Kishwaukee College's Main Campus in Malta offers a comprehensive array of associate degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, critical thinking, and foundational knowledge across various disciplines.
- Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees provide general education courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, ideal for students planning to transfer to universities for bachelor's degrees. Core courses include English composition, college algebra, biology, history, and psychology.
- Nursing programs, including the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), feature rigorous training in patient care, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Students gain hands-on experience through simulations and partnerships with local healthcare facilities.
- Business and management offerings cover accounting principles, business law, marketing, economics, and entrepreneurship. Certificate options in small business management help aspiring owners develop essential skills.
- Industrial and engineering technologies include welding, automotive technology, manufacturing skills, and computer-aided design (CAD). These programs equip students with certifications from bodies like the American Welding Society and prepare them for roles in manufacturing and repair industries.
- Health sciences extend beyond nursing to include medical assisting, emergency medical technician (EMT) training, and phlebotomy certificates, focusing on healthcare support roles with coursework in medical terminology, ethics, and clinical procedures.
- Liberal arts and education programs offer pathways for future teachers, with courses in child development, education foundations, and literature. Transfer agreements ensure seamless progression to teaching licensure programs.
- Information technology courses cover networking, cybersecurity, programming in languages like Python and Java, and database management, aligning with industry certifications such as CompTIA A+ and Cisco CCNA.
- Agricultural sciences, reflecting the region's rural economy, include courses in agronomy, animal science, soil management, and sustainable farming practices, often in collaboration with local farms for practical application.
- Criminal justice and public safety programs address law enforcement, corrections, forensics, and homeland security, with simulations and internships enhancing real-world readiness.
- Continuing education and workforce development provide non-credit courses in areas like ESL, GED preparation, computer literacy, and professional development workshops for career advancement.
Overall, the Main Campus fosters a supportive learning environment with small class sizes, modern facilities including labs and a library, and dedicated faculty. Programs are continually updated to meet employer needs and accreditation standards, ensuring graduates are competitive in Illinois and beyond. With flexible scheduling including online, hybrid, and evening options, Kishwaukee College serves diverse learners from recent high school graduates to adult professionals seeking career changes or upskilling. Community partnerships enhance opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and job placement, making it a vital educational hub in DeKalb County.
