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Students who typically plan to transfer to a four-year college/university after attending ECC select one of our University Transfer programs. Coursework in the University Transfer programs is designed to meet the general education course requirements of most four-year institutions, such as communication, math, science, fine arts, etc. Our classes and degrees have transferred to nearly 1,000 four-year schools nationwide. Students may complete some or all of their general education requirements at ECC and then transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. ECC's Associate in Arts and Associate in Science are the two most popular University Transfer programs. These options allow students to prepare to transfer for majors such as education, psychology, accounting, criminal justice, and pre-professional programs. Whatever your goal, our supportive faculty and staff are here to help you keep your momentum. With student support services like academic and transfer advising, tutoring, and career services, you’ll be ready for what comes next.

The other path known as Career & Technical Program is designed for students who are planning to enter the workforce immediately after ECC. Our short-term certificate programs will help you get working in a new career. We offer dozens of programs, including options for completing your certificate as a Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician, Supply Chain, and Logistics Specialist, or Cybersecurity. 

Students who plan to learn a trade or skill to begin their career sooner usually choose a program in a career technical area. Courses heavily emphasize the skills you will need to start working in that field upon completion of your program at ECC. These programs tend to have fewer general education requirements so they generally do not transfer to another college. However, a few career technical education programs are coordinated with specific four-year institutions to allow a smooth transfer. If you are interested in transferring after completing one of the career technical education programs, it is important you discuss your plans with your ECC academic advisor when you meet to create your educational plan.

You're not alone in being uncertain about what you want to study at ECC. Did you know that over 60 percent of students attending a community college are still deciding on their program of study? Choosing what you want to study is a big decision; talking with someone trained to help you discover your major/career direction can be helpful.  We want to share a few resources with you that will help you make your decision about a program of study at ECC or beyond. For many students, making this choice is difficult because they don't know what career they want after college or have so many ideas but don't know what college major/program of study will get them there. Career development specialists in the Student Success Center can help you answer the following questions:

• How do I start the process of choosing a major?
• How do I know what majors match my interests, values, and personality characteristics?
• What can I do with the major I am considering?

If you have any questions or want to purchase a Career Assessment Package, call 847-214-7390 or email careerservices@elgin.edu.

If you are still deciding at this point, we recommend that you follow the Associate in Arts degree's educational plan for selecting courses your first semester. We suggest this option because it is our most flexible program of study. This plan is designed for eventual transfer to a 4-year college or university. However, after starting in this area, if you determine that it is not the best choice for you, you can change it the next semester. It is always important to discuss your plans with your ECC academic advisor when you meet to create your educational plan.