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.
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 — Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.), and Associate in Engineering Science (AES) in Fine Arts (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
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.
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.
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.
