Starting in Fall 2025, the minimum credit requirement for graduation will be reduced
from 64 to 60 credits for the Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.),
and Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degrees. The General Education requirements
will not change; the reduction in credits will occur in the Electives section of the
degrees.
Current Students
Students with 64 Credits or More Completed by Spring or Summer 2025
Students who have earned, or will earn, 64 credits or more by the end of the Spring
or Summer 2025 terms will not be affected by this change. Students will proceed to
graduate based on their current catalog requirements.
Students with Fewer than 64 Credits Completed by Spring or Summer 2025
Students who have not yet completed their degrees under the current 64-credit requirement
by the end of the Spring or Summer 2025 terms will transition to the new course catalog
upon registering for Fall 2025 classes. However, those who prefer to finish their
degree by meeting the 64-credit hour requirement may choose to opt out and follow
their existing catalog by submitting their request.
New COD Students Starting Fall 2025
New students pursuing an A.A., A.S., or A.G.S. degree will be required to complete
a minimum of 60 credit hours to fulfill the graduation requirements. The simplified
path allows students to finish their degrees more quickly and provides added flexibility
for those planning to transfer. New students don't need to take any additional steps,
as they’ll automatically follow the updated degree requirements when they start their
program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The change in the number of credit hours required for degree completion will streamline
the path to graduation, enabling quicker degree completion. With Illinois Community
College Board (ICCB) credit requirements reduced, this adjustment ensures that students
can meet transfer requirements while earning their COD degree. The updated catalog
aligns with current educational standards, industry demands, and the practices of
most other community colleges in Illinois, better preparing students for their careers
or further academic pursuits.
The 2026 catalog will be updated with the current requirements when published. Current
students who register for Fall 2025 classes will transition to the new catalog by
the end of the Spring 2025 semester, provided they are not graduating during the Spring
or Summer 2025 semesters. Students who do not register for Fall 2025 will not be moved
to the new catalog, as enrollment in Fall 2025 classes or beyond is necessary to make
the switch.
Students who are still active in the program for Fall 2025 will be affected. Students
who have completed their requirements by Summer 2025 will not be affected.
Degree audits will be updated after the new catalog is published in Spring 2025.
New COD applicants who complete their application in Fall 2024 with the intention
of starting in Fall 2025 will initially be placed under the prior catalog requirements.
Beginning in February 2025, the new catalog will be implemented, and catalog will
be automatically updated by the end of the Spring 2025 semester.
An email will be sent notifying you that you’ve been moved to the new catalog after
registering for Fall 2025. The Records Office will begin making these updates in March
2025. If you don't register for Fall 2025 classes, you won’t receive this communication.
The change in credit requirements reduces the number of elective courses, while the
core transfer course requirements remain unchanged. College of DuPage is updating
its transfer pathways and agreements to align with the new 60-credit-hour requirement,
ensuring a seamless transition for students planning to continue their education at
other institutions.
Changes to the A.A.S. degree will be gradual, beginning in Fall 2025. Individual A.A.S.
programs may still have additional requirements based on specific program or accreditation
standards.
No, there will be no changes to the A.E.S. or A.F.A. degrees.
Contact Information
General Questions
Contact the Office of Student Records at graduation@cod.edu with general questions.
