Rock Valley College has made it easier for working adults to complete an Associate of Arts degree that focuses on business by attending class one night a week on Thursdays. 

Cohort Model

To make it possible to complete an AA degree in 2.5 years as a part-time student, classes are presented in a"cohort model." Simply stated, a cohort is a group of students who take classes together and complete the program at the same time.

Benefits of a Cohort

Some of the major benefits of cohort programs include:

• Students know specific start and end dates for their program.
  
  
• Students know exactly when they will take classes and will take all of their classes with the same students.
  
  
• Students build relationships and establish networking opportunities with people who have similar goals.
  
  
• A dedicated cohort advisor will keep students on track so they can move seamlessly through the program.
  
  

About the Accelerated Business Transfer Degree for Working Adults

• Students complete a transferable Associate of Arts degree focused on Business in 2.5 years.
  
  
• Students attend class just one night per week (Thursdays, 5:00-10:00 p.m.).
  
  
• Program combines face-to-face, fully online and hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online) classes.
  
  
• Completers can later transfer to numerous four-year institutions, including Rockford College, Judson University, or Upper Iowa University (all located in our region) to finish their bachelor's degree.
  
  
• $10,000 covers tuition, fees, and books for the entire program. This cost is locked in for the duration of the student's participation in the program (Financial Aid may also be applied).
  
  
• Courses are set up and guaranteed for this program. Students will never have to worry about getting the classes they need to finish their degree!

Steps to Getting Started

1. Fill out the Enrollment Information in person at the Information Center located on the first floor of the Student Center or online at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/enrollmentform.

2. Fill out an ABT Program Form and return it to RVC at the address listed on the form

3. Submit high school transcript or GED completion certificate to the Records and Registration Office.

4. Complete placement testing at our Testing Center. For an appointment, call (815) 921-2380.

Walk-in testing is available from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. All new students are required to test in the areas of English, mathematics, and reading unless they meet one of the following waiver requirements:

• Have completed a bachelor's degree or higher
• Have successfully completed college-level coursework in the areas of math and/or English
• Received a specific ACT/SAT sub-score in Reading, English or Math - See the Testing Center page for required scores

If you meet any of the above criteria, you must submit appropriate documentation to the Records and Registration office for verification as soon as possible. Students must have a valid photo ID to complete testing.

Special note regarding placement testing — to be eligible for ABT Cohort Program, students must test into college-level placements in all three subject areas—reading, English and math. Students testing into remedial courses can discuss options with the Program Academic Advisor to review options for remediation prior to program acceptance. For more information about placement testing, please visit our website at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/placementtest.

5. Register for and attend a mandatory Educational Planning Session (EPS) online or by calling (815) 921-4080. You will receive information regarding the registration process, residency, tuition options, prerequisites, deadlines, and other essential Rock Valley College information.

6. Make an appointment with Dr. Howard Spearman, ABT Advisor regarding Rock Valley College courses at (815) 921-4109.

7. Register and pay for your classes.

Information for Transfer Students

If you have attended another college or university, and will be transferring credits to Rock Valley to complete a Rock Valley degree or certificate program, you should contact us to request to have your prior credits evaluated. This will determine what, if any, of your courses meet our requirements. Request your college/university to send your transcripts to Rock Valley College, Attention: Records and Registration Office, 3301 North Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114. Call for an evaluation at (815) 921-4250.

Contact Us

Betty Villalobos-Hallmann, M.S.E.
Adult Recruitment Coordinator
(815) 921-4277

Howard Spearman, Ph.D.
Manager of Academic & Transfer Advising
(815) 921-4109