What Programs and Degrees Can You Study at IVCC?

IVCC (Illinois Valley Community College) offers three main study tracks: academic programs that lead to degrees and certificates, continuing and professional education for personal and workforce training, and adult education that includes basic education, English as a Second Language, and High School Equivalency (GED) preparation. The right path depends on whether you want a credential, a career skill, or a foundation for further study.

Academic Programs: Degrees and Certificates

The college's "Start Exploring" section directs prospective students to browse programs that fit their educational and career goals. IVCC groups its offerings under Degrees and Certificates, which is the main route for students seeking a formal credential.

The site does not list every individual program on its home page. To see what is actually available, use the Catalog link in the resources area, or search for classes through the class search tool. Both are listed among the site's additional resources alongside the Bookstore and Faculty Web Pages.

How to find the right program

1. Open the IVCC website and go to the Start Exploring section.
2. Browse the program listings to match your interests to a field of study.
3. Check the Catalog for the specific degree or certificate requirements.
4. Use Search for Classes to confirm which courses are running in a given term.
5. If you are unsure, meet with a counselor to discuss course options — the registration section explicitly recommends this step.

Expected result: a shortlist of programs with their credential type and the courses you would need to take.

Continuing and Professional Education

IVCC's "Live, Learn, Grow" section is described as the source for personal, professional, and workforce training. This track is separate from credit degrees and suits people who want a specific skill rather than a full program.

The page highlights community-style courses, including cooking classes taught by Chef Sara Fitzpatrick — one student review describes a Holiday Appetizers & Libations class as "so delicious" and "so much fun." This illustrates the kind of short, non-degree offering in this category. Continuing Education and Business Training is also listed as a pathway, aimed at employers and working professionals.

Choose this route if you want a short course, hobby learning, or workplace training rather than a diploma or degree.

Adult Education

IVCC's Adult Education division uses the tagline "Changing Lives through Learning" and covers:

• Adult Basic Education
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• High School Equivalency (GED)
• Online learning with local support

This track is for adults who need foundational skills, language support, or a high school equivalency credential before or instead of college-level study. Delivery includes online options, and the college notes that student support services are designed to help students succeed both on campus and online.

Comparing the Three Paths

Practical Notes Before You Apply

• Registration is open for Spring 2027 classes, according to the site's Spring Registration notice.
• New students are advised to meet with a counselor to discuss course options before registering.
• Course placement options are listed under registration, so check these if you have prior coursework or test scores.
• Tuition, fees, and payment information sit in their own section, and a Payment page exists at ivcc.edu — check current figures there rather than assuming costs.
• Once enrolled, your student email, Self-Service, and Brightspace are accessed through the myIVCC portal, with a "New to myIVCC? Start Here" guide for first-time users.

If your goal is a degree or certificate, begin with the Catalog and a counselor meeting. If you want a short course or workforce training, go straight to Continuing and Professional Education. If you need a GED or English language support, start with Adult Education.