Transfer After RVC
What's next?
Are you interested in furthering your education after RVC? Maybe you have plans to transfer to a four-year institution and obtain your bachelor's degree.
To help you get started, here are three tips:
- Learn how your credits transfer. This will help ensure you're taking the right classes to carry forward with you.
- Check out our helpful Transfer Checklist to help you make steady progress in transferring after RVC.
- Review existing Transfer Guides to give you an idea of the courses you need to complete before transferring out.
Contact Us
- Academic and Transfer Advising
- (815) 921-4100
- RVC-ATA@RockValleyCollege.edu
- RVC Main Campus
Student Center, Second Floor
How Your Credits Transfer
The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide agreement that allows transfer of a 37-41 credit General Education Core between participating Illinois institutions. Completion of this core at Rock Valley College assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or bachelor's degree have been satisfied.
View Participating Schools View IAI Agreements
Credit Transfer Tool
You can also use MyCreditsTransfer (powered by Transferology) to find out how courses transfer between institutions, how courses satisfy degree requirements, and the different majors institutions offer.
Check My CreditsTransfer Checklist
Depending on where you are in your journey at Rock Valley College, it's never too early to start planning for what's next. Our team has developed two checklists to guide your transfer experience, depending on the number of credits you have earned so far.
Checklist for 0-30 Credits
- Study! Admittance to a four-year college/university is based on your Rock Valley College grade point average (GPA). Although some four-year colleges and universities will admit you with a 2.0 GPA, many of the college programs require up to 3.75 GPA. Many students are competing for limited seats in popular areas of study. Your GPA can either limit or broaden your career options.
- Visit the Transfer and University Center to see the resources available to you during your transfer institution search. The Transfer and University Center, on the top floor of the Student Center, offers Internet access, college/career search programs, applications, scholarship information, college catalogs, and more.
- Investigate possible career paths. Your counselor/advisor in the Career and Transfer Counseling Center can discuss possible career paths with you. The Career and Placement Center also has labor information and career interest survey that can help you make a good decision.
- Plan your RVC course selection with transferring in mind. Your RVC counselor/adviser will assist you with planning RVC course selection. Transfer guides for many four-year colleges/universities are available. Because transfer requirements change frequently, you should verify all transfer information directly with the four-year institution.
- Research possible four-year colleges and universities.
- Academic programs available
- College/University campus information
- Entrance requirements
- Pre-requisite courses
- Housing options
- Costs
- Deadlines
- Visit campuses synchronously/asynchronously. You will be able to make better choices if you can experience the campus of the colleges/universities you are considering. Virtual tours are accessible on the Internet. College/university representatives who visit RVC will give you updated information. Typically, these reps will set up information tables in either the Student Center or the Educational Resource Center. For an updated list of university table visits, please email RVC-ATA@RockValleyCollege.edu.
- Decide on a major. The sooner that you can decide on a specific course of study, the sooner your course selection will be appropriate.
Checklist for 31-64 Credits
- Study and keep that GPA up!
- Narrow your four-year college/university choices to three choices.
- Visit college/university campuses. Call the Admissions office and schedule an appointment for your visit. You may want to make appointments with other offices: Financial Aid, Records (bring your transcript with you), coaches, Disability Services, or club advisors.
- Investigate financial aid options. Submit your FAFSA annually. Research scholarship possibilities (a high GPA can help, but so can community service, club or athletic participation). Carefully read all of the fine print concerning study loan packages.
- Prepare admissions paperwork:
- Applications
- Personal statement
- Letters of reference
- Official transcripts
- Financial Aid
- Community service
- Campus activities
- Mark your calendar. Every college/university have unique due dates for application review. Sometimes these dates change due to the number of applications received by the college. Keep checking on the Internet for updated calendar information.
- Keep studying! Keep studying during your last semester. The college/university will check your final GPA. Ask Admissions and Records at RVC to send updated official transcripts.
- Make a final decision. Your acceptance letters will be coming in due to your planning, meeting deadlines, and your competitive GPA. Apply for on-campus or off-campus housing. Schedule advisement and registration appointments. Attend new student orientation.
Transfer Guides
The purpose of the transfer guides is to give you an idea of the courses you will need to complete at RVC before you transfer to a four-year institution. At this time, we have Transfer Guides from a few schools with the most popular majors that our students typically pursue. Please keep in mind that these are only tools and that it is your responsibility to contact the four-year school of your choice for further information.
Students are encouraged to meet with their RVC Academic Advisor each semester. To make an appointment, call (815) 921-4100 or use the online scheduling tool.
Northern Illinois University (NIU)
Associate in Science (AS) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science Biology at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (6 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- NOTE: Both courses cannot be interdisciplinary.
Social Science (6 Credits)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
- NOTE: Two disciplinary areas must be represented.
Life/Physical Science (16 Credits)
- BIO201: Fundamentals of Biology I (4)
- BIO202: Fundamentals of Biology II (4)
- CHM120: General Chemistry I (4)
- CHM130: General Chemistry II (4)
Mathematics (8 Credits)
- MTH120: College Algebra (3)*
- MTH125: Trigonometry (3)*
- MTH211: Calculus for Business/Social Sciences (4) OR
- MTH135: Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5) AND MTH235: Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4)
- *Courses can be waived based on sufficient score on SAT/ACT/Accuplacer. 8 total credits of math will still be needed.
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- PHY201: Mechanics and Heat (5)
- PHY202: Waves/Electricity/Light & Modern Physics (5)
- CHM220: Organic Chemistry I (5)
- CHM230: Organic Chemistry II (5)
- Additional elective credits may be needed to graduate. The number can vary, based on credits taken for math. Consult with an Academic & Transfer Advisor for the best courses.
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AS, students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.
Associate of Arts (AA) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management, Marketing, Finance, Operations Management and Information Systems (OM&IS), or Accountancy at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- NOTE: All courses cannot be interdisciplinary.
Social Science (12 Credits)
- ECO110: Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
- ECO111: Principles of Microeconomics (3)
- PSY170: General Psychology (3)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
Life/Physical Science (7 Credits)
- Any IAI biology course (3-4 credits)
- Any IAI physical science course (3-4 credits)
- Note: One of the two science courses must have a lab.
Mathematics (3-5 Credits)
- MTH211: Calculus for Business/Social Sciences (4)
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives (21 Credits)
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- ATG110: Financial Accounting (4)
- ATG111: Managerial Accounting (4)
- BUS200: Legal Environment in Business (3)
- BUS223: Business Statistics (3)
- CIS102: Introduction to Computers & Information Systems (3)
- MTH120: College Algebra (3)
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AA, students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- Accountancy majors at NIU must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and earn an A or B in ATG110. All other College of Business majors must have a 2.5 or higher GPA.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.
Associate of Arts (AA) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Software Development emphasis) at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- NOTE: All courses cannot be interdisciplinary.
Social Science (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
- Any IAI Social Science (3)
- NOTE: Two disciplines must be represented.
Life/Physical Science (7 Credits)
- Any IAI biology course (3-4 credits)
- Any IAI physical science course (3-4 credits)
- Note: One of the two science courses must have a lab.
Mathematics (3-5 Credits)
- MTH211: Calculus for Business/Social Sciences (4)
- OR MTH135: Calculus I AND MTH235: Calculus II
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives (21 Credits)
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- CIS102: Introduction to Computers & Information Systems (3)
- CIS276: Introduction to C/C++ Programming (4)
- CIS277: Advanced C/C++ Programming (4)
- MTH120: College Algebra (3)
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AA, students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.
Associate of Arts (AA) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- NOTE: All courses cannot be interdisciplinary.
Social Science (12 Credits)
- HST142: U.S. History to 1865 OR HST143: U.S. History Since 1865 (3)
- PSC160: American National Government (3)
- PSY170: General Psychology (3)
- PSY270: Life-Span Development Psychology (3)
Life/Physical Science (7 Credits)
- Any IAI biology course (3-4 credits)
- Any IAI physical science course (3-4 credits)
- Note: One of the two science courses must have a lab.
Mathematics (3-5 Credits)
- MTH217: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I (3)
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives (21 Credits)
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- ECE101: The Developing Child (3)
- EDU224: Intro to Education (3)
- EDU234: Introduction to Technology for Teachers (3)
- EDU244: Student with Disabilities in Schools (3)
- MTH216: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (3)
- PSY271: Educational Psychology (3)
- Electives: Choose any transferable courses to reach 64 total credits for the degree.
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AA, students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- NIU requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA for admission to the major.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.
Associate of Arts (AA) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
Social Science (12 Credits)
- HST142: U.S. History to 1865 OR HST143: U.S. History Since 1865 (3)
- PSC160: American National Government (3)
- PSY170: General Psychology (3)
- PSY225: Child Development Psychology (3)
- NOTE: All courses cannot be interdisciplinary.
Life/Physical Science (7 Credits)
- BIO100: Human Biology, OR BIO103/104: Intro to Life Science & Lab, OR BIO106: Environmental Biology
- CHM105: Chemistry and Society (4) OR CHM110: General, Organic, & Biochemistry I
- Note: One of the two science courses must have a lab.
Mathematics (3-5 Credits)
- MTH217: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I (3)
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives (21 Credits)
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- EDU224: Intro to Education (3)
- EDU234: Introduction to Technology for Teachers (3)
- EDU244: Student with Disabilities in Schools (3)
- EDU274: Elementary School Practicum (1)
- FWS223: Physical Education for the Elementary School Teacher (3)
- GEL101: Intro to Geology (4) or ATS105: Intro to Atmospheric Science (4)
- MTH120: College Algebra (3)
- MTH216: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (3)
- PSY271: Educational Psychology (3)
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AA, students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- NIU requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA for admission to the major.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.
Associate of Arts (AA) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
Social Science (12 Credits)
- PSY 170: General Psychology (3)
- SOC 190: Introduction to Sociology (3)
- PSY 270: Life-Span Developmental Psychology (3)
- Any IAI Social Science course (3)
Life/Physical Science (7 Credits)
- BIO 103 and BIO 104: Introduction to Life Science and Lab (3/1)
- CHM 110: General, Organic, and Biochemistry I or CHM 120: General Chemistry I* (4)
Mathematics (3-5 Credits)
- MTH 220: Elements of Statistics (3)
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives (20 Credits)
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- FWS 237: Nutrition for Optimum Living (3)
- BIO 185: Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology (5) OR BIO 281: Anatomy & Physiology I (4) AND BIO 282: Anatomy & Physiology II (4)*
- BIO274: Microbiology (4)*
- Additional electives: Choose a sufficient number of transferable electives to reach an overall credit total of 64. Students are encouraged to consult with an Academic Advisor for recommendations.
- *Course has prerequisites. Check in the course catalog or contact an Academic Advisor for more information.
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AA, students must complete 64 credits with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- Admission to this program at NIU is highly competitive. Students must have a 2.75 or higher GPA. Applications are due by January 15 each year.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.
Associate of Arts (AA) Transfer Guide for Students Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Special Education at NIU
Communications (9 Credits)
- ENG101: English Composition I (3)
- ENG103: English Composition II (3)
- SPH131: Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Humanities/Fine Arts (12 Credits)
- Any IAI Humanities course (3)
- Any IAI Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts course (3)
- NOTE: All courses cannot be interdisciplinary.
Social Science (12 Credits)
- HST142: U.S. History to 1865 OR HST143: U.S. History Since 1865 (3)
- PSC160: American National Government (3)
- PSY170: General Psychology (3)
- PSY270: Life-Span Development Psychology (3)
Life/Physical Science (7 Credits)
- Any IAI biology course (3-4 credits)
- Any IAI physical science course (3-4 credits)
- Note: One of the two science courses must have a lab.
Mathematics (3-5 Credits)
- MTH217: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I (3)
Non-Western Culture Course Requirement
- In order to graduate, students must take one non-Western culture course (designated by a # on the list of IAI courses).
- This course is typically taken as one of the humanities, fine arts, or social science courses.
Electives (21 Credits)
- STU100: Planning for Success (1)
- EDU224: Intro to Education (3)
- EDU234: Introduction to Technology for Teachers (3)
- EDU244: Student with Disabilities in Schools (3)
- EDU245: Special Education Practicum (1)
- MTH216: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (3)
- PSY271: Educational Psychology (3)
- Electives: Choose any transferable courses to reach 64 total credits for the degree.
Total Credits Needed to Graduate: 64
Program Notes & Reminders:
- To graduate with an AA, students need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students need to apply to graduate from RVC during their last semester by the published deadline.
- NIU requires a 2.5 cumulative GPA for admission to the major.
- This is an advisement tool only. Students should work with Northern Illinois University to ensure transferability of credits and program requirements.