Education and Liberal Arts

Embark on a transformative academic journey.

ECC liberal arts programs offer diverse subjects in a supportive, small-class environment, encouraging exploration and deeper learning across disciplines. With smaller class sizes, our faculty are deeply committed to guiding students through their academic endeavors. Our humanities, social sciences, and education courses fulfill general education requirements and encourage multidisciplinary exploration.

Engage with dedicated professors who inspire profound connections with course material and foster dynamic interactions in every class session. Through vibrant discussions and constructive feedback, students are empowered to think critically and uncover meaningful connections across various disciplines. This emphasis on active participation nurtures an environment where intellectual curiosity flourishes.

Plenty of Course Options

Our course catalog ignites curiosity, shaping a personalized educational journey based on your interests and goals. ECC prepares you for success as a teacher or aide, supporting your educational goals through hands-on training and academic guidance.

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

Early Childhood Education

General Education Electives

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Please refer to the ECC catalog for program details and course descriptions.

ECC Catalog

What are your journalism classes like?

Join our journalism class for hands-on experience in a student newsroom that closely mirrors real-world professional media environments. You’ll refine your storytelling skills through text, photos, audio, and video, including stories translated into Spanish. A seasoned former journalist will guide your learning. Our supportive yet stimulating atmosphere ensures practical learning, empowering you to excel in the dynamic media world. Join us at the Observer, where you'll cultivate your craft in a student newsroom that mirrors the professional realm.

Joining a forensics or debate team connects you with like-minded individuals passionate about intellectual discourse and academic inquiry. Regularly engaging in public speaking and competitive debate helps participants overcome their fear of speaking in front of an audience. They also develop resilience and gain confidence in articulating their viewpoints persuasively.

Engage with Write Place tutors for comprehensive assistance in all stages of school-related writing, from brainstorming to final editing. Whether tackling research papers, essays, reports, or scholarship and college admission applications, our tutors are equipped to provide expert guidance. Additionally, they offer support in enhancing reading skills for a well-rounded academic experience.

Investing in English tutoring with our team is an investment in language proficiency. Our structured and personalized approach to language learning improves communication skills and fosters academic success. With Write Place tutors, elevate your writing and language abilities to excel academically.

Planning to Transfer for a Bachelor’s Degree?

Make an appointment with a representative to learn more about earning a Bachelor’s degree, earning summer credits for transfer, or dual admissions with an academic advisor.

Do you have partnerships with local arts organizations?

We participate in the Skyway Collegiate Conference, where students can participate in juried and exhibited festivals. We participate in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, where creative writers submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. You’ll participate in open mic sessions, readings, and workshop events.

What are ECC’s facilities like?

ECC offers co-curricular programs that bring working writers to campus through the ECC Writers Center and Coffee House. Here, you can share original work for discussion and feedback. ECC students publish Spire, our literary and visual arts magazine, each spring. You can submit works in poetry and prose for publishing. Our Humanities Center hosts Socratic debates on current events, modern discussion groups, film clubs, and pizza parties.

Student reading to child in child care center — The education program at ECC emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical experiences in collaboration with local school districts. Students gain real-time classroom experience, providing invaluable insight into the daily realities of teaching and potential career paths in education. Use the link below to explore the early childhood lab school and other campus learning environments.

Students sitting down with a success coach — At ECC, Student Success Coaches can provide comprehensive support as you navigate your college journey. We know college can be tough sometimes, so our coaches are here to help with everything from setting goals to managing time, improving study skills, and tackling tests. Whether you need help staying motivated or changing your mindset, we're here to coach you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out – we're dedicated to helping you succeed during your time at ECC. Use the link below to explore the college study areas and other campus learning environments.

Instructor giving a student a high five during class — Liberal arts education provides a well-rounded education covering various subjects, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. This broad knowledge base fosters intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world, critical to careers in leadership, business, law, and life.

Tutor helping a student write a paper — In our creative writing classes and advanced workshops, you'll master preparing and submitting a manuscript for publication. Magazine production participants gain skills in selecting, arranging, editing, and proofreading submissions, collaborating with a design team from layout to printer proofs. Use the link below to explore the Building B lounge and other learning environments.

ECC Observer students standing with award — At the Observer, you can work in a student newsroom like a professional one. You’ll work with audio and visual equipment. They learn how to use public records and data. Each semester, you create a portfolio that can be submitted as a part of an internship or job application for a career in journalism or related field. Contributing to the Observer gives you accessible work experience.

Person speaking with NIU college banners — ECC offers the PLEDGE program in partnership with Northern Illinois University, enabling you to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an ESL/Bilingual endorsement. This unique initiative facilitates a seamless transition and empowers you to complete your degrees while remaining at ECC.

Students in class — The ECC Humanities Center offers a variety of engaging activities open to all district residents. These include bimonthly discussion forums at the "Socrates Cafe," weekly television streaming and discussions at "Watch Parties," and a "Speaker's Series" featuring scholars from outside ECC sharing their research in Humanities-related fields. These activities offer students live, real-time practice for delivering compelling and efficient oral and written presentations crucial for their future careers. Use the link below to explore the classrooms and other campus learning environments.

Student at the library on a computer — You can schedule a 30-minute research appointment with a librarian for help. Appointments can be in-person (Building C) or virtual (Zoom), with 24-hour business notice required and subject to availability. Walk-ins are also welcome at our library reference desks during open hours. Use the link below to explore the library and other campus learning environments.

Group of students with political figure — Are you interested in politics, government studies, or being an activist? Attend legislative sessions in Springfield, IL, and connect with local, state, and federal legislators, government officials, and organizations. Civic Leaders serving per semester will be awarded a $500 scholarship. The Center for Civic Engagement at ECC fosters the skills and experiences essential for Elgin Community College students interested in politics, government studies, or activism to become thoughtful and engaged civic leaders within campus, their communities, and our democracy.

ECC students abroad — ECC provides diverse study abroad options, including traditional semester and summer programs, short-term experiential experiences, and virtual exchange programs. This global perspective promotes empathy, tolerance, and understanding of different cultures and societies. Enrich your global perspective, enhance intercultural awareness, and deepen your appreciation for global issues. Use the link below to explore the international lounge and other campus learning environments.

ECC in the News

Elgin Community College across Lake Spartan.

Accomplishment | Student Profile

Published 05/01/2024

4 Elgin Community College Students Inducted into Golden Apple Program

Four Elgin Community College (ECC) students have been inducted into the Golden Apple Scholars program in Illinois and will receive up to $23,000 in scholarships. Students Trista Skelnik, Jozephine Carlson, Dulce Rivera, and Valeria Hernandez received official invitations in April.

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The Center for Civic Engagement presents a Women in Politics panel on September 19.

Events

Published 09/06/2023

ECC’s Center for Civic Engagement welcomes elected officials for Women in Politics event

Elgin Community College's new Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) mission is to foster engaged civic leaders on campus and create a culture of civic engagement in the community. The center is hosting its first Women in Politics event on Tuesday, September 19, at ECC’s Spartan Drive campus.

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Academics

Published 06/27/2023

In Their Own Words: Students share life experiences through stories

Brian Bohr is reinventing the classroom experience to embrace and enhance what students can bring to storytelling. In his communications course, Oral Interpretation of Literature, students take stories that are not traditionally performative and bring them to life from their personal perspectives through different mediums, including poetry, personal narratives, and digital storytelling.

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ECC forensics team members Aleah Janae, Hannah Carpenter, and Damian Hacz

Accomplishment | Events

Published 04/26/2023

ECC forensics team wins big at Phi Rho Pi National tournament

The Elgin Community College Forensics Team showed the nation what they could do during the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Bethesda, Maryland. Phi Rho Pi Nationals is the final tournament of their competitive season, with over 50 schools competing.

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Members of the ECC student newspaper, The Observer

Academics | Accomplishment

Published 03/20/2023

ECC student journalists win national honor

The Elgin Community College student newspaper, The Observer, won first place for its digital newsletter in the two-year school category at the 2023 ACP Spring College National Media Conference in San Francisco.

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Photo credit: Northern Illinois University. All 15 students of the first cohort of the

Accomplishment | Commencement

Published 05/13/2021

ECC and NIU celebrate first Elementary Education Transfer Pathway graduating class

Elgin Community College and Northern Illinois University hosted a recognition event on May 7 on ECC’s campus to celebrate the first cohort of 15 students who completed the ECC-to-NIU College of Education transfer pathway degree.

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ECC Professor of History and Political Science Antonio Ramirez

Accomplishment | Faculty Profile

Published 03/18/2021

ECC Professor Receives Inaugural Elevating Equity Grant

Antonio Ramirez, assistant professor of history and political science at Elgin Community College, was awarded an inaugural Elevating Equity Grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation for his Chicagolandia: Oral Histories of Chicago's Latinx Suburbs project.

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Register for a campus tour today!

Tour our beautiful campus and explore programs, student resources, and academic spaces. Tours are offered every other Wednesday at 4:00 pm pm and are led by a friendly student ambassador or an admissions staff member.

In-Person Campus Tours

Take an Interactive Tour

Imagine yourself at Elgin Community College from wherever you are. View the classes and spaces you’ll walk in as a student. No matter where you are in your college search, we can help.

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Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689