Frequently Asked Questions

Harper College’s AAOD fulfills the general requirements for the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Some students may choose the AAOD> as their educational goal, while others earn the AAOD in preparation for transfer to a four-year school where they complete their bachelor’s degree. The degree is typically completed in two years if you attend Harper as a full-time student.

If your goal includes finishing your degree in the least amount of time, with the least amount of debt, and without taking additional credits that you don’t need, the AAOD is a great option. Every aspect of this program has been mapped out for you. Courses are pre-determined so you can fit the AAOD into your busy life and be confident that you’re on the right path. You'll be provided with the courses and related course numbers, and your advisor is ready to help with any registration questions you may have.

Regardless of where you attend college, you will take a series of courses that form the foundation of your college education. These courses, often referred to as general education requirements (or gen eds), cover typical courses that you’d expect to take during your first two years of college, including math, English, science and others. Students enrolled in the AAOD> program> know that they are taking the correct courses for their plans and goals. 

All of your AAOD classes will be delivered in a flexible online anytime format, with no required face-to-face sessions or scheduled virtual class times. You can log in and complete a class at any time of the day or night.

Interactions take place through discussion boards, and your assignments and tests are submitted online. Even your classroom readings and materials are provided to you online. You’ll never need to attend class on Harper’s campus while earning this degree. Advising and other student services are also delivered online. 

All AAOD courses are transferable within the guidelines set by the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).* Under IAI, Illinois’ public colleges and universities agree to accept your IAI general education courses when you transfer. The AAOD courses were carefully chosen to ensure successful transfer within IAI, so you can be confident that you’ve taken the right courses in the correct sequence.

Keep in mind that specific majors or undergraduate programs at four-year schools can establish their own general education requirements in addition to the IAI general education core.

*IAI is an agreement with distinctive parameters and does not apply to private schools or out-of-state schools. If in doubt, consult with your advisor.

Courses offered in the AAOD were selected for their successful track record of effective instruction, high pass rates, and strong reputation among students who have taken the classes. Harper faculty receive in-depth training in teaching online and creating course materials that meet the needs of diverse learners.

As an AAOD student, you will spend $40 or less per course for your readings, books, materials or other supplies that are required by your instructor. Many AAOD course materials are free. 

No, you can choose to attend the AAOD program as a part-time or full-time student. Students enrolled part time will need more time to complete the program. 

Harper understands that your plans can grow and evolve. You are not required to commit to the entire program, and you can choose to leave at any point.

Courses that you have successfully completed will still have IAI status. However, transfer institutions can choose to handle individual courses on a case-by-case basis, as compared to the complete gen ed package.