Associate in Liberal Studies

The associate in liberal studies (A.L.S.) degree is a non-specialized degree that is tailored to meet the needs and interests of the individual student. Both transfer and career education courses may be used to fulfill the requirements for this alternate degree program. The A.L.S. degree is designed for the student who may not want to work toward the more traditional specialized degrees. While not intended to be a transfer degree, the A.L.S. degree is designed to enable the student to articulate with a bachelor of general studies/liberal studies degree program at participating Illinois universities. (Sauk's articulation agreements with Illinois universities do not apply to the associate in liberal studies.)

Degree Requirements

The specific requirements for the A.L.S. degree are as follows:

1. Complete a minimum of 64 semester hours of course work at the 100 level, or above, with an average grade of "C" or better.
2. Develop and fulfill a statement of educational goals and a specific written program of course work which must be approved and signed by the student, his or her academic advisor. This written program must be filled out and signed prior to the completion of the last 16 semester hours of course work that are to be used to satisfy requirements for the degree. The program cannot be changed without the consent of both the student and academic advisor.
3. Complete 21 hours of general education plus one hour First Year Experience (FYE) course as outlined below: General education at Sauk Valley Community College is designed to provide learning experiences that prepare the student to assume a productive role as a citizen, to understand and function successfully in the world, and to prepare for lifelong learning. General education will provide the opportunity for the student to acquire the knowledge, skills, insights and sensitivity needed to function as an educated person. Courses for general education for the A.L.S. degree must be in compliance with general education from A.S., A.A., or A.A.S. degree requirements.
   1. Communications:  6 hours 
   2. Social and Behavioral Sciences:  3 hours 
   3. Humanities and Fine Arts:  3 hours 
   4. Life and Physical Science/Math:  6 hours 
   5. General Education Elective:  3 hours 
   6. SVCC Degree Requirement: FYE 101: 1 hour
4. Complete a minimum of 16 semester hours of course work at Sauk Valley Community College.
5. All students must satisfy graduation requirements. See  Policies .