Social Work

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

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Fine Arts	3 Hours
COM131	Intro to Oral Communication	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
ENG101	Composition I	3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
FYE101	First Year Experience	1 Hour
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 None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek
PSC163	Am Government & Politics	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S5 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
PSY103	Introduction to Psychology	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Second Semester - 15 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Personal Development	3 Hours
**	Electives	3 Hours
ENG103	Composition II	3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 901RLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
MAT240	Elementary Statistics	3 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 chart3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI M1 902LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
SOC111	Introduction to Sociology	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S7 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Third Semester - 16 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
**	Electives	6 Hours
BIO103	Introductory Biology	4 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 None4 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI L1 900L LectureLab Hours 3 lec 2 labweek
PHL101	Intro to Logic/Formal Reason	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H4 906LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
- OR -
PHL102	Introduction to Philosophy	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H4 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
- OR -
PHL103	Ethics and Social Policy	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI H4 904LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
SOC200	Introduction to Social Work	3 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 None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Fourth Semester - 17-18 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Physical Science	3 Hours
	Humanities / Fine Arts	3 Hours
**	Electives	5-6 Hours
* SOC116	General Cultural Anthropology	3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S1 901NLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
PSY270	Drugs:Examining Effects/Social	3 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 hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Footnotes

* Approved Non-Western or human diversity course recommended

** Suggested electives include ECO 211, PHL 101, PSY 217, SOC 112, SOC 251