Education and Liberal Arts

Embark on a transformative academic journey.

Elgin Community College (ECC) programs for teaching and exploring liberal arts open doors to diverse subjects in an intimate classroom setting. With smaller class sizes, our faculty are deeply committed to guiding students through their academic endeavors. Spanning humanities, social sciences, and education, our comprehensive course offerings provide the perfect platform for fulfilling general education requirements while fostering 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.

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?

Embark on an immersive journey in our journalism class, where you'll delve into hands-on experiences within a student newsroom mirroring professional environments. From crafting narratives through text, photographs, audio, and video to exploring stories translated into Spanish, you'll refine your skills under the guidance of a seasoned former journalist. 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 opens doors to a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for intellectual discourse and rigorous academic inquiry. By regularly engaging in public speaking and competitive debate, participants overcome fears of speaking in front of an audience, develop resilience in the face of challenges, and gain confidence in their abilities to articulate 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?

Learn more about earning a Bachelor’s degree, earning summer credits for transfer, or dual admissions with a university by making an appointment 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 also participate in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference, where creative writers take center stage, submitting works in poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, and drama. You’ll participate in open mic sessions, readings, and workshop events. 

What are ECC’s facilities like?

If you’re interested in writing, ECC offers many co-curricular programs that bring working writers to Campus through the ECC Writers Center and Coffee House, where you’ll 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 about current events, modern discussion groups, film clubs, and pizza parties that inspire connections with other students.

ECC in the News