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2024-25 Catalog

Social Work

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Academic Programs

Associate in Arts Degree with a Concentration in Social Work (620)

The concentration in Social Work prepares students to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor's degree in social work.

Follow this link for career information.

Transfer Consideration

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program.

  1. Foundational courses include Introduction to Social Work (SOC 200), Introduction to Psychology (PSY 103), Introduction to Sociology (SOC 111), and American Government & Politics (PSC 163).

Competitive Admissions

Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.

Special Considerations

  1. Entry into the social work program and profession is also based on legal requirements. The Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act and the  National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics outline the laws around getting your license and practicing in the field.
  2. Being fluent in a foreign language is beneficial. As social work becomes more multicultural, the field will need people who can speak and understand different languages.
  3. Internship, volunteer and/or work hours in the social services field will be required.
  4. The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) prepares students as generalist social workers for entry-level professional employment in social service agencies. The curriculum prepares students for continuation of their studies at the graduate level.
  5. Graduate programs can offer advanced standing or dual degree options for B.S.W. graduates seeking a Master in Social Work (MSW).

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 64-65 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 16 Hours

  • Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)

  • COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

    The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

    The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite: None 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

  • PSC163 - Am Government & Politics ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values, explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process, and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work, and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 15 Hours

  • Personal Development 3 Semester hour(s)
  • *Electives 3 Semester hour(s)

  • ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

    An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • MAT240 - Elementary Statistics ( 3 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to basic concepts in statistical methods including measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, probability, theoretical and empirical distribution, estimation, tests of hypotheses, linear regression and correlation. Prerequisite: a grade of C or better in MAT 081 or MAT 078 (or higher) OR concurrent enrollment in MAT 040 OR appropriate placement score (see current placement score prerequisite chart) 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): M1 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • SOC111 - Introduction to Sociology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Students will be introduced to the perspective, concepts, and methods of sociology. Emphasis will be given to how the groups that make up our society function. The forces that hold groups together or cause them to change will be explored while the students examine how they learn to play roles within the family, school, religion, peer groups, and in other social settings. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S7 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 16 Hours

  • *Electives 6 Semester hour(s)

  • BIO103 - Introductory Biology ( 4 Semester Hours)

    An introduction to fundamental principles of biology including: nature of science, basic chemistry, the organization, structure and function of organisms, cell division, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. The course is designed for the student with minimal science background. This course will satisfy science requirements for A.A., A.S. transfer, and A.A.S. degree students. (For non-science majors.) Credit will not be awarded for both BIO 103 and BIO 104. Prerequisite: None 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): L1 900L Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week

  • PHL101 - Intro to Logic/Formal Reason ( 3 Semester Hours)

    A study of the principles of correct reasoning. Attention will be given to such topics as the logical use of language, types of definition, mathematical logic and methods of science. Emphasis is placed on understanding logical theory and on using techniques of valid reasoning. Although modern symbolic logic may be included in the content, the course will focus on a humanistic approach to logic rather than a mathematical one. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): H4 906 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

    OR

    PHL102 - Introduction to Philosophy ( 3 Semester Hours)

    Students will read, reflect on, and discuss fundamental philosophical questions about topics such as truth, knowledge, personal identity, free will, moral values, aesthetic values, and religious beliefs. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): H4 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

      OR

      PHL103 - Ethics and Social Policy ( 3 Semester Hours)

      An examination of moral aspects of human conduct and a study of the principal ethical theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and decisions. Students will be required to read selected philosophy papers and write a philosophy paper of their own. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): H4 904 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

         

      • SOC200 - Introduction to Social Work ( 3 Semester Hours)

        Students will be introduced to the profession of social work with an emphasis on the generalist approach. The course will encourage the student to develop reasoning capacities while examining some of the controversial, contemporary issues in social welfare. Current social services available and gaps in services will be explored by the student. The student will examine the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective social work practice. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

      Fourth Semester - 17-18 Hours

      • Physical Science 3 Semester hour(s)
      • Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
      • *Electives 5-6 Semester hour(s)
      • **

        SOC116 - General Cultural Anthropology ( 3 Semester Hours)

        An analysis of the origin and basis of culture - its major components, cultural variation, cultural evolution, and cultural adaptation. Analysis of selected cultures as case studies. Prerequisite: SOC 115 is recommended. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S1 901N Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

      • PSY270 - Drugs:Examining Effects/Social ( 3 Semester Hours)

        This course is designed to improve knowledge about substance use. It will help the student understand the general phenomena of substance use, etiology, psychological and biological effects, impact on individual functioning, legal, social, and treatment issues. Students will acquire a broad overview of the field. PSY 103 or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

      Footnotes

      • *Suggested electives include ECO 211, PHL 101, PSY 217, SOC 112, SOC 251
      • **Approved Non-Western or human diversity course recommended