Oakton, Roosevelt jointly offer dual degree program
Oakton Community College and Roosevelt University are partnering to offer a new Dual Degree Program aimed at making it easier for students to earn their associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from both colleges.
The deal was inked during a ceremony Wednesday at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus.
Roosevelt President Chuck Middleton said in a news release the agreements “provide a pathway for full-time students to earn high-quality, accessible and affordable four-year degrees close to home from both Oakton and Roosevelt.”
Oakton students in the Dual Degree Program are guaranteed acceptance to Roosevelt once they complete their associate’s degrees, and will transfer to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
To ensure a smooth transition from Oakton, Roosevelt has established transfer credit guides for specific degree programs, including the bachelor of science in business administration.
Others in development include a bachelor of science in computer science, bachelor of arts in information technology, bachelor of arts or science in math with a secondary education certification, bachelor of arts in psychology, and bachelor of arts in integrated marketing communications.
Once Oakton students select their intended Roosevelt major, their degree requirements will be locked in for three years.
Dual Degree Program students can also get a Roosevelt tuition discount based on their Oakton GPA. High-achieving Oakton students are eligible to compete for $15,000 and $12,500 annual Roosevelt scholarships and $1,000 awards.
“We have together created new pathways for our students and strengthened the partnership forged over many years between Roosevelt and Oakton,” Oakton President Margaret Lee said in the release.
Career guidance is also part of the agreement.
“Roosevelt will provide Dual Degree Program students with advisers who, in collaboration with their Oakton counselors, will help students develop and follow four-year academic plans to ensure that none of their credits are lost when they transfer,” said Douglas Knerr, Roosevelt’s Schaumburg campus provost.
Knerr said studies show that students who complete an associate degree before transferring are more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree, and do so in a shorter period of time.
Students interested in the Dual Degree Program must complete a one-page application available at www.roosevelt.edu/Admission/Transfer/YourCollegeCredit/Oakton.aspx.