Illinois Central College Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

Illinois Central College (ICC) offers a wide array of programs designed to cater to diverse interests and career aspirations. Whether you're looking to transfer to a four-year university, enter the workforce immediately, or enhance your skills, ICC provides pathways to achieve your goals. With a student-faculty ratio of 17-to-1 and an open admissions policy, ICC provides an accessible and supportive learning environment.

Academic Programs

ICC offers degrees and certificates in 70 different fields, providing students with a multitude of options to choose from. The college utilizes a semester-based academic year. The highest degree offered at Illinois Central College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences.

Transfer Programs

The Associate in Arts degree is designed for students who desire to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education. Illinois Central College has a strong reputation for transferability to four-year universities. Bradley University and Illinois Central College (ICC) have formalized a new transfer partnership designed to create a seamless, student-centered pathway from ICC to Bradley bachelor’s degree programs. The agreement, known as Path2BU.

Economics: The Economics area of study is designed for students transferring to a four-year college or university for completion of a bachelor's degree.
Liberal Arts: The Liberal Arts Associate in Arts degree allows students the flexibility necessary for exploration while providing the structure and attention necessary for a variety of academic disciplines.
Political Science: The Political Science Associate in Arts degree will prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university to advance their studies and gain employment in the public or private sector.
International Studies: The International Studies Associate in Arts degree prepares students for analyzing and successfully navigating global issues in our constantly changing world. It provides a global understanding and relevant skills beneficial to various careers.
Agriculture: This program specifically prepares you to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree. Illinois is one of the nation’s leading states in agriculture, so Agriculture is a popular transfer program for ICC students.

Career and Technical Programs

ICC offers a variety of career and technical programs designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

Accounting: This certificate program will prepare students for immediate entry into the accounting fields as bookkeepers or bookkeeping assistants.
Agriculture: This one-year certificate program offers a broad-based grounding in the skills and technologies that drive farming today. As the world’s largest commercial industry, agriculture provides an abundance of career opportunities here in the Midwest. The agricultural field offers numerous specialities such as agricultural production, marketing and merchandising, research and development, or public policy.
Automotive Technology: Get your start in the fast-moving automotive industry with hands-on training in engine repair, electrical systems, suspension, and more. Turn your passion for cars into a high-performance career. As an Automotive Repair Specialist, you'll develop skills to diagnose and repair today’s high-tech vehicles-everything from drivetrains and ignition systems to hybrid and electric technologies. If you love working on vehicles, this program trains you with skills in all automotive systems to become a certified automotive technician. Jump into a critical diagnostic role in the automotive industry. Build on your current skills and prepare for a career as an apprentice technician. This program prepares students to meet General Motors training standards using a mixture of classroom lectures and hands-on experience.
Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program: Looking to build a future in construction, the building trades, or clean energy? The Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program is your gateway to exciting opportunities.
Commercial Refrigeration Technician: The Commercial Refrigeration Technician Certificate prepares students to work in the maintenance and repair of ice machines and walk-in, reach-in, and supermarket refrigeration.
Construction Management: The Construction Management certificate is your key to kickstarting a rewarding career in commercial construction.
CNC Machine Operator: CNC Machine Operators are an important part of the manufacturing industry.
Criminal Justice: A career in criminal justice can be a fulfilling, rewarding, and exciting career.
Culinary Arts: Turn your love of all things food into a rewarding career in the culinary industry. Step into a culinary career by learning fundamental concepts and hands-on techniques in baking, cooking, beverage management, front of the house, presentation, theory, and more.
Cybersecurity Analyst: The Cybersecurity Analyst certificate provides students with fundamental cybersecurity, IT, and networking knowledge.
Early Childhood Education: This program is for individuals who have the passion to provide the best care and education for children from six weeks to eight years of age. The Early Childhood Education - Basic Certificate prepares students for positions as assistant teachers in childcare centers. Complete the Early Childhood Education - Advanced Certificate on your way to earning an associate in applied science degree. You love the wonder of learning in a young child's eyes. Transform that love into a career in early childhood education. You have a love of teaching children. Transform that love into a career in Elementary Education. You love the energy of high-school-age kids and want to help them succeed. A career as a secondary education teacher might be right for you. Teaching children with special needs can be a fulfilling experience. Enrich your life with a career in special education.
Electric Vehicle Technology: Prepare for a hands-on career in the growing electric vehicle industry.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is the first level of EMT training.
Engineering Technology: Have an aptitude for math and science? Engineering might be the career for you, and ICC is the perfect place to explore. Engineering is the perfect field for you if you enjoy applying your knowledge in math and science to the analysis, design, and construction of physical devices. This two-year degree will prepare you to work in the manufacturing industry as a manufacturing engineering technician or as a tool and die maker. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology program prepares students to work in manufacturing, assisting engineering and management in the design, development, and improvement processes.
Firefighter EMTs: Firefighter EMTs are the front lines of the Emergency Response System.
General Motors ASEP: This program prepares students to meet General Motors training standards using a mixture of classroom lectures and hands-on experience.
Graphic Design: Draw on your artistic talents as you sketch out the foundations of a career in art. Unleash your creativity, study Art or Graphic Design, and earn an Associate degree in Fine Arts. Learn in-demand design software and techniques. Explore the role of graphic designers and how they support effective marketing.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Take your first step to a career in the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. This certificate prepares students for entry-level work as a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician.
Industrial Electro-Mechanical Technology: This certificate program provides comprehensive education in industrial electro-mechanical technology, safety, installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.
Java Development: Ready to break into the world of software development? Get hands-on Java training for real-world success.
Journalism: Journalism has expanded beyond traditional newspapers, magazines, television, and radio. Modern journalism includes social media, blogs, podcasts, and e-news sources.
Medical Assistant: Join the healthcare field as a Medical Assistant. Medical assisting directly influences the public’s health and well-being and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring formal education and practical experience.
Medical Coding: Medical coders play a vital role in healthcare operations. A medical coder reviews patient charts and translates information to a universal coding system required by insurance companies. If you have a keen eye for detail, great keyboarding skills, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is for you.
Medical Laboratory Technician: Medical laboratory technicians participate in helping find the causes of illness and disease by performing tests like microbiology, urinalysis, hematology, and chemistry. You can start in the healthcare field in as little as nine months.
Networking: This certificate is aligned to the Cisco Certified Network Association (CCNA) certification, which is the foundation that networking careers are built upon. Start your networking career by earning the Cisco Networking Professional certificate. This certificate is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and knowledge in foundational networking technologies that could lead to several entry-level job opportunities. The Network Administrator provides training aligned to several computer networking certifications. The Networking Certificate provides students a working knowledge of the principles, techniques, and skills required to set up and maintain a networking environment.
Nursing Assistant: Nursing assistants help registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with providing patient care by performing many day-to-day tasks such as giving patient baths, providing routine skin care, measuring vital signs, and helping patients walk or move around.
Office Assistant: Office assistants are needed in all types of organizations, from non-profits to large corporations.
Patient Access Representative: The Patient Access Representative program prepares students for managing administrative tasks related to patient care. They register patients, verify insurance information, schedule appointments, and answer patient questions.
Public Relations: Build great connections. Create strategies and find the common threads that bring people together. Master the communication skills that will help you further your cause, sell ideas, and develop your reputation as a leader. As a public relations practitioner, you create the story. Your talents create concepts that attract attention and build customer loyalty.
9-1-1 Telecommunicator: If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, then working as a 9-1-1 Telecommunicator is a perfect career.

Other Programs and Areas of Study

Actuary: Are you passionate about math and intrigued by the world of business? Our program is tailored for aspiring Actuaries.
Artificial Intelligence: The Artificial Intelligence Certificate offers in-depth training in cutting-edge technology.
Biology: Biology is a broad field centered on the study of living organisms and processes.
Business: You are motivated to work in business -- whether for yourself or others. Millions of people have dreams of starting a small business, but many don't know how to start. Central Illinois is home to multiple global corporations, and a degree in International Business can lead to a fulfilling career locally or across the globe.
Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician: Take your passion for "Big Yellow" machines into the classroom to become a Caterpillar Dealer Service Technician.
Chemistry: Chemistry is the language spoken by nature. It takes you deep into life’s building blocks, explaining how atoms, molecules and ions work together and interact with each other to form new and exciting materials.
Computer Science/Coding: Turn your passion for coding into a career. This hands-on program is designed with you in mind.
Dance: Discover the art of personal expression through movement. Learn the history and fundamentals of dance while you expand your mastery of physical and artistic elements.
Data Science/Database Management: Start building your future in tech - one data set at a time. Get the hands-on training you'll need to thrive in the dynamic field of database management. As the world relies more on data, analytics, technology, and research, a solid mastery of math skills can serve as an excellent foundation in a variety of STEM fields.
Drug and Alcohol Counseling: On the highway. In the farm field. On the construction site. You have compassion for those who are struggling with addiction. You have compassion for individuals struggling with addiction and you want to better the quality of life in your communities.
Engineering: Engineering is the perfect field for you if you enjoy applying your knowledge in math and science to the analysis, design, and construction of physical devices.
English: Writing, research, and analytical skills equip individuals with the flexibility to tackle nearly any job, and they never diminish in value.
Environmental Science: Are you passionate about understanding, preserving, and protecting the environment? Environmental Science may be the perfect fit for you.
Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS): A degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) provides students a valuable foundation in the preparation for a career in helping others with their everyday lives.
Geography: Geography is an integrating discipline that encourages the student to relate the various components of the physical and culturally created environments.
Geoscience: Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
Green Industry/Horticulture: Individuals who love working outdoors, working with people, being creative, and taking care of the environment will feel right at home working in the green industry. It takes dedicated professionals to maintain the beautiful greens at golf courses and fields in athletic facilities.
Media: Want to have a career creating, managing, or distributing media content to audiences via multiple channels and devices? They could be traditional channels, such as radio, TV, or film , or newer media like streaming, mobile or social media. Master the media that move our world. Get behind the camera and inside the software to tell stories, launch new ideas, and build brands. The Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) in Music offers comprehensive music training so you'll be ready to transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree in music.
Meteorology: Combine your fascination with Earth's atmosphere and your compassion for those affected by weather to craft a unique career path.
Philosophy: Apply your curiosity and learn how to evaluate beliefs and values. Cultivate and practice critical thinking skills that have created leading thought platforms and belief systems.
Physics: If you seek to understand the laws that govern the universe, the Physics program at ICC is for you. Physics is the scientific study of matter and energy.
Pre-Chiropractic: You will use both science and your hands to help people as a chiropractor. Chiropractic manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, is used to resolve pain, headaches, and other health issues. Pre-chiropractic study at ICC prepares you for professional school. Healthcare careers require a deep understanding of the basic sciences, and ICC is the perfect place to begin your education.
Pre-Pharmacy: As a pharmacist, you will do more than dispense medicine. You’ll help people use prescription medication safely and for maximum benefit. ICC can prepare you for this growing career with classes taught by expert instructors and tuition that won’t break the bank.
Pre-Physical Therapy: With physical therapy, you can help patients restore their quality of life following an illness or injury. You may also conduct research, educate patients, and help prevent disease.
Pre-Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary medicine will blend your love of animals with your passion for science. Start your education at ICC, where you benefit from inspiring instructors and competitive tuition.
General Studies: Take your love of learning and get a comprehensive education without committing to a specific program of study.

Non-Credit Workshops and Training

ICC offers a variety of non-credit workshops and training programs designed to enhance skills and promote lifelong learning.

Elevate: New and emerging technologies have become vital production tools for farmers and agribusinesses. Elevate your skills with flexible workshops, training, and certificates designed to increase your knowledge in your chosen profession.
Customized Training: We will partner with you to identify training that is customized to your businesses’ needs.
Curiosity Lab: Curiosity Lab is an enrichment program for students, grades 4-9. Classes are designed to stimulate creativity, promote curiosity, and encourage engagement.
National Safety Council DDD-4 Class: This National Safety Council DDD-4 class is offered onsite several times a year.
ProTrain Partnership: Discover learning options from our trusted partner, ProTrain.
CompTIA Certifications:
- CompTIA Data+: The CompTIA Data+ exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to transform business requirements in support of data-driven decisions through mining and manipulating data, applying basic statistical methods, and analyzing complex datasets while adhering to governance and quality standards throughout the entire data life cycle.
- CompTIA Server+: If you intend to pass the CompTIA Server+ (Exam SK0-005) certification examination, this course can be a significant part of your preparation. But certification is not the only key to professional success in the field of server management. Today's job market demands individuals with demonstrable skills, and the information and activities in this course can help you build your sysadmin skill set so that you can confidently perform your duties in any entry-level server administration role.
Microsoft Certifications and Courses:
- Microsoft Teams Administrator (MS-700): Candidates for this exam are Microsoft Teams administrators who deliver secure, efficient, and effective internal and external collaboration and communication capabilities with Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365. This course prepares a student to take the Microsoft MS-700 - Managing Microsoft Teams national certification exam.
- Microsoft Excel: In this course, we will learn the many facets of Microsoft Excel. We will learn basic functions, such as creating a spreadsheet and working with formulas. We will learn how to create and sort tables, use templates, and the financial functions of Microsoft Excel. We will also explore more advanced features, such as pivot tables and user interfaces. In this course, you’ll build your Excel skills from the ground up and grow into advanced techniques for data analysis, visualization, and automation. You’ll learn how to enter and format data, create formulas, and build charts and tables. As you progress, you’ll explore tools like PivotTables, SmartArt, Goal Seek, and Solver to evaluate complex data. You’ll import data from external sources, apply conditional formatting, and use lookup functions to streamline your workflow. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to customize Excel’s interface, record macros, use Power Query and Power Pivot, and create professional, interactive workbooks for a variety of personal and professional tasks.
- Microsoft Outlook: In this course, we will learn the many facets of Microsoft Outlook. We will also learn how to work with contacts and display/print views as well as creating and editing appointments.
- Microsoft PowerPoint: In this course, we will learn the many facets of Microsoft PowerPoint. We will learn basic functions, such as creating presentations, slides, and changing layouts. We will learn how to work with illustrations and images in PowerPoint. We will also explore more advanced features, such as collaborating in PowerPoint, SmartArt, and delivering presentations.
- Microsoft Word: In this course, we will learn the many facets of Microsoft Word. We will learn basic functions, such as adjusting margins and inserting pictures. We will learn how to share Microsoft Word documents and create an online form. We will also explore more advanced features, such as creating a flyer and using Macros. This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of Microsoft Word. The course is designed for learners who wish to master the features of Microsoft Word, from basic document creation to advanced formatting and collaboration tools. Students will apply their knowledge to practice activities, gaining the skills necessary to produce professional documents efficiently and effectively.
Programming Courses:
- C# Programming: You will be introduced to the concepts of Object-oriented programming using C#. Students will learn the fundamentals of .NET programming as they create C# applications. You will create applications that use variables, conditional statements, looping statements, arrays and function. No programming background is required for this course.
- C++ Programming: This C++ programming course provides a comprehensive introduction to the language, starting with its history and key concepts. Students will quickly learn to write their first programs, incorporating user input, calculations, and output. The course then delves into essential programming constructs like decision-making with if/else statements and loops for repetitive tasks. File handling, data types, and functions are also explored, equipping students with the ability to write more complex and organized code. Later lessons cover debugging, data structures, and error handling with exceptions, providing a well-rounded foundation in C++ programming.
- MySQL Database Management: This course will give students the skills they need to set up and manage a MySQL database. Students will learn the basics of designing a relational database and learn to use SQL statements to create databases, tables and manage data in the data tables. Students will create a MySQL database and will identify the types of data that can be stored in data tables. Students will use the PHPMyAdmin tool to view and manage their MySQL databases. Students will learn to write applications which use MySQL databases.

Student Life and Services

ICC provides a supportive environment for students with a variety of services and resources.

Academic/career counseling service: Yes
Placement services for completers: Yes
On-campus day care for students' children: Yes
Employment services for students: Yes
Credit for life experiences: Yes

Admissions and Financial Aid

ICC has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of students.

Applying

Complete our quick admissions application.

Financial Aid

At Illinois Central College, 33 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $4,017. Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Apply for ICC Scholarships.

Tuition and Fees

The in-district tuition and fees were $4,650, in-state tuition and fees were $9,900, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $11,700. There is no application fee.

Read also: Guide to Illinois Educator Pay

Campus Information

Its campus is located in a suburb with a total enrollment of 7,813. The student-faculty ratio is 17-to-1.

Catalog and Student Handbook

The Catalog and Student Handbook is a helpful tool for all students. list of full-time faculty and administration with their credentials.Follow the links to explore everything that is in the Curriculum Catalog and Student Handbook. The Catalog Curriculum including degree requirements, program layouts, and course descriptions was published online March 2026, effective for Fall 2026 to Summer 2027. Curriculum information is effective for anyone under the Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 Catalog of Record. Updates and corrections after publication can be found on the Catalog Addendum page. For changes, the effective term will be listed. Catalog Policy and Procedures and Student HandbookThe College policies and procedures in the Catalog and Student Handbook will be published with the Catalog Curriculum information but may be updated prior to the start of the next Academic Year based on state, federal, or other requirements. All information in this Catalog and Student Handbook will be effective for the Fall 2026 to Summer 2027.

Read also: Illinois Transfer Application

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