Associate of Arts
About the Degree
This degree is for students who plan to major in liberal arts disciplines such as art, criminal justice, education, English, foreign language, geography, history, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and speech. It can also be used for transfer business majors such as accounting, business administration, finance, and human resources.
Degree Requirements
The curriculum for the Associate of Arts degrees consists of 64 credits:
- STU-100 Planning for Success (1 credit)
- Communications (9 credits)
- Humanities/Fine Arts (12 credits)
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (12 credits)
- Mathematics (3-6 credits)
- Physical & Life Sciences (7-8 credits)
- Electives (16-20 credits)*
For planning guides and a complete listing of course options, please see the College Catalog.
*The electives taken at RVC may serve as prerequisites for majors at baccalaureate institutions. Students should meet with an academic advisor to verify course selection based on major and transfer institution. Students should also check with the college or university they plan to transfer to and confirm course selection. Students are responsible for knowing the specific requirements of the institution they are considering for transfer and should consult with those institutions directly.
Program Pathways
Students should meet with an Academic Advisor to develop a clear pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience or transition to the workforce. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with an Academic Advisor.
This information is only a tool that will be updated periodically. Please check with the College Catalog and the Academic Advising Office for updates.
The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) is a statewide transfer agreement, which is transferable among more than 100 participating colleges and universities in Illinois. IAI works best for students who know they are going to transfer but are undecided on the college or university that will grant their baccalaureate degree. Learn more at itransfer.org
For students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree and are looking for a convenient, affordable way to complete their first two years of college, RVC offers a fully online Associate of Arts (AA) degree. This two-year program is designed to satisfy a broad range of general education requirements, allowing students to transfer into majors from psychology to business to education.
Our fully online AA runs year-round with an accelerated sequence of courses. Students take two classes at a time and change classes every four to eight weeks, allowing them to complete an associate’s without traveling to campus or enrolling in a daytime class. Online classes are typically delivered in an asynchronous format, which means that even if your instructor assigns specific deadlines or examination times, it’s up to you when you study and complete course objectives.
Testimonial
I can't say how much my time as a community college student has remained one of my most equitable experiences in higher ed, and that some of my RVC professors were the best I’ve ever had.
Richard Gessert
Alumni, RVC Class of 2011, Fulbright US Student Researcher in Art History (Vietnam)