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A.A., Interdisciplinary

Our A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree curriculum* with an Interdisciplinary concentration gives you a strong foundation of knowledge in English, mathematics, science, and history from bilingual courses designed for both recent high school graduates and adult learners who are returning to school to get their degree. You will leave this AA Interdisciplinary studies program with skills in college-level writing, speaking, reading, computer literacy, and the ability to utilize analytical reasoning and library research. This multilingual AA degree in liberal arts is often the first step toward pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a wide array of specialties, from liberal studies to STEM-focused courses. 

*The general education core for this degree complies with guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).

The Curriculum of Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies

Humanities 

From an academic perspective, humanities courses focus on history, languages (both ancient and modern), literature, fine arts, cultural studies, and more. The importance of these studies gives us a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place in it. From studying the humanities we learn to think critically and creatively. Humanities develop our soft skills, which are essential for making a career in any profession. 

Science 

Math, biology, chemistry, and more, science-based courses in an interdisciplinary field give you the ability to engage and understand the real meaning and limitations of data. You have a deeper and fundamental understanding of why things are the way they are. 

Social Science 

Exploring human society, the social sciences cover economics, human behavior, sociology, political science, and more. Social science classes help you develop analytical and problem-solving skills. In these AA Interdisciplinary classes, you will learn about just what drives human behavior, and how groups and individuals interact with one another. 

Careers with a Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Degree 

A liberal arts degree is highly respected in the job market. Employers recognize the broad range of skills, both hard and soft, that a student of the liberal arts develops. 

Teaching

With a foundational help of an Associate of arts in interdisciplinary studies, a student is well on the way to becoming a fully-fledged teacher. A liberal arts degree helps students with problem-solving and critical thinking, essential skills if they want to become a teacher. 

Human Resources Coordinator 

A professional who works in the human resources department performing administrative duties, a human resources coordinator helps to manage employees, activities, and the overall operations of a company. 

Public Relations 

Using the soft skills they learned from liberal arts studies, somebody employed in public relations helps to influence the public’s perception of a client’s reputation. Helping their client to create a positive public image, they craft media releases and develop social media campaigns with the goal to give the public a certain impression of their client. 

Administrative Assistant 

Managing and assisting in clerical duties, an administrative assistant is a crucial component of a business running smoothly. The administrative assistant’s jobs are usually varied, requiring a sharp mind and flexibility. Their responsibilities can range from answering the phone, drafting emails, taking messages, and properly maintaining databases. 

Sociologist  

Studying human behavior and relationships, a sociologist sees the world and tries to make sense of society. From writing books on certain topics to working with other service workers and non-profit organizations, a sociologist can have a large and colorful career helping the lives of others.

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List of Classes and Credit Hours for AA Liberal Arts Interdisciplinary
Associate of Arts with Concentration in Interdisciplinary CREDIT HOURS REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTSCREDIT HOURS
General Education Requirements48
ENG 160 Composition I4
ENG 162 Composition II (4)
ENG 165 Speech4
MAT 200 Finite Mathematics OR MAT 225** Introductory Statistics4
BIO 102 Human Biology OR BIO 108 Anatomy and Physiology I4
CHM 115 Basic Chemistry OR PHY 103 Earth Science4
HUM 204 Music Appreciation OR HUM 205 History and Appreciation of Art4
PHI 220 Ethics OR any unduplicated Humanities or Fine Arts course4
SPA 222 The Hispanic-American Experience through Literature or HUM 2020 Humanities I4
HIS 105 Survey of U.S. History from 1865 to Present OR HIS 104 Survey of U.S. History to 1865 OR PSC 103 American Government and Politics4
PSY 101 General Psychology4
PSY 210* Child Growth and Development OR SOC 101 *Introduction to Sociology4
*Required for Early Childhood Education.
**Required for the Social Work degree.
Concentration RequirementsCredit Hours
Concentration #1: Interdisciplinary Choose any three courses***12
***Courses below ENG 160 and below MAT 160 do not count for Concentration #1.
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS/COURSES60

A.A. in Liberal Arts & Sciences – Concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies  FAQ:

Q: How long is the Interdisciplinary Studies AA Degree Program?

A: This 2-year program is compiled of 60 total credit hours that can be taken at your leisure. St. Augustine prides itself on being one of the colleges for adults who want to receive a higher education.

Q: Is the Interdisciplinary Program offered online or at one of the St. Augustine campuses in Chicago? 

A: The A.A. in Liberal Arts & Sciences – Concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies is offered both online and in person. Our online model is a real-time livestream of the courses, giving the flexibility needed for adult learners and nontraditional students to learn completely online, in-person, or a combination of both.

 

A.A., Social Service

Our Liberal Arts and Sciences degree curriculum* with a Social Service concentration offers you a broad range of courses designed to provide foundational knowledge in areas such as English, mathematics, science, and history, while also providing key courses that will address human behavior and social interaction. The Social Service concentration is an excellent foundation for pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and other fields. An associate degree in social service work allows you to step into the field of human services. 

*The general education core for this degree complies with guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).

The Curriculum of an Associate’s Degree with a Social Service Work Concentration

Evidence-Based Social Work Practice

The practice of combining well-researched interventions with clinical practice and experience to help guide a client through treatment and the best services for their situation. With each client having their own unique set of problems, evidence-based social work practice allows a social service worker to examine other clients with similar problems, and assess what has worked in the past and what has not. 

Social Work Ethics

Learning the guideline for social service work is an essential part of your associate degree in social service work and will continue to be essential if you chose to become a social worker. The NASW core values are there to help guide you on your path.

Case Management 

Assessing the needs of a client and their family, case management is when you arrange, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate a client. After conducting a thorough assessment, you then advocate on behalf of the client, making sure they have access to the services they need. 

Family Services  

Examining the difficulties and policies that occur when working with children and their families, family service courses focus on techniques to use in these difficult situations. These types of courses explore behavior, educational, and multicultural difficulties that can occur when working with children and families from various backgrounds.

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List of Classes and Credit Hours for AA Social Service

Concentration in Social Service FAQ:

Q: How long is the Associate Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences with a Concentration in Social Service?

A: This 2-year Social Service program is compiled of 60 total credit hours that can be taken at your leisure. St. Augustine prides itself on being one of the colleges for adults who want to receive a higher education.

Q: Is the AA Concentration in Social Service Program offered online or in person?

A: The Liberal Arts & Sciences Associate Degree – Concentration in Early Childhood Education is offered both online and in person. 

Our online model is a real-time livestream of the courses, giving the flexibility needed for adult learners and nontraditional students to learn completely online, in-person, or a combination of both.

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