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Associate in Science Degree with a Concentration in
Psychology (855)

The concentration in psychology prepares students to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and/or social work.

The associate in science (A.S.) degree is designed to complete the first portion of a bachelor of science degree in STEM related majors.  As a result, the A.S. degree does not include the entire General Education Core Curriculum.  Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses either before or after transfer in order to complete GECC curriculum requirements.

Psychology - IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum

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.

IMPORTANT PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION NOTE: The IAI Psychology Major Panel recommends that psychology students take PSY 103 for GECC credit. Completion of PSY 103 is a requirement (prerequisite) that needs to be taken to be admitted to many classes at 4-year schools, so it is best to complete that prior to transfer. Some SVCC psychology classes may transfer as elective credit rather than counting as the specific class after transfer (e.g., PSY 217).

Competitive Admissions

Since admission to 4-year college/university programs is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission. For example, many transfer schools require a minimum 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale (or higher) for admission.

Special Considerations

There are many jobs available in psychology and related fields (like social work). There are a variety of jobs available with 2-year, 4-year, and graduate degrees. In order to work as an independent counselor or therapist, a minimum of a master’s degree is typically required to obtain a state license.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
  • Amy Jakobsen, Ph.D., LCP, Professor of Psychology, amy.n.jakobsen@svcc.edu (815-835-6324)

 

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 64-68 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 16 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
*** Electives 3 Hours
Personal Development 3 Hours
ENG101 Composition I 3 Hours
FYE101 First Year Experience 1 Hour
MAT240 Elementary Statistics 3 Hours
PSY103 Introduction to Psychology 3 Hours

 

Second Semester - 17-18 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
* Mathematics 3-4 Hours
BIO105 Principles of Biology 5 Hours
COM131 Intro to Oral Communication 3 Hours
ENG103 Composition II 3 Hours
PSY200 Human Growth & Development 3 Hours
- OR -
PSY214 Child Developmental Psychology 3 Hours

 

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Additional Science 4-5 Hours
Humanities 3 Hours
PSY215 Social Psychology 3 Hours
PSY217 Abnormal Psychology 3 Hours
SOC111 Introduction to Sociology 3 Hours

 

Fourth Semester - 15-17 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
** Physical Science 3-5 Hours
Humanities / Fine Arts 3 Hours
*** Electives 9 Hours

 

Footnotes

* Suggested MAT 220, MAT 221 or MAT 203.

** Some universities require a two-semester science sequence in biology, chemistry, or physics.

*** Additional science courses, such as anatomy and physiology are recommended.