details.

The Supervision Certificate and Consumer Marketing Certificate are also attainable through Online courses.

Learn more:
Business | Management | Marketing