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Transfer Programs

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What is a Transfer Degree?

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.). They 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.

Learn about Transfer Colleges with Moraine
Students Explaining Why Moraine Valley is a Good Choice

Why Moraine Valley?

Students can complete their first two years of study at Moraine Valley for virtually any bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university. Each of the Moraine Valley’s associate degrees — (A.A.), (A.S.), (A.G.S.), and (A.E.S) in (A.F.A.)—are a combination of core general education courses and major-specific electives.

To ensure a seamless transfer, students need to consider which four-year college or university they plan to attend and will select coursework according to that institution’s transfer guidelines. Moraine Valley academic advisors are available to help students develop an individual educational plan.

Transfer Success Stories

Top Transfer Schools

Columbia College Chicago

DePaul University

Governors State University

University of Illinois in Chicago

Lewis University

Illinois State University

Northern Illinois University

Trinity Christian College

Saint Xavier University

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UIUC

Cost Comparison

Cost of a Single 3-Credit-Hour Course

Choosing to take your classes at Moraine Valley can save you hundreds of dollars per class and thousands over your first two years of college. Compare the cost of taking a 3-credit-hour course at Moraine Valley to some popular Illinois institutions.

$492

Moraine Valley

$1,188

Northern Illinois University

$1,284

Illinois State University

$1,392

University of Illinois Chicago UIC

$2,340

Saint Xavier University

$2,508

DePaul University

$3,654

Lewis University

Note: These costs are for tuition and mandatory fees. In some cases, fees and other expenses are additional. Based on the most recently reported rates. Source: collegeboard.org

Transfer Degrees

Associate in Arts Degree

A.A. Degree

Select an A.A. if your intended major is, but not limited to:

  • Art
  • Business
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culinary Arts
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • History
  • Mass Communications
  • Personal Trainer
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Special Education
  • Social Work
  • Theater

Associate in Engineering Science

A.E.S. Degree

Select this degree is you plan to pursue an engineering degree. It is suitable for many engineering majors, including but not limited to:

  • Aerospace
  • Agricultural and biological
  • Architectural
  • Biomedical
  • Chemical
  • Civil
  • Electrical
  • Engineering mechanics
  • Industrial
  • Materials science
  • Mechanical
  • Nuclear

Associate in Fine Arts

A.F.A. Degree

The A.F.A. 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.

Associate in Science Degree

A.S. Degree

You would select an A.S. if your intended major is, but not limited to:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Technology

Other Degrees

Associate in General Studies

A.G.S. Degree

This degree is designed for students who have nontraditional educational goals or are transferring to schools with an atypical general education core curriculum. It’s also for students completing career certificate programs that don’t otherwise have an associated associate degree option, such as welding or medical assistant.

Tambra B.

Moraine Valley Graduate

Moraine Valley is very compatible with a lot of transfer schools, so it was easy to transfer. I went into Columbia College as a junior and didn’t need to make up any classes. It was pretty convenient for me, plus I saved a lot of money.

Ensure a Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year School

Students who know their intended transfer institution are advised to meet with an academic advisor each semester to create a detailed education plan that will make the transfer process simple and easy. Also, refer to the for assistance in transferring between Illinois higher education institutions.

Undecided?

If you haven’t chosen a major yet, you’re not alone. Many students are unsure of what major would work best for them. Meet with a Moraine Valley counselor to discuss career options and/or an academic advisor to develop a flexible education plan that will apply to various majors.