New program will yield ECC degree in 14 months

Driven students will soon have the chance to get into the fast lane at Elgin Community College.

The college next month will launch two new degree options allowing students to earn a two-year associate degree in just 14 months.

"It's ideal for those who want to transfer quickly to a four-year college," said Mary Perkins, ECC's associate dean of enrollment.

ECC has been working on the programs since last summer, she said.

"Really, these were created in response to the needs of adult learners in the district," Perkins said. "Being able to move through a program as expeditiously as possible, we've found, is really attractive to them."

The associate in arts with business emphasis prepares students to enter a four-year college's business program. Predominately evening courses, the degree is structured with few electives.

The associate in arts with general education emphasis, Perkins said, allows students more academic freedom.

"They're not locked into doing it just one way -- with a number of electives, they can tailor the degree to have an emphasis on history or English or math," she said.

These classes are predominately held in the mornings or early afternoons, Perkins said, and are designed to appeal to recent high school graduates as well as adults.

ECC's program is unique among area community colleges.

Harper College in Palatine's Fast Track program is geared toward adults 24 and older.

In the program, students earn can earn five types of associate degrees by taking four-hour classes once per week.

"It generally takes two years or more to finish," said Sally Griffith, the college's assistant vice president for career programs.

Oakton does not have a fast finish options, college spokesman Bill Paige said.

At ECC, students must be able to devote 14 consecutive months to full-time enrollment and at least 15 hours per week to class time, Perkins said.

She estimates that weekly study time is 20 to 30 hours.

To be considered for ECC's program, students must complete applications by May 1.

For more information, visit www.elgin.edu/fastfinish or call the counseling office at (847) 214-7390.