Rejected applicants for the master’s degree program in computer science could get their degrees at the College of DuPage if the Illinois Board of Higher Education approves NIU’s request to offer graduate level courses at COD.

“Because of a lack of computers and laboratory space NIU is already turning down applicants for the master’s program,” said Lynn Waldeland, assistant provost for academic affairs.

“If the COD program is approved, two times as many graduate students would be able to go through the master’s program,” Waldeland said.

The Board of Regents approved NIU’s request to offer a master’s degree program in computer science at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, at the last Board meeting on June 26.

“Board of Regents approval is only half-way there,” she said. “It’s only an accomplishment if the Board of Higher Education approves it.”

In a recent article in the Daily Herald, Diane Strand from the NIU Office of Public Information said the IBHE could approve the request within 60 days. However, Waldeland said NIU is still looking for approval and the earliest it could come is December.

NIU currently offers computer science classes at College of DuPage, but cannot offer a master’s degree program until it is IBHE approved, said.

If the IBHE approves the request, NIU could offer the additional graduate courses, Waldeland said. “Were it approved in December, the program could start in the spring,” she said.

NIU would offer three graduate courses in the spring and winter semesters and two during the summer session, she said. The courses would be taught by NIU faculty.