Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Academics

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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 30 career programs.

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Course Listing Check out a comprehensive list of courses offered at RVC...

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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.

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Student Life

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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?

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Student Services

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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.

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How can we help? Our focus is on student success. We're here to ensure you reach your goals.

Athletics

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RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in 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.

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Camps RVC volleyball is hosting three camps this summer. Register now!

Library

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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!

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AAS Exercise Science or Sport Management

What is it?

Students work out on the elliptical machines in the RVC Fitness Lab.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. The A.A.S degree in FWS can be completed in as little as two years.

The FWS degree offers 2 degree options – 1) Exercise Science or 2) Sport Management. All students learn about the psychological, sociological and historical aspects of sport and exercise. Students interested in the Exercise Science option complete coursework focusing more on the scientific aspects of human performance. Students interested in the Sport Management option complete coursework focusing more on the business, marketing, promotions, programming and facilities aspects of sport and exercise.

What kind of jobs are we talking about?

Students who complete this program will have the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain an entry-level position in sport, recreation, exercise, or fitness organizations. Exercise Science students may seek employment as personal fitness trainers, sports performance trainers, group exercise instructors, or fitness technicians. Sport Management students may seek employment in sport or recreation management, programming, facilities, marketing, sales or maintenance. Students who transfer and complete their 4-year degree will be able to increase their employment opportunities and earn a substantially higher income.

What's the big deal about this program?

Students run on the treadmills in the RVC Fitness Lab.This is a unique opportunity as few community colleges offer degree programs in Exercise Science and Sport Management. Graduates of the program will have had the opportunity to complete a variety of job shadowing experiences with any of the following partner agencies – Rockford Riverhawks, Rockford Icehogs, Rockford Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rockford Park District, Rockford Boys & Girls Club, YMCA of Rock River Valley, and Northpointe Wellness.

The FWS department is housed in the newly renovated Physical Education Center (PEC). The PEC has a 6,350 square foot fitness center, a 1,500 square foot dance studio, and six classrooms featuring state-of-the-art instructional technology.

All of the FWS courses are taught by highly trained faculty and staff with several years of educational and hands-on experiences. Below is a list of the full-time faculty in the FWS department.

Learn more about the two educational tracks:

 

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