Wherever you are learning — whether on-campus, hybrid, or 100% remote — you are a valued part of Oakton’s community. We are here to support your ambitions and provide you with the tools to succeed as an online student.
The best time to start (or resume) your academic journey can be right now. Oakton has a variety of 8- or 16-week courses that begin in August, September, October, January, May and June. Gain confidence with one course or view all of Oakton’s Online Certificates or Degrees offerings. You can obtain general education requirements and earn a transferrable associate in arts degree as well as several professional certificates.
Your virtual classroom will be led by faculty who are not only experts in their fields, but approachable practitioners who are passionate about your experience. Learn more about how to put your plans into motion.
"Do the research, plan ahead, and ask questions, and you will find feedback and all the help you need for it."
- Greg Kaprynzk, Oakton Online Student
The ideal online student is self-motivated, organized and disciplined. Online classes require as much time and effort as those taught in a classroom. Be prepared to work hard for your grades before you enroll. If you are not sure about taking an online class, take these two five- to ten-minute surveys on the Online Assessment System for Internet Students (OASIS) website to evaluate your study skills and/or learning style, and discover tips for making the most out of your online experience.
Online courses are assessed tuition plus an additional $50/course online technology fee. Financial Aid is available to all who qualify. Remember to also apply for scholarships!
Whether you're exploring possibilities or need help with the logistical process, the Enrollment Center team is here to answer your every question. Schedule a Virtual Appointment
Academic Advising
Oakton's academic advisors are professionals with advanced degrees who are ready, and willing to assist you with your educational needs. Whether you are seeking a certificate to enhance your job skills, a technical/vocational degree to get you into the labor force, or a degree to transfer to a four-year institution, advisors will meet you one-on-one to help you with your academic planning.
Online Learning
Online Learning is dedicated to the needs of distance and online students. They can support you in using Oakton's online learning management system, D2L (Desire 2 Learn). They can also assist you in applying for technology equipment such as Mobile WiFi hotspots and/or Chromebooks if you meet eligibility requirements. Contact Online Learning at onlinelearning@oakton.edu or 847.635.1971.
Tutoring Services
All of the same Academic Support Services are available for our online students as those who study on-campus. This includes tutoring; meet virtually with experts in writing, math, science, accounting, and more. Online students are welcome to use our on-ground facilities and are encouraged to meet with offices in person anytime.
In some cases you do.
If you have questions about the placement test requirement, contact the Advising Services department.
Note: Some courses use textbooks that come packaged with an Access Code for the course, included in the cost of the text, if it is new. Used texts will not have an active access code, and will require the student to purchase an access code separately.
Every effort has been made to make Oakton Online courses as technologically accessible to the widest variety of students as possible. Students need to have access to a computer and an Internet connection and any additional hardware/software as specified for a particular course. Students who don't have a computer can use computers available in the open labs on either campus.
Before enrolling in an online course please visit the System Check page; this page will verify your browser version, browser settings and display settings on your computer.
Students enrolled in online courses have the convenience to access their courses anywhere, anytime. To have a rich learning experience, free of technical issues; it is recommended that online students have access to a computer with the following hardware and software requirements:
Note: These are the minimum browser requirements needed for using D2L Brightspace.
Browser |
Supported Browser Version(s) |
Microsoft Edge |
Latest |
Mozilla Firefox |
Latest |
Google Chrome |
Latest |
Apple Safari |
Latest |
For Tablet and Mobile
Tablets and mobile devices such as smart phones should have the latest native browser. Be aware that many features of D2L Brightspace will not function fully or in some cases at all on tablets and mobile devices so students should not expect to be able to complete a D2L Brightspace course without access to a PC or Mac.
Device |
Operating System |
Browser |
Supported Browser Version(s) |
Android |
Android 2.3 version or latest version |
Chrome |
Latest |
Apple
|
iOS 7 or latest version |
Safari |
Latest |
Chrome |
Latest version for the iOS browser. |
||
Windows |
Windows 10 |
Edge, Chrome, Firefox |
Latest of all browsers, and Firefox ESR |
*Note:
Oakton is a part of the Illinois Community Colleges Online (ILCCO), a consortium of Illinois community colleges working together to provide leadership, facilitate collaboration and share resources in online and technology-enhanced education.
Oakton is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and authorized through Illinois and the regional SARA organization to provide online instruction to students residing in the 49 states that are members of SARA. Oakton is also authorized to teach students residing in California.