Students who intend to earn a bachelor's degree at a four-year school can complete the first two years of their college education at Moraine Valley. Students will enroll in general education courses and interest-specific electives along one of four associate degree paths. These classes are largely the same courses you would complete in the first two years at a four-year school, but by completing them at Moraine Valley, you will save a significant amount of money on the cost of tuition and may be eligible for transfer student scholarships.
The two most common transfer degrees are the Associate in Arts (A.A.) and the Associate in Science (A.S.). These degree programs help prepare you for a variety of majors at four-year schools. Obtaining your associate degree can make it more likely that you will transfer to a four-year school with junior status.
The Associate of Arts degree is for students who plan to major in disciplines such as art, business, criminal justice, education, English, foreign language, geography, history, law, music, philosophy, physical education, political science, psychology, sociology, social work, speech and theater.
The Associate of Science degree is for students who plan to major in a science-related discipline such as biology, chemistry, computer science, dentistry, geology, mathematics, medicine, medical technology, nursing, pharmacology, occupational and physical therapy, physics and veterinary medicine.
The Associate of Fine Arts degree is designed to meet the unique needs of students who plan to major in art or music. Typically, the bachelor’s degree for art or music majors requires students to complete a sequential list of courses to support a portfolio in the major during their freshman and sophomore years, and will require that students complete additional general education at the transfer school. Students who are interested in art education are recommended to earn an A.A. degree rather than an A.F.A. degree.
The General Education courses required for the A.F.A. degree are approved by the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI); however, the structure of the A.F.A. does not meet the minimum IAI General Education Core Requirements. Students will need to complete the general education requirements of the school to which they transfer.
The Associate of General Studies degree is designed to meet the unique needs of a student population with educational goals that do not require a traditional degree program where a specific program of study is required. This degree is not intended to be an entering student's default program of study, and student must work with an academic advisor to determine if they fall into the special population this degree is designed to target.
The Associate of Engineering Science degree is suitable for all engineering majors, including but not limited to aerospace, agricultural and biological, architectural, chemical, civil, computer, computer science, electrical, energy management, engineering mechanics, engineering physics, general, industrial, materials science, mechanical, nuclear, and systems engineering. Students are advised to work early on with an academic advisor at the institution they intend to transfer to, as well as at Moraine Valley, to ensure they choose the appropriate courses.
The Engineering Pathways program offered at Moraine Valley 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 competitive 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. Students who are female, low income, first-generation, and/or from underrepresented ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.
Moraine Valley maintains more than 30 transfer agreements. The college is proud to partner with four-year colleges and universities to ensure a seamless transfer experience for its students who desire to earn a bachelor’s degree. The college’s various articulation agreements, as listed below, are designed to take any guesswork out of the transfer process, which saves students both time and money. Some programs may have additional application and admittance requirements. Please contact an academic advisor for more information.
Moraine Valley creates transfer guides to help students plan for transfer to a four-year college or university after completing an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree. These guides are not a contract or guarantee of transferability; the baccalaureate-level requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor from both Moraine Valley and their transfer institution throughout their schooling.
Moraine Valley also routinely hosts admissions representatives from four-year colleges and universities on its campus so current students have the opportunity to learn more about their prospective or intended transfer schools face-to-face. Contact the Academic Advising Center at (708) 974-5721 for more information and schedules.