Transfer Degree Programs
ECC is the ideal place to begin courses toward a bachelor's degree or earn summer credits for transfer. Depending on your plans, your academic advisor will help you develop an education plan for a seamless transfer to the college or university of your choice.
Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)
The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide transfer agreement that is transferable among more than 100 participating colleges and universities in Illinois.
All colleges and universities participating in IAI agree to accept a "package" of IAI general education courses instead of their own comparable lower-division general education requirements. Keep in mind the IAI general education transfers as a package. Any course-to-course transfer credit is not guaranteed. Work with your academic advisor to see exactly how your courses will transfer beyond the IAI package.
View a description of the disciplines in the IAI general education package, also known as the GECC.
Want to see how your courses map to the general education package (GECC)? View the Course Worksheet
University Transfer Degrees: AA & AS
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree has a fully incorporated general education package (GECC). When you complete an AA degree and transfer, your transfer school should waive your general education requirements at the next 4-year IAI participating institution you choose to attend.
The Associate in Science degree (AS) is specifically designed for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, areas of study. This degree has a modified general education package that allows students in these demanding fields to remain on track with their cohorts at the 4-year institutions and complete a couple of general education courses after they transfer to their institution of choice. Under the AS degree model, students will take one additional math and one science course, delaying two GECC courses in the Humanities & Fine Arts and Social & Behavioral Sciences categories. The GECC package remains intact; however, a student will complete the package upon transfer to a university.
Additional University Transfer Degrees
In addition to the AA and AS, ECC offers other degrees to help you transition to a bachelor's degree after ECC. However, these additional degrees do not include the "package" of IAI general education courses. To provide a smooth transfer, working directly with your academic advisor to develop an education plan tailored to your desired area of study and where you plan to go after ECC is important.
University Transfer Degree Partnerships
ECC partners with colleges and universities in-state and out-of-state to ensure a seamless transfer. Partnerships include Guaranteed Transfer Agreements, 2+2 and 3+1 Transfer Agreements, scholarship opportunities available to specific ECC student populations, and more.
Student Stories
Aimee Padilla
Elgin Community College helped pre-med student Aimee Padilla foster her love of science, a subject that will play a significant role in her future as a biological engineer.
Christopher Grissette
Chris Grissette found summer classes to be in-depth and engaging with teachers who were very helpful. Get the most out of your summer.