History/Overview
Moraine Valley was founded in 1967, and has established a tradition of serving students and the community. The second largest community college in Illinois, Moraine Valley has a diversity of students of all ages and with many educational goals.
The college offers 146 degree and certificate programs that provide students the first two years of an undergraduate degree or for transfer to a four-year college or university, or for immediate employment or job skills upgrades through short-term training. In addition, Moraine Valley offers continuing education opportunities, cultural activities, and other programs and services to benefit all residents of the community, regardless of age.
Moraine Valley is a public, postsecondary institution committed to providing quality education to communities located in the southwest suburban area of Cook County.
The 297-acre, university-like campus is located in Palos Hills in a valley cut by a glacier. The college gets its name from its location — where the Valparaiso and Tinley moraines meet to form a valley.
Faculty
The faculty members at Moraine Valley are highly qualified professionals who are focused on students’ goals and success. Faculty members have advanced degrees from prestigious universities around the world and have a wealth of experience in their chosen fields. Many have gained national reputations as scholars and researchers, artists, writers, and in other professions.
Student Body
The more than 34,000 credit and noncredit students who annually study at Moraine Valley come mainly from the southwest suburbs of Chicago. However, the college welcomes students from other communities, states and nations. With students from 40 countries, Moraine Valley is committed to fostering an academic atmosphere that encourages and respects diversity. The average age of students is 25; with 53 percent female, and 47 percent male. Eighty-five percent of students attend classes primarily during the day, while 16 percent attend classes in the evening or on weekends. At least 85 percent of students work either full- or part-time while attending the college.
Facilities
The college campus includes nine academic buildings and a Fine and Performing Arts Center that features an art gallery, fine arts studios, rehearsal rooms, and two theaters. The Library has over 100 desktop computers for students to use on campus, as well as study rooms. Most college classes are equipped with current instructional technology to help students learn, and the college has several computer labs available for student use. The Bob and Marge Bobb Social/Cultural Lounge is located in the Student Union and convenient to the food service.
Moraine Valley offers credit and noncredit classes at extension centers throughout the college district. The Moraine Valley Education Center at Blue Island and Southwest Education Center offer day, evening and Saturday classes; a CyberCafé, modern classrooms; convenient parking; and student support services.
Academic Calendar
Moraine Valley’s academic calendar includes a 17-week fall semester, a 17-week spring semester, a three-week summer pre-session, and four-week and eight-week summer sessions. Throughout the year, the college offers a wide array of shorter-term classes. Courses are offered in the morning, afternoon, evening, weekends, and in alternative formats such as online and hybrid classes.
Objectives
Through special services and programs, Moraine Valley strives to reach its objectives, which are to provide the following:
- college transfer programs for freshmen and sophomores who will go on to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree;
- occupational and technical education that prepares students for entry or job upgrades in professional and technical fields;
- enrichment programs and services for those who need to overcome academic deficiencies or who will benefit from special programs;
- advising and counseling services to help students and potential students with academic course selection, career planning, college work, or personal concerns;
- community education, including noncredit courses, workshops and seminars; cultural offerings; and community development programs; and
- workforce development and customized training programs for business and industry.