Introduction
The College of DuPage Adult Fast Track (AFT) program is an accelerated program for adults 21 years and older who are seriously committed to continuing their education, but require accommodation for their busy lifestyles. While the AFT program is intensive and rigorous, it is manageable for individuals who are highly motivated and self-disciplined. Students may take individual selected courses or complete an entire degree in this alternative format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Adult Fast Track courses require more work than “regular” courses?
AFT courses require less in-classroom time, but AFT students spend more time outside of class on homework, online activities and exploring other innovative learning environments. Textbooks, materials and the content of courses are the same as that for traditional 16-week courses, but the method of delivery is different and is geared toward adult learning. Instructors may lecture, but there are more opportunities for active participation in this program through discussions, simulations, exercises, group work, projects, demonstrations, and online (Blackboard) format.
What are the benefits of taking AFT courses?
AFT courses are designed to meet the needs of the busy adult student. Traditional courses typically meet several times per week over a standard 16-week semester. AFT courses are generally offered in an eight-week format with one regularly scheduled four-hour class meeting per week.
When and where are AFT courses offered?
AFT courses start and end on uniform dates during both the first and second eight-week segments of the fall and spring semester. Additionally, two eight-week segments are offered during the summer semester. Classes typically meet in the evenings or on Saturday mornings. AFT courses are offered at the main campus in Glen Ellyn, and at the Westmont and Naperville Regional Centers.
What are the admission requirements for the AFT Program?
- 21 years of age or older; and achieve the minimum college level
(category I) placement score in Writing if enrollment in English
composition is anticipated; and a minimum of 12 college-level semester
credits earned with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 (4.0 scale) to
demonstrate that the student is already familiar with the demands of
and can successfully complete college-level work before attempting
accelerated courses. (Current AFT
cohort students as of Fall 2009 will be grandfathered into these new admission
requirements for the completion of their degree.)
- Credits may be earned at COD or at another accredited college/university. Developmental courses and college credits earned through prior learning experience programs or demonstrated competency methods may not be used to meet the 12-credit admission requirement. However, college credits earned through alternative methods, e.g. CLEP, DANTES, Credit for Prior Learning, military transfer, ACE recommendations, etc., will be accepted for degree requirements.
- Placement into college level Math must occur by the time the AFT student completes 18 credit hours at COD (Developmental math
coursework will be built into the program for students who qualify.) The student must have all Math requirements completed for their degree
plan by the time he/she has earned 30 college-level credits in the AFT
program.
- Students enrolled in traditional COD programs may enroll in AFT courses if they meet the admission requirements.
- For “reverse-transfer” students attending COD exclusively in the summer and/or during the regular academic year, the AFT Admission Requirements cited for age and the 12 credit hours of completed college-level coursework with a minimum 2.5 GPA will apply. Placement testing requirements used with all other “reverse transfer” students enrolling at COD during the summer or regular academic year will also be applied to those “reverse-transfer” students enrolling in AFT courses.
The AFT program requires that students have 12 college-level semester hours completed in order to apply for the program. How can I earn those credits?
Students may transfer credits into COD from another institution, or they may earn 12 hours at COD through traditional coursework in the classroom, online, independent study formats, or other generalized non-AFT eight-week courses.
When can I enroll in AFT classes?
Students can choose to enroll in AFT classes any time prior to the start date of a new eight-week session as long as they meet admission requirements.
Is this a degree program or can I take selected AFT courses?
Students may take selected AFT courses or complete their entire degree utilizing the AFT format. Students are encouraged to choose the best combination for their particular needs.
What degrees are available through the AFT program?
Currently, students may complete an Associate in Arts (AA) degree or an Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) degree in Business Management. More degrees and certificates will be available in future.
I’m ready to start the COD AFT program. How do I begin?
- If you are a student new to COD, please call Admissions at (630) 942-2380 or visit the Admissions office located on the Glen Ellyn campus in the Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 2046.
- If you are a returning or current COD student, please call Advising at (630) 942-2259 or visit the Advising and Counseling Services office on the Glen Ellyn campus in SRC 2044. (Returning or current COD students may also visit the Westmont or Naperville Regional Centers for AFT program enrollment assistance.)