Dr. Gregory A. Clemons
Dr. Gregory A. Clemons is a distinguished scholar and educator specializing in Spanish language, Hispanic American literature, and international cultural…
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Liberal Arts and Sciences
A foundation of English, math, and more in a Spanish first, English second, pedagogy dedicated to bilingual education, the A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences is a strong first step to prepare you for a bachelor’s degree, or to receive critical thinking skills every employer wants to see in their employees.
A.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences
Program Length
60 Credits
Degrees Offered
A.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences
Learning Experiences
Online
A.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences
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 the 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.
Choose Your Concentration
The A.A in Liberal Arts and Sciences at St. Augustine College allows you to build on a strong liberal arts core, delivered through St. Augustine’s bilingual approach, with the option to begin your coursework in Spanish and transition to English over time. Five concentrations allow you to also customize your degree: Social Work, Interdisciplinary, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Child Development.
Concentration in Social Work
The Social Work concentration gives you the foundational knowledge to understand the forces that shape individuals, families, communities, and what it takes to help them thrive. Rooted in St. Augustine’s commitment to social justice, this concentration introduces you to sociology, human behavior, and the structures of social service systems, with a focus on urban and underserved populations. It is also the ideal pathway to St. Augustine’s nationally recognized, CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Career paths include: social service assistant, community outreach worker, case management aide, and youth organizer.
Social workers in healthcare settings frequently collaborate with nursing staff as part of interdisciplinary care teams.
For students who want to work at the clinical end of that collaboration, St. Augustine’s accelerated nursing program in Chicago is another path offered on campus, one that builds directly on the same commitment to serving Chicago’s underrepresented communities.
Concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary concentration is the most flexible path in the program, giving you the freedom to explore the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences while developing the critical thinking, writing, and communication skills every employer values. Three elective courses let you begin tailoring your studies toward a personal or professional interest. If you are unsure of your career path or want a broad academic foundation before transferring to a four-year institution such as Lewis U, this is the concentration for you. Credits transfer under the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). Career paths include: administrative assistant, human resources coordinator, public relations associate, and community educator.
Concentration in Psychology
The Psychology concentration lays the groundwork for understanding human behavior, mental processes, and the psychological principles that shape everyday life. Delivered bilingually in Spanish and English, this concentration develops skills in observation, critical analysis, and interpersonal communication, skills that translate directly to careers in healthcare, education, business, and social services. It also serves as a seamless pathway to St. Augustine’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which adheres to APA standards and includes a supervised practicum. Career paths include: mental health counselor, human resources specialist, community advocate, and case manager.
Concentration in Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice concentration is built for students who want to understand how the legal system works and be part of making it work better. Specialized courses in criminology, forensic science, court systems, and ethics sit alongside a solid liberal arts core, preparing you for careers across law enforcement, corrections, and legal services. Flexible scheduling (online, in-person, or hybrid) means you can earn this degree while working full-time. Credits transfer under the IAI for those who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Career paths include: police officer, paralegal, security manager, crime scene technician, and corrections officer.
Concentration in Child Development
The Child Development concentration is designed for students passionate about working with children in classrooms, childcare centers, and family support settings. You will build a theoretical foundation in developmental psychology, learn how to implement age-appropriate educational strategies, and connect with families and communities in meaningful ways. The curriculum aligns with Child Development Associate (CDA) credential standards and positions students for careers in the Chicago Public School System or transfer into a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Career paths include: daycare provider, afterschool director, special education paraprofessional, early childhood teacher’s aide, and youth services coordinator.
Ready to Find Your Concentration?
All five concentrations are part of the same A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree, available online, in person at our Chicago campus, and in hybrid formats designed to work around your life. Over 70% of St. Augustine students receive 100% of their tuition covered through grants and scholarships, and the option for them to start their education in Spanish and end with a valuable knowledge base of the English language is available for all.
A.A., Liberal Arts and Sciences
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Careers with a Liberal Arts and Sciences 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.
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.
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.
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 to give the public a certain impression of their client.
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.
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.
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 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.
Liberal Arts and Sciences - Interdisciplinary Faculty
Meet our dedicated liberal arts and sciences professors below.
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