Engineering

Engineering is an essential element in building a society, and engineers are always in high demand. Putting their math and science skills to practical work, engineers conceptualize and develop real solutions to problems, building and creating structures, chemicals, processes, products and more.

There are many different categories of engineering, including mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, computer, industrial and more. Whatever branch most interests you, Oakton College is a terrific place to begin your engineering education.

We are the first community college in the state of Illinois approved to award the associate of science in engineering (A.S.E.) degree, and we offer an engineering pre-major as well. At Oakton, not only will you take part in a nationally recognized pre-engineering curriculum, you'll also learn in small classes with more personal faculty attention and technologically advanced facilities that few colleges can match.

We take great pride in offering coursework in math, chemistry, computing and engineering that rivals the first- and second-year experience offered at four-year institutions—but at a fraction of the cost. After you complete your studies at Oakton, you'll be able to transfer to the top-notch four-year college or university of your choice. (In fact, Oakton’s four-year partners reserve space just for our engineering students!)

Our engineering department faculty are pioneers in developing online course curriculums to provide students with exemplary online learning experiences. Regardless of your student status, our engineering programs are designed to deliver the same excellent education no matter if you are on campus or learning remotely.

STEM Programs

The Engineering program is part of Oakton's Center for Promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). A number of resources are available to aid STEM students.

Degree and Pre-major

The Engineering curriculum is designed to prepare you to continue your studies toward a baccalaureate degree in engineering at a four-year college or university. Since this curriculum emphasizes mathematics and its applications in the sciences, you should possess some skill and interest in this area before enrolling.

Once you've completed this curriculum and other graduation requirements, you will earn an Oakton A.S.E. and be prepared to continue working toward your choice of specialized fields of engineering, including mechanical, civil, electrical, computer, industrial and aerospace.

Learn More

The following pre-major is recommended for students who are considering completing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering after transferring to a four-year institution. It is designed for students who have not decided upon a specific four-year college or university.

Learn More

Transfer to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with Engineering Pathways

Interested in transferring to the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign? The Engineering Pathways program offers qualifying students guaranteed admission.

The Engineering Pathways program offered at Oakton is a smart and cost-effective way to guarantee transfer admission into the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This program is designed for high school seniors who plan to enroll as first-time college students for the fall semester following graduation.

The typical applicant has earned mostly A's in high school and has excelled in science and math courses in his or her senior year. 

Learn More about the Engineering Pathways Program

Program Benefits

  • Guaranteed admission into the Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC as a junior
  • Oakton tuition and fees for the first two years - Save money on your Engineering degree!
  • Welcome Activity at University of Illinois
  • Enrichment Activity - A week-long research experience on U of I's campus
  • Opportunity to participate in the U of I College of Engineering James Scholar Honors Program
  • Internships
  • Career development opportunities

Meet Your Faculty

Joseph J. Kotowski, Chair
Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Design and Mathematics
B.S. University of Illinois
M.A. DePaul University
M.S. Northwestern University
koto@oakton.edu
847.635.1268
Office: B231, Skokie

Jeff Cabay
Instructor of Engineering
B.S. University of Illinois, Chicago
M.S. University of Illinois, Chicago
jcabay@oakton.edu
847.376.7265
Office: 2116, Des Plaines

Meet our part time faculty:

Mohammed (Reza) Amirisefat
Lecturer
M.S. North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
mamirise@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

Angelo J. Gero
Lecturer
B.S. University of Illinois, Chicago
agero@oakton.edu
847.635.1688
Office: 2180, Des Plaines

What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

Contact Us