Transfer Degree Programs
Rock Valley College offers a wide variety of courses specifically designed for transfer. The keys to successful transfer are to start planning immediately and to select coursework carefully. The Associate of Arts (A.A.), the Associate in Science (A.S.), and the Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.) degrees are intended for students planning to transfer to a college or university for a baccalaureate degree. However, since requirements can vary from one institution to another, it is recommended that students meet regularly with an academic advisor as well as verify information with the transfer institution.
The Planning for Success and IAI/RVC General Education Core Curriculum information provides additional educational planning information. Academic advisors are available to help students develop an individual education plan. Although Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs are not primarily designed for transfer to a four-year institution, RVC has established articulation agreements with a number of colleges and universities so that many A.A.S. degrees may transfer. Students should consult an academic advisor or program coordinator regarding the growing transfer possibilities with the A.A.S. degrees.
Associate of Arts Degree
(A.A. - RVC curriculum #1000)
This degree is for students who plan to major in liberal arts disciplines such as art, criminal justice, education, English, foreign language, geography, history, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and speech. It can also be used for transfer business majors such as accounting, business administration, finance, and human resources.
Associate in Science Degree
(A.S. - RVC curriculum #1700)
This degree is for students who plan to major in science-related disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, medicine, medical technology, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy, physics, and veterinary medicine.
Associate in Engineering Science
(A.E.S. - RVC curriculum #1775)
This degree is designed to provide students a transition to a four-year baccalaureate engineering degree program. Students who complete the A.E.S. degree can transfer to an engineering program to complete a Bachelor of Science degree depending upon the requirements of the transfer institution. Students may need to complete additional engineering prerequisites at the transfer school.
Selecting the IAI General Education Courses
Students will find a concise listing of General Education Core Curriculum course requirements for the A.A. and A.S. degrees Here. Students should also consult with a Rock Valley College academic advisor for assistance in making correct course selections. In addition, they should consult: iTransfer.org for accurate updates on these requirements.
Education Plans
Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) = 64 Credit Hours Total
Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree #1000
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.) = 64 Credit Hours Total
Associate of Arts (A.S.) Degree #1700
General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) Certificate = 37 Credit Hours Total
General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) Certificate #1001
Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.) = 65 Credit Hours Total
Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.) Degree #1775
Program Contact: Aviation and Engineering (815) 921-3203
General Studies Degree
Requirements for the Associate in General Studies Degree (A.G.S.)
Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) Degree #0100
The Associate in General Studies Degree is designed primarily for students who have chosen to pursue a broad general program rather than a specific occupational-oriented or baccalaureate-oriented program. THIS DEGREE IS NOT DESIGNED TO TRANSFER to a four-year institution and general education requirements do not meet IAI General Education Core Curriculum guidelines.
It is an individualized program, permitting flexibility in the selection of courses. Students will qualify for the Associate in General Studies degree when they have satisfied the following requirements:
- Enter into a contract with an academic advisor establishing an individualized program. This contract will include the following points agreed upon by the student and their counselor and approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
- A general education component which must include:
- ENG 101 and SPH 131.
- A mathematics course numbered 100 or above.
- A social sciences course numbered 100 or above.
- A humanities course numbered 100 or above (as defined in the A.A. degree humanities requirement).
- A science course numbered 100 or above.
- Career requirement (1-3 semester credits). Students must complete one course from the following electives:
STU 101 (Career Planning),
BUS 101 (Introduction to Business),
BUS 105 (Consumer Economics and Personal Finance),
CIS 102 (Introduction to Computers and Information Systems).
- A minimum of 15 semester credits of the following areas of concentration from one or more:
- Business - all courses in the Business Division.
- Communication - all courses numbered 100 to 299.
- Computers and Information Systems - all courses in CIS, PCT, and WEB.
- Humanities - all courses in Art, Music, Literature, Philosophy, THE 133, HUM 111, HUM 112, HUM 114, and SPH 202.
- Life/Physical Sciences - all courses in the Life and Physical Sciences departments.
- Mathematics - all Mathematics courses numbered 100 to 299.
- Modern Languages - all Modern Language courses.
- Fitness, Wellness, & Sport - all 200 level courses (FWS).
- Health and Service Careers - all courses in the Allied Health Programs.
- Social Sciences - all courses in the Social Sciences and Humanities Division.
- Technical - all courses in the Technical Programs.
- Electives - to be discussed with an Academic Advisor
- Complete all provisions of the contract. Once the agreement has been defined, it cannot be changed without the approval of an Academic Advisor and the Chief Academic Officer (CAO).
- Earn a minimum of 12 semester credits at Rock Valley College in fall and spring semesters or summer sessions following the term in which the student entered into the contract.
- Earn a minimum of 64 semester credits in courses numbered 100 through 299 (excluding certificate-level courses so indicated under “Course Descriptions”) with a grade point average of at least 2.0.
- Successful completion of 20 semester credits at Rock Valley College. Students may earn a maximum of four (4) semester credits in physical education activity classes (FWS 100-199) toward the Associate in General Studies Degree.