Oakton College Campuses

Oakton College's Des Plaines Campus offers a wide array of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs designed to prepare students for careers or further education. The campus emphasizes hands-on learning in diverse fields.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences: Courses in English composition, literature, history, philosophy, and foreign languages form the foundation for transfer to four-year institutions. Students explore humanities through critical thinking and writing-intensive classes.
• Business Administration: Programs cover accounting principles, marketing strategies, management fundamentals, economics, and entrepreneurship. Practical skills in financial analysis and business communication are developed via simulations and case studies.
• Health Professions: Training includes nursing fundamentals, medical assisting, radiology technology, and dental hygiene. Clinical rotations and lab work ensure readiness for healthcare roles, with emphasis on patient care ethics and anatomy.
• STEM Fields: Engineering courses introduce mechanics, circuits, and programming; computer science covers algorithms, web development, and cybersecurity; mathematics and natural sciences offer calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics labs for scientific inquiry.
• Information Technology: Degrees in networking, database management, software development, and IT support teach coding in languages like Java and Python, alongside hardware troubleshooting and cloud computing.
• Visual and Performing Arts: Classes in drawing, painting, graphic design, music theory, theater production, and dance provide creative outlets, with portfolio development and performance opportunities.
• Social Sciences: Psychology, sociology, anthropology, and political science courses analyze human behavior, societal structures, and global issues through research and discussion.
• Workforce Development: Short-term certificates in welding, HVAC, automotive technology, and culinary arts focus on vocational skills with industry partnerships for apprenticeships.

Overall, the curriculum integrates general education requirements with specialized tracks, supporting over 10,000 students annually in achieving academic and professional goals. Faculty bring real-world expertise, and resources like tutoring centers enhance learning outcomes. This comprehensive offering ensures accessibility for diverse learners, from recent high school graduates to adult professionals seeking advancement. The campus's state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and computer centers, foster innovation and collaboration. Programs align with regional workforce needs, boasting high transfer and employment rates. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized advising, and extracurricular activities that build leadership and community engagement skills. Whether pursuing an AAS degree in applied science or an AA in arts, the Des Plaines Campus equips individuals with the knowledge and credentials for success in a dynamic job market.

The Skokie Campus, known as the Ray Hartstein Center, provides specialized continuing education, workforce training, and select credit programs tailored to adult learners and professionals in the northern suburbs. It focuses on flexible, practical courses to enhance skills and career prospects.

• Business and Professional Development: Non-credit workshops in leadership, project management, Excel proficiency, and QuickBooks training. Credit options include advanced business analytics, human resources management, and small business operations.
• Healthcare Continuing Education: Certification programs for EMTs, phlebotomy, CPR, and medical coding. Courses emphasize compliance with HIPAA and current medical protocols through interactive simulations.
• Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Short courses in Cisco networking, CompTIA certifications, ethical hacking, and data analytics. Hands-on labs cover software tools like SQL and ethical AI applications.
• Language and ESL Programs: Intensive English as a Second Language classes at all levels, plus courses in Spanish, Mandarin, and American Sign Language for cultural integration and workplace communication.
• Culinary Arts and Hospitality: Training in food safety, baking techniques, event planning, and restaurant management. Partnerships with local industries offer internships and ServSafe certifications.
• Engineering and Manufacturing: Courses in CAD design, robotics, lean manufacturing, and quality control. Vocational certificates prepare for roles in advanced manufacturing with focus on Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Arts and Design: Evening classes in digital photography, interior design, fashion merchandising, and Adobe Creative Suite. Portfolio-building workshops support creative careers.
• Social Services and Education: Training for childcare providers, substance abuse counseling, and paralegal studies. Courses include child development, ethics in social work, and legal research methods.

This campus serves as a hub for lifelong learning, accommodating working adults with evening, weekend, and online-hybrid formats. With enrollment around 5,000, it prioritizes accessibility through affordable tuition and supportive services like career counseling. Facilities include modern computer labs, conference centers, and collaborative spaces. Programs are developed in response to employer demands, ensuring graduates are job-ready. The curriculum promotes inclusivity, with accommodations for diverse needs and cultural sensitivity training. Students engage in real-world projects, guest lectures from industry experts, and networking events. From foundational skills to advanced specializations, the Skokie Campus empowers personal and professional growth, contributing to the economic vitality of the community. High completion rates and positive feedback highlight its effectiveness in bridging education with employment opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape.