Whether you are interested in Career & Technical Education that is designed to be completed in two years or less, or you wish to start at RVC and transfer to another college, Rock Valley College has great options for you.
Transfer Degrees
Save big dollars by completing two years at RVC with a low tuition rate and transfer to the college or university of your choice. The key to a successful transfer is to plan your coursework carefully with an advisor. Upon completion of credit coursework at RVC, students may earn one of the following transfer degrees:
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Here is a list of majors that are offered by most Illinois state universities. The first two years of coursework required for these popular majors (and many others) are available right here at RVC! Talk with an Academic Advisor to learn more.
| Accounting Anthropology Art Astronomy Atmospheric Science Automotive Aviation Biology Building Construction Business Chemistry Composition and Literature Computers and Information Systems Criminal Justice Dental Hygiene Early Childhood Education Economics Education Engineering Fire Science Fitness, Wellness and Sport Geography Geology |
Graphic Arts Health History Humanities Journalism Management Manufacturing Engineering Technology Marketing Mass Communication Mathematics Modern Language Music Nursing Philosophy Physical Geography Physics Political Science Psychology Sociology Speech Theater Web Programming & Design |
Career & Technical Education – A.A.S. Degrees
Below you'll find lots of great career programs that are designed to be completed in two years or less. Upon completion, students earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S. Degree) or a Certificate. While some of the career and technical courses will transfer, the programs are not designed for transfer to a four-year school. Please consult an Academic Advisor for details.
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Accounting DegreeGraduates of our accounting degree program will play a central role in the financial life of a business or client. They will learn to assemble, identify, record, and interpret financial information in private and public accounting.
Automotive Service Technology
Students who earn our automotive degree are prepared to assume positions in the automotive industry as entry-level automotive technicians. Students become adept in all aspects of the automobile and automotive repair, including electrical/electronics, engine repair, engine performance, heating/AC, suspension, brakes, and transmissions.
Aviation Maintenance Technology
RVC offers an FAA Certified program in aviation maintenance as well as certification programs for airframe mechanic and powerplant mechanic. Aviation repair is a growing field that will need 584,000 new technicians in the next 20 years.
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Business DegreeGraduates of the Business Administration degree program will have acquired knowledge and skills of business and leadership which can be applied to entry level jobs.
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Cisco NetworkingSuccessful graduates have found work as network support specialists, software support specialists, network administrators, system administration, and network specialists among others.
Computers & Information Systems
Graduates of the Computers and Information Systems Program learn the complexities of computer software, hardware, and programming processes to enable them to be successful in the workplace. Although many graduates of the program begin work as entry-level programmers, opportunities are also available as a programmer/analyst, technical support specialist, PC specialist, operations specialist, and in database support.
Criminal Justice
Graduates of the Criminal Justice Program meet the minimum educational requirements necessary to complete for sworn positions at most local and state law enforcement agencies as well as, private security firms. With experience and additional training or education, there are opportunities for graduates to advance into areas of specialization and management. Opportunities include positions in law enforcement, crime prevention, probation, corrections, court records, communications/dispatch, and security/loss prevention.
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Data Assurance & IT SecurityGraduates of the Data Assurance & IT Security Program are prepared for a career in computer network and Internet security. Responsibilities include developing information security strategies, performing analyses, installing security software, monitoring network traffic, and developing emergency plans. Graduates secure jobs such as security specialists, network specialists, security technicians, security support specialists, and security assistants.
Dental Hygiene
A career in dental hygiene offers opportunities in multiple settings. Registered Dental Hygienists are part of a dental health team. Dental hygienists work in private and corporate dental offices, where they provide treatment and services that help to prevent oral disease such as dental caries and periodontal disease and educate the client about maintenance of optimal oral health. They also work in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, schools, correctional facilities, health maintenance organizations and higher education institutions where they serve as faculty members.
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Early Childhood EducationGraduates of the Early Childhood Education Program are well-versed in child development, developmentally appropriate practices, discipline techniques, and other integral facets of early childhood education. Students will be prepared to direct or teach at a day care center or preschool. Opportunities exist in home-based care, day care centers, nursery schools, preschools, private homes, and at before or after-school programs.
Electrician Apprenticeship (ELC)
The Electrician Apprentice (ELC) Program consists of a series of technical core courses covering the required classroom-related instruction for people who wish to become journeyman electrical workers. The program requires a minimum of 800 hours of related instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Those who successfully complete the Electrician Apprentice Program are employed as residential or commercial wiremen, linemen, and/or advanced journeypersons.
Electronic Engineering Technology
Graduates of the Electronic Engineering Technology Program have the necessary skills to use electronic test equipment to make measurements, understand electrical schematics and blueprints, analyze electronic circuits and understand fundamental design concepts, relate the principles of electrical circuits to hydraulic circuits and pneumatics. The graduates are ready to support manufacturing, design test equipment, produce and test products, and to assist in product development. Successful graduates secure positions as test equipment designers, quality assurance and reliability specialists, sales and service professionals, control system technicians, medical equipment experts, or as part of a manufacturing support team.
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Fire ScienceFew careers may be as physically challenging as they are deeply rewarding as is fire service. Ever changing technologies and firefighting tactics make the fire service a dynamic and exciting career. The Fire Science Program at RVC offers two learning options for students. Graduates have secured positions in fire protection and prevention, firefighting, dispatch/communications, fire equipment manufacturing and sales, and volunteer fire protection. With additional training, graduates can enter the specialties of fire inspection and insurance investigation.
Fitness, Wellness & Sport (Exercise Science or Sport Management)
The FWS degree provides students with the educational and practical experiences needed to obtain employment in sport, recreation, exercise, or fitness organizations. It also provides students the opportunity to transfer to a 4-year degree program in Exercise Science, Sport Management, or other related fields in order to enhance their earnings potential.
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Graphic Arts TechnologyStudents in the program are prepared for a variety of jobs in the printing and publishing industry and related fields of graphic arts. The graphic arts industry is a major employer in Illinois. This program focuses on developing students with a well-rounded education encompassing both the creative and technical aspects of the industry with a focus on the digital production techniques that are changing the world of media delivery.
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Manufacturing Engineering TechnologyGraduates of this program are prepared for interdisciplinary careers in high-tech manufacturing and industrial technology. The areas of emphasis are modern design methods, production, and continuous improvement techniques. In addition to the areas of product design, 3-D CAD modeling, process planning, production scheduling, quality technician, and CNC programming and operation, a graduate of this degree may assume responsibilities in automated production, technical sales, and problem solving in many other areas of today’s dynamic world of manufacturing.
Medical Assistant
Learn about the two-year Medical Assistant program at Rock Valley College.
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Nursing (A.A.S. Degree)The Rock Valley College Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares graduates to work as entry-level registered professional nurses (RN) in a variety of health care settings, including acute care facilities, long-term care and many specialty related health care facilities. Classes, labs and clinical experiences are integrated into our nursing degree program.
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Office ProfessionalThe Office Professional Program allows students to focus on one of four areas of office administration: General office, medical office, legal office, or office software application professionals. Under the guidance of the Associate Dean of Business/CIS, students will be able to tailor a program that meets their unique needs.
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Respiratory CareRespiratory Care is an allied health profession that focuses on the care of patients with cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) problems. The graduates of the RVC program are prepared to work locally and nationally. As highly skilled and knowledgeable Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT), they are vital parts of the health care team. RRT’s actively work to deliver direct patient care with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals. This includes patient assessment to help guide the treatment, care, education, and rehabilitation of the patient.
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Sustainable Energy SystemsGraduates of the Sustainable Energy Systems Program have a broad understanding of energy efficiency and conservation, comprehensive energy and electrical-load audits, alternative electrical energy generation using photovoltaics, wind turbines, fuel cells, and microhydro. They also understand how active and passive solar technology (including geothermal systems) can be used to produce air conditioning via heat pumps and radiant floor heating. They comprehend solar hot water heating systems as well as well as tankless hot water heating. The graduates are ready to work in alternative energy product and service development, testing and alternative energy product certifications with an emphasis on the electrical and electronic systems.
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Web Programming & DesignGraduates of this program are prepared for a career in Website programming and support. Thus, students will not only be able to design Web pages, but apply technical specifications to bring them to life. Graduates of this program often work as Web programmers, Web programmer assistants, Web server systems administrators, Web designers, or Web media developers. Students obtaining this degree will be better prepared to take the following certifications: WOW, ZEND, PHP Certification, Magento Certification, and the W3C certification.
Certificate Programs
Career education certificate programs are developed and offered in areas where job-entry training and educational requirements usually can be met in less than two years. These short-term programs are excellent options for the student who is interested in quickly gaining skills for employment.
A number of certificates are offered either as part of career education degree programs or stand-alone certificates. Requirements for a certificate include the following:
1. For certificates with less than 30 credit hours, a minimum grade of “C” is required in each course required in the certificate.
2. For certificates of 30 or greater credit hours, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C” on a 4.0 scale) is required.
3. Substitution of appropriate, approved courses may be made in certificates to a maximum of one-fourth of the credit hours in the respective certificate. Upon successful completion of the requirements for a specific certificate, an application for the certificate must be completed at the Records & Registration Office.
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Accounting CertificatesAccounting Certificates include Accounting/Income Tax Fundamentals and Professional Bookkeeping.
Assembly Line Welder Certificate
The Assembly Line Welder Certificate will provide students with instruction in each of the most common welding processes currently used in the industry (e.g., Arc/Stick, Shielded Metal Arc Welding; MIG, metal inert gas; TIG, tungsten inert gas; and Oxyfuel, gas
welding and cutting), as well as instruction in welding safety.
Automotive Certificates
Automotive Certificates include Automotive Technician, Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Automotive Suspension and Brakes, Automotive Electrical, Automotive Engine Performance, and Automotive Transmission.
Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificates
Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificates include Aviation Maintenance, Airframe Technician, and Powerplant Technician.
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Business CertificatesOur business certificates include Business Fundamentals, Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship.
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Cisco Networking CertificatesCisco Networking Certificates include Cisco Networking, Cisco Advanced Networking, Microsoft Server Admin.
Coaching Education and Personal Training Certificates
The FWS certificates provide students with the educational and practical experiences needed to prepare for certification as qualified personal trainers or athletic coaches. Each 24-credit hour certificate can be completed in as little as three consecutive semesters.
Computers & Information Systems (CIS) Certificates
Computers & Information Systems (CIS) Certificates include C/C++ Programming and Visual Basic Programming.
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Data Assurance & IT Security CertificatesData Assurance & IT Security certificates include Voice Over IP, Cisco CCNA, and Cisco CCNP.
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Early Childhood Education CertificatesEarly Childhood Education Certificates include Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Education Assistant, Child Care Aide.
Electrician Apprenticeship Certificate
The Electrician Apprentice (ELC) Program consists of a series of technical core courses covering the required classroom-related instruction for people who wish to become journeyman electrical workers. The program requires a minimum of 800 hours of related instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) Certificates
Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) Certificates include Electronics, Basic Electronics.
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Graphic Arts Technology CertificatesGraphic Arts Technology Certificates include Prepress certification.
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Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) CertificatesManufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) Certificates include CAD, CNC, Basic Quality, Certified Manufacturing Associate.
Mechatronics
Mechatronics is an emerging field that blends mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science to design, build and operate smart machines. Mechatronics engineering technologists use a combination of mechanical, electrical, computer and software skills to work with smart technologies, such as robots, automated guided systems and computer-integrated manufacturing equipment.
Media Production Specialist Certificate
In the Media Production Specialist Certificate, you can learn about multi-format television programs, commercials, public service announcements, documentaries, short narrative films, podcasts, and audio programs.
Multimedia Journalist Certificate
In the Multimedia Journalist certificate, you will learn how to write and produce a wide range of media projects.
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Nursing Aide Certificate (CNA)The Nursing Aide Certificate Program prepares students to enter the health care workforce and a pathway to allied health and nursing careers.
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Office Professional CertificatesOffice Professional Certificates include Administrative Assistant, Medical Coding, MOS/Word, MOS/Excel, MOS/PowerPoint, MOS/Access.
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Phlebotomy Technician CertificateThe phlebotomist is an integral part of the healthcare team. This professional will obtain blood specimens in a prompt and efficient manner. This individual must be proficiently trained to maintain high standards to ensure quality and safety in all aspects of specimen collection.
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Sustainable Energy Systems CertificatesSustainable Energy Systems Certificates include Sustainable Energy Systems and Basic Sustainable Energy Systems.
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Tool & Die/Precision Machinist ApprenticeshipThe tool and die maker/precision machinist apprentice makes the devices used by machinists for mass-produced parts. Tool and die makers are among the most skilled of all machinery workers. Apprentices learn to make the gauges and measuring devices in manufacturing precision metal parts. They are also taught to construct metal forms used to shape metal stamping and forging operations.
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Web Programming & Design CertificatesWeb Programming & Design Certificates include Web Development and Web Design.
Welding
RVC offers a variety of certificates in welding.