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Associate in Arts Degree with a Concentration in
Political Science (653)

The concentration in political science prepares students to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in political science or international relations.

Political Science - IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum

Follow this link for career information.

Transfer Considerations

  1. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: After completing American Politics and Government (PSC 163), Political Science majors may need to take additional social science courses to meet General Education requirements at the four-year institution they plan to attend. Students are encouraged to work with academic advisors at their community college and at their transfer institution to select a program of courses that will best satisfy academic requirements at their four-year college or university.
  2. 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. Students pursuing social science secondary education should meet with an academic advisor. Transfer guides for some universities are available at svcc.edu/transfer.
  3. Students wanting to major in political science may have a choice of earning a B.A. or a B.S. degree, depending on the school they attend. Political science majors normally pursue a B.A. degree, but students should consult their Academic Advisor on the differences between degrees.
  4. Students should complete the American Politics and Government (PSC 163) and International Relations (PSC 261) courses prior to transfer as these courses are foundational prerequisites at most colleges.

Competitive Admissions

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

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
  • Dr. Paul Edleman, Professor of Communication/Political Science, 815-835-6265

 

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 64-65 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 17-18 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Humanities 3 Hours
* Electives / Foreign Language 4 Hours
Mathematics 3-4 Hours
ENG101 Composition I 3 Hours
FYE101 First Year Experience 1 Hour
PSC163 Am Government & Politics 3 Hours

 

Second Semester - 16 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
* Electives / Foreign Language 4 Hours
FIne Arts 3 Hours
COM131 Intro to Oral Communication 3 Hours
ENG103 Composition II 3 Hours
PSC233 Politics of Developing World 3 Hours

 

Third Semester - 14-15 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
* Electives / Foreign Language 4 Hours
** Life Science 3-4 Hours
Elective 1 Hour
ECO211 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Hours
PSC232 Intro to Comparative Gov 3 Hours

 

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Humanities / Foreign Language 4 Hours
** Physical Science 3-4 Hours
Personal Development 3 Hours
Social / Behavioral Science 3 Hours
PSC261 International Relations 3 Hours

 

Footnotes

* Three - four semesters of a college-level foreign language or three or four years of a high school level foreign language may be required for a Bachelor of Arts degree. A Bachelor of Science degree may require more courses in mathematics, statistics, and/or computer science. Contact an academic advisor for more information.

** One lab science required.