RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in football, men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.
Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?
Get Involved Check out the full list of our Student Clubs and Organizations!
Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 20 career programs.
At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.
Getting Started Get started at RVC in just a few easy steps.
Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.
EPS Our Educational Planning Sessions will give you a head start on what to expect at RVC.
The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!
(815) 921-3801
FWS 110 - Fitness Walking
IAI: None 1.1
Fitness Walking provides individuals with a low-impact alternative to jogging as a means of improving cardiovascular fitness and overall health.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 113 - Low Impact Aerobics
IAI: None 1.1
Low Impact Aerobics develops and improves strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 116 - Step Aerobics
IAI: None 1.1
Step Aerobics is designed to stimulate and initiate aerobic-fitness awareness through broadening knowledge and experience of movements of the body through the use of the STEP.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 119 - Cardio Kickboxing
IAI: None 1.1
Cardio Kickboxing is designed to provide individuals with an aerobic workout. Tae Kwon Do and boxing skills are incorporated into this high-energy exercise session.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 121 - Principles of Aerobic Conditioning
IAI: None 1.1
Principles of Aerobic Conditioning provides the student with the basic concepts of developing an aerobic conditioning program.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 126 - Beginning Weight Lifting
IAI: None 1.1
Beginning Weight Lifting introduces basic and intermediate strategies to developing an appropriate individual strength and resistance program. Emphasis will be placed on understanding basic program design, implementation, and execution of basic resistance exercises.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 127 - Advanced Weight Lifting
IAI: None 1.1
Advanced Weight Lifting provides the student with an in-depth study of weightlifting techniques, strategies, and theories. This course will focus on free weights and advanced lifting strategies that are currently used.
Prerequisite: FWS 126
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 131 - Basketball and Touch Football
IAI: None 1.1
Basketball and Touch Football acquaints the student with the skills, strategies, and rules of basketball and touch football.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 133 - Power Volleyball
IAI: None 1.1
Power Volleyball introduces the student to the following fundamentals of power volleyball: the forearm pass, the floater serve, the overhead set, spiking, blocking, the five-one offensive and two-four defensive patterns.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 135 - Golf
IAI: None 1.1
Golf is designed for both the beginning and experienced players. Students will develop the fundamental skills, techniques, and strategy through practice and playing on the golf course.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 137 - Tennis
IAI: None 1.1
Tennis is designed to develop and improve the proper skills and fundamentals necessary to enjoy the game of tennis through practice and playing experiences on tennis courts.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 139 - Soccer
IAI: None 1.1
Soccer acquaints the beginning student with the fundamental soccer skills of dribbling, passing, kicking, tackling, trapping, heading and goalkeeping. Simple offensive and defensive strategies will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 140 - Basic Physical Defense for Women
IAI: None 1.1
This course is a women's only self-defense and risk reduction education program designed to teach realistic ways to lessen the chances of and defend against physical assault.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 141 - Hiking, Cycling, and Outdoor Activities
IAI: None 1.1
Hiking, Cycling, and Outdoor Activities is designed to acquaint the student with these activities. Emphasis will be on an appreciation of nature and enjoying the out-of-doors via a fitness activity. The class will be traveling to various biking and hiking sites.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 143 - Snorkeling
IAI: None 1.1
Snorkeling is offered in connection with other college travel classes visiting warm water locations. This course is designed to introduce the student to a variety of open water and reef snorkeling experiences by visiting and exploring the numerous sites available in the area.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 145 - Scuba Diving
IAI: None 1.1
Scuba Diving introduces the student to the skills and knowledge necessary for PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver certification.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 146 - Open Water Scuba
IAI: None 1.1
Open Water Scuba is offered in connection with other college travel classes visiting a warm water location. PADI certification may be started by completing the necessary classroom and pool sessions prior to departure. If desired, final checkout dives may be completed on site in the warm open water. For those with PADI certification, credit is earned by completing a minimum of eight open water dives.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 150 - Shoto-kan Karate
IAI: None 1.1
Shoto-kan Karate is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of self-defense. Students will learn the history and philosophy of Shoto-kan Karate as well as develop the basic skills of kicks, blocks and self-defense holds and releases.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 151 - Tae Kwon Do
IAI: None 1.1
Tae Kwon Do is an introduction to a system of techniques for self-defense and counter-attack by the unarmed. The course promotes skill development in basic Tae Kwon Do techniques.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 176 - Intercollegiate Sports I
IAI: None 1.1
Intercollegiate Sports I is a course for students who are members of one of the college’s intercollegiate team sports programs. These include: Women’s tennis, basketball, softball and volleyball; men’s baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, and football. Students may earn a maximum of two credits for any combination of FWS 176 and FWS 177.
Prerequisite: Permission from respective coach is required to enroll in this class.
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 177 - Intercollegiate Sports II
IAI: None 1.1
Intercollegiate Sports II is a course for students who are members of one of the college’s intercollegiate sports programs. These include: Women’s tennis, basketball, softball and volleyball; men’s baseball, basketball, golf, tennis and football. Students may earn a maximum of two credits for any combination of FWS 176 and FWS177. Students may not enroll in FWS 177 without completing FWS 176.
Prerequisite: Permission from respective coach is required to enroll in this class.
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 0 Lab: 2
FWS 220 - Introduction to Career Opportunities in Physical Education, Exercise Science and Sport
IAI: None 1.1
Introduction to Career Opportunities in P.E., Exercise Science and Sport provides an opportunity for the student to examine career opportunities in physical education, coaching, sports medicine and closely-related fields.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 223 - Physical Education For the Elementary School Teacher
IAI: None 1.1
Physical Education for the Elementary School Teacher introduces the pre-service teacher to content and methods of teaching age-appropriate physical activities to children, in grades K-6. There will be special emphasis placed on appropriate pedagogical techniques in assessing, designing, and instructing a well-designed and meaningful physical education program.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 225 - Principles of Adapted Physical Education
IAI: None 1.1
Principles of Adapted Physical Education acquaints the student with the principles of conducting adaptive recreational and physical education programs. It is an in-depth study of the background and foundations of disabilities in the special student and adult.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 231 - Contemporary Health Issues
IAI: None 1.1
Contemporary Health Issues provides health information to students so they can make intelligent decisions concerning their health and the health of significant others.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 233 - Community Health
IAI: None 1.1
Community Health is designed to provide the student with an in-depth study of community health organizations issues such as population growth, environment, poverty, medical care and disease.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 235 - Alcohol and Drug Education
IAI: None 1.1
Alcohol and Drug Education is designed to educate the student about issues relating to all drugs and chemicals used in today’s society. Students will learn about prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, illicit drugs, and controversial issues surrounding the usage of various forms of chemicals relevant to current issues.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 236 - Human Sexuality
IAI: SW 912 1.1
Human Sexuality introduces topics of human sexual functioning including the physiology, sociology, philosophy and morality of human sexual practices and of love.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 237 - Nutrition for Optimum Living
IAI: None 1.1
Nutrition for Optimum Living explores the function of nutrients and nutrition as it affects health. Attention is given to understanding the importance and interrelationship of the nutrients to achieving optimal health.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 240 - Introduction to Athletic Training and Sports Medicine
IAI: None 1.1
Introduction to Athletic Training and Sports Medicine stresses principles and techniques for the prevention, recognition, treatment and rehabilitation of common athletic injuries. Includes discussion of the team approach of sports medicine in ensuring quality care to the athlete. Supportive taping and wrapping, duties and responsibilities of the athletic trainer, and operations procedure for athletic trainers are also covered. Students are required to complete one hour of independent lab.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2
FWS 243 - First Aid and General Safety
IAI: None 1.1
First Aid and General Safety teaches the student emergency care for accident victims until the services of emergency personnel can be obtained. Upon completion of this course, students will be trained in the American Red Cross techniques of adult, infant and small child CPR and standard first aid.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 245 - CPR and AED Training
IAI: None 1.1
The CPR and AED Training course is designed to train individuals to recognize and react to emergency situations and to provide care for respiratory and cardiac emergencies. Students will be trained in the practical skills of rescue breathing, CPR and the use of an AED. Students successfully completing the course requirements will earn American Red Cross Certification in Adult, Infant and Child CPR.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1 semester credit
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0
FWS 250 - Introduction to Sport Management
IAI: None 1.1
Introduction to Sport Management will introduce the student to the expanding field of sport management. An overview of the field and specific career opportunities will be covered.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 253 - Introduction to Coaching
IAI: None 1.1
Introduction to Coaching covers the basic principles and practices of coaching by examining sport philosophy, pedagogy, physiology, management, and sports medicine.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 255 - Sociology of Sport
IAI: None 1.1
Sociology of Sport is designed to educate students about the relevance of sport in modern society, the impact of sport on society and the influence which cultural institutions have on sport.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 258 - Sport and Exercise Psychology
IAI: None 1.1
Sport and Exercise Psychology is an examination of psychological concepts and coaching attitudes and techniques for improving and fostering athletic performance and enjoyment. The course includes psychological motivation, choice and individual participation in appropriate athletic and fitness activities.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture 3 Lab: 0
FWS 260 - Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science
IAI: None 1.1
Introduction to Exercise and Sport Science is designed to introduce students to the various aspects of the discipline including areas of study, technology, certifications, professional organizations as well as the current and future trends in exercise science.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture 3 Lab: 0
FWS 261 - Nutrition for Fitness and Sport
IAI: None 1.1
Nutrition for Fitness and Sport explores the relationship between nutrition and physical fitness. Topics covered include: adequate diets for athletes, pre-event meals, nutritional demands of aerobic and anaerobic activities, and caloric expenditure for various physical activities.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0
FWS 263 - Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Control
IAI: None 1.1
Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Control is specifically designed for those students who want to better understand the relationship of dieting and exercise to obesity. Based on a multi-disciplinary approach, this class will explore the physiological, sociological and psychological theories of obesity. The role of exercise and fitness in weight control will be demonstrated through the actual planning and implementation of a specifically-designed exercise program.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2
FWS 265 - Personal Fitness and Wellness
IAI: None 1.1
Personal Fitness and Wellness incorporates the principles and theories of wellness into an individualized fitness program. By combining lecture with activity, all aspects of the students’ lifestyles will be examined and assessed. Students will be required to attend one group lab and one independent lab session.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2