COD partners with Lewis U. in educational partnership
College of DuPage and Lewis University announced on Feb. 23 the details of a new 3+1 educational partnership that enables students to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal/Social Justice from Lewis University at COD's Glen Ellyn campus.
During the first three years of the 128 credit-hour program, students complete 92 credit-hours of COD courses. The fourth year, students complete 36 credit-hours of Lewis University course work taught by Lewis professors at College of DuPage.
The result is a Criminal/Social Justice bachelor's degree available at a fraction of the cost of equivalent programs. Students pay COD tuition rates for the first three years, with the final year offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate.
“This is an exciting, innovative approach to traditional transfer programs,” said COD President Dr. Robert L. Breuder. “We're extremely pleased to be at the forefront of this developing trend in higher education.”
Lewis University brings to the table a national reputation for its bachelor's and master's programs in Criminal/Social Justice (C/SJ) and Public Safety Administration. The Romeoville campus also offers degrees in Forensic Criminal Investigation, Paralegal Studies, and Private Security/Loss Prevention Management. The undergraduate program in C/SJ is the second largest in Illinois.
“This partnership exemplifies Lewis University's Mission of providing a learning experience that is practical, focused and relevant,” said Lewis University President Brother James Gaffney, FSC. “This is a groundbreaking agreement for both (institutions).”
COD provides training for a multitude of Criminal Justice and Fire Science career programs, and is the home of the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy. In addition, the College is currently building a 65,000 square-foot Homeland Security Education Center (HEC) at its Glen Ellyn campus – the first facility of its kind in the Midwest.
Scheduled for completion in fall 2011, the HEC will feature a full-scale, 4-D tactical village, an emergency operations command post, advanced forensics technology and cybercrimes laboratories, and a lecture hall that also serves as a mock courtroom.
To participate in the COD/Lewis program, students must first complete an Associate of Arts degree or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice at College of DuPage.
On Monday, Feb. 28, Michelle Mega, Lewis Director of Recruitment and External Relations, will host an information session for individuals interested in learning more about the 3+1 Degree Program for Criminal/Social Justice. The session will take place in SRC 1450A from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 to 6 p.m.
For more information, call Robyn Johnson, COD News Bureau Coordinator, at
(630) 942-2454, e-mail johnsnro@cod.edu, or Kathrynne Skonicki, Lewis University Director of Media Relations, at (815) 836-5711, e-mail skonicka@lewisu.edu.