Programs of Study
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
General Information
The Sauk Valley Community College academic year consists of a minimum of 32 weeks, during which there is a scheduled fall semester of at least 16 weeks, including final examinations, and a spring semester of at least 16 weeks, including final examinations.
The College reserves the right to make additions, deletions, and modifications to curricula, course descriptions, degree requirements, academic policies, schedules, academic calendars, and tuition and fees without notice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published in the Sauk Valley Community College Catalog, it is normal to expect changes in course listings and other information. Changes are made to programs as updates occur with other institutions of higher education and State requirements are articulated. The College reserves the right to effect changes without notice or obligation, including the right to discontinue a course, a group of courses, or a degree program. Notices of such changes are widely distributed on campus.
The College expects each student to have knowledge of the information presented in the catalog.
Educational Programs
University Transfer refers to those programs and courses in the liberal arts, sciences, and in pre-professional curricula that transfer to four-year colleges or universities.
Career Education programs and courses in agriculture, business, technical, human services, and health fields are designed to prepare individuals for employment or to upgrade the skills and knowledge of employees. Some of these courses are designed specifically for career programs and are not intended as transfer coursework.
Developmental Education programs and courses are designed to upgrade skills in English language arts and mathematics so individuals can achieve higher levels of competence and succeed in college-level work. General Educational Development (GED), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and English as a Second Language (ESL) are also offered.
Community Education courses, workshops, and seminars are offered in response to local needs and interests on a credit or noncredit basis in communities throughout the district. Customized training programs are developed for specific businesses and industries.
University Transfer Programs |
| Associate in Arts Degree |
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The associate in arts (A.A.) degree is designed to complete the Illinois Articulation Initiative transferable General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) and the lower-division portion of a Baccalaureate Degree. SVCC also offers a credential for completion of the GECC.
Computer Skills Students planning to enter virtually every field need to be knowledgeable of basic computer operations, software applications, and Internet research. Foreign Language While few baccalaureate institutions require a foreign or second language in their campus-wide general education requirements, competency through two, three, or four college semesters (or the high school equivalent) in a single foreign or second language is required for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree at some universities, for all bachelor's degrees in some colleges (such as colleges of liberal arts), and for some bachelor's degree majors. Thus, community college students who intend to transfer should plan to complete the foreign language courses required by their intended institution, college within a university, and/or major prior to transferring. Students should consult with an academic advisor and their transfer institutions to determine how this requirement can be met. *Human Diversity While General Education Core Curriculum courses incorporate as much as possible throughout all of its courses, authors, sources, and topics that expose students to the realities of a culturally diverse world, several courses (marked with an asterisk) are designed specifically to recognize and engender respect and value for human diversity. Therefore, as a state mandate, one or more courses incorporating human diversity for the purpose of improving human relations throughout an educated citizenry should be completed as part of graduation from SVCC. All students must satisfy graduation requirements. See Policies |
| Associate in Science Degree |
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The associate in science (A.S.) degree is designed to prepare students to transfer as juniors into a baccalaureate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program. This degree has a modified general education package (does NOT fulfill the requirements for the Illinois General Education Core Curriculum - GECC) which allows students in these demanding fields the opportunity to remain on track with their cohorts at the 4-year institutions and complete additional general education courses after they transfer to their institution of choice. Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses after transfer by completing the GECC curriculum while enrolled at the participating Illinois transfer institution OR fulfilling the general education requirements of their selected non-participating transfer institution.
Computer Skills Students planning to enter virtually every field need to be knowledgeable of basic computer operations, software applications, and Internet research. *Human Diversity While General Education Core Curriculum courses incorporate as much as possible throughout all of its courses, authors, sources, and topics that expose students to the realities of a culturally diverse world, several courses (marked with an asterisk) are designed specifically to recognize and engender respect and value for human diversity. Therefore, as a state mandate, one or more courses incorporating human diversity for the purpose of improving human relations throughout an educated citizenry should be completed as part of graduation from SVCC. All students must satisfy graduation requirements. See Policies |
| Associate in Engineering Science Degree |
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Baccalaureate engineering programs are highly structured in order to meet the standards established by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for candidates seeking state of Illinois registration as a professional engineer. Community college students are strongly encouraged to complete an associate in engineering science degree prior to transferring to a four-year institution. The AES degree does not include the entire Illinois general education core curriculum (GECC). Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses after transfer by completing the GECC curriculum while enrolled at the participating Illinois transfer institution OR fulfilling the general education requirements of their selected non-participating transfer institution. To transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate engineering program, students must complete all essential prerequisite courses. Since admission is highly competitive, completion of the suggested courses does not guarantee admission at the four-year college of the student's choice.
*Human Diversity While General Education Core Curriculum courses incorporate as much as possible throughout all of its courses, authors, sources, and topics that expose students to the realities of a culturally diverse world, several courses (marked with an asterisk) are designed specifically to recognize and engender respect and value for human diversity. Therefore, as a state mandate, one or more courses incorporating human diversity for the purpose of improving human relations throughout an educated citizenry should be completed as part of graduation from SVCC. All students must satisfy graduation requirements. See Policies |
| Associate in Fine Arts Degree - Art |
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The associate in fine arts (A.F.A.) degree is designed to complete the lower-division (freshman and sophomore) portion of a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art. Baccalaureate degree programs in the fine arts are highly structured and require many sequential courses in the major field at the lower-division level. As a result, the A.F.A. degree does not include the entire General Education Core Curriculum. Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses after transfer by completing the GECC curriculum while enrolled at the participating Illinois transfer institution OR fulfilling the general education requirements of their selected non-participating transfer institution.
*Human Diversity While General Education Core Curriculum courses incorporate as much as possible throughout all of its courses, authors, sources, and topics that expose students to the realities of a culturally diverse world, several courses (marked with an asterisk) are designed specifically to recognize and engender respect and value for human diversity. Therefore, as a state mandate, one or more courses incorporating human diversity for the purpose of improving human relations throughout an educated citizenry should be completed as part of graduation from SVCC. All students must satisfy graduation requirements. See Policies. |
Non-Specialized Programs |
| Associate in Liberal Studies |
Associate in Liberal StudiesThe associate in liberal studies (A.L.S.) degree is a non-specialized degree that is tailored to meet the needs and interests of the individual student. Both transfer and career education courses may be used to fulfill the requirements for this alternate degree program. The A.L.S. degree is designed for the student who may not want to work toward the more traditional specialized degrees. While not intended to be a transfer degree, the A.L.S. degree is designed to enable the student to articulate with a bachelor of general studies/liberal studies degree program at participating Illinois universities. (Sauk's articulation agreements with Illinois universities do not apply to the associate in liberal studies.) Degree RequirementsThe specific requirements for the A.L.S. degree are as follows:
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Career Programs |
| Associate in Applied Science |
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The associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree is designed as a career program for students seeking specialized education which prepares them to enter or to advance in employment. These programs are not designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The programs of study have been developed by the SVCC faculty with the assistance of local citizens serving on career and technical (CTE) workforce councils and with the approval of personnel from state agencies. The guidelines for an associate in applied science degree are as follows:
Major Field Course WorkCourse work in the major field must satisfy the requirements of the specified curriculum in which the student is enrolled. See the appropriate program of the catalog for the required courses and number of credit hours that must be completed. *Human Diversity While General Education Core Curriculum courses incorporate as much as possible throughout all of its courses, authors, sources, and topics that expose students to the realities of a culturally diverse world, several courses (marked with an asterisk) are designed specifically to recognize and engender respect and value for human diversity. Therefore, as a state mandate, one or more courses incorporating human diversity for the purpose of improving human relations throughout an educated citizenry should be completed as part of graduation from SVCC. All students must satisfy graduation requirements. See Policies |
| Certificate Programs |
Certificate ProgramsRequirementsCertificate programs consist of a series of prescribed courses (in a specialized field) which prepare the student for entry level occupations. These programs range from 3 to 43 semester hours and are designed to be completed in less than two years. Certificate programs require few general education requirements and thus are designed to develop the technical competence of the student. Many certificate programs contain the core courses of the associate in applied science degree program in the same field, thereby allowing the student to continue with additional study and earn an A.A.S. degree. Certificate students must satisfy graduation requirements. See Policies. |
Internships / Practicums
In several areas of study, SVCC includes an internship (also referred to as a practicum) as an additional credit course. It is an academic opportunity to expand students' horizons into the career environment they are studying. An internship is a cooperative effort between a business or healthcare institution and the college that combines education and experience for students and is closely monitored by the student, SVCC faculty, and the employer. An internship allows students to gain up to three credit hours in a semester toward their Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree or occupational certificate. The student commits to working the prescribed time in the internship position. Internships in the curriculum include:
- Accounting (ACC)
- Agriculture (AGR)
- Business Administration-(Management-Marketing) (BUS)
- Computer Information Systems (Computer Software Technology-Windows Server Administrator) (CIS)
- Criminal Justice (CJS)
- Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Industrial/Technical (IND)
For more information about internship opportunities in a particular instructional area, contact the internship instructor or Sasha Logan, Dean of Business, Career and Technical Programs at 815/835-6334.
Educational Guarantees
Transfer Degree Guarantee
It is the policy of Sauk Valley Community College that students graduating with the associate in arts, associate in science, associate in engineering science, or associate in fine arts, be guaranteed the transferability of baccalaureate-oriented/university-parallel credit courses to public Illinois universities. Should such an appropriately approved course not transfer, the student will be offered a refund of the tuition paid for the non-transferring course credit, subject to the following conditions:
- All coursework for the degree must have been completed at Sauk Valley Community College.
- The student must have met with an academic advisor, declared a major for a specified
public Illinois university to which the student will transfer, and completed an approved
academic plan.
- Approved courses must have appeared as transferable on the course equivalency list from the university declared as the transfer university by the student at the time the student met with the academic advisor.
- The student must have followed the academic plan.
- The student must have graduated within three years of having an academic plan approved.
- The student must have transferred to the declared public Illinois university within one year after receiving the A.A., A.S., A.E.S., or A.F.A. degree from SVCC.
- The student must have requested and received an evaluation by the transfer institution immediately upon transfer of the SVCC courses.
- The student must have verified to SVCC in writing within 60 days after being notified
by the transfer institution that a course had been refused for credit and made a claim
for the refund at that time. The written statement must have stated: the reasons for
the refusal by the institution; the name, position, address and telephone number of
the official notifying the student of the refusal; and, a copy of the correspondence
and/or documentation provided by the transfer institution of the non-acceptance of
the course.
NOTE: An institution may award fewer credits for the course than SVCC awards; the guarantee applies only when the transfer institution awards no credit. - The course must have been completed with a grade of "A," "B," or "C."
- Any refund would be based upon tuition paid at the time the course was completed.
- The student must cooperate with SVCC personnel in resolving any transfer difficulties by notifying SVCC and submitting any necessary consent or releases for student records and/or correspondence.
- This policy does not guarantee that the letter grade earned at SVCC for the course will be considered by the transfer institution for determining the student's grade point average, honors, or other purposes, but only that the transfer institution will give at least elective course credit for some purpose. This program does not provide for the refund of tuition for any other course, any fees or any incidental or consequential expenses or claims whatsoever, but only the tuition for the course guaranteed for which course credit is not given by the transfer institution.
- Students' rights under this program are personal and may not be assigned or transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily. Further, no refund is required or will be made if a scholarship, financial aid program, grant or other source was used to pay the tuition.
- Claims against the Transfer Program Guarantee must be filed with the Dean of Student Services within the prescribed time limits as set forth above.
- Sauk Valley Community College will first attempt to resolve the issue with the transfer institution. If favorable resolution is not achieved within 120 days, the reimbursement will be authorized. The sole recourse available to participants enrolled pursuant to this guarantee program shall be limited to the tuition reimbursement of the class at the time of enrollment, with no recourse for damages, court costs, or any associated costs of any kind or right to appeal beyond those specified by SVCC.
Additional Notes:
- Developmental courses at the College are not included as a part of this guarantee.
- Courses not awarded credit as a result of the student exceeding the maximum number of credits allowed in transfer are not included as a part of this guarantee.
- This guarantee does not guarantee that the graduate will be admitted to a university; each university determines its own admission criteria.
Career Technical Education (CTE) Degree Guarantee
It is the policy of Sauk Valley Community College that students graduating with the associate in applied science degree or certificate requiring 20 hours or more in a career/technical program be guaranteed competency in the skills represented in the degree or certificate. Should the graduate not be able to demonstrate the skills expected by his or her employer, the student will be offered up to 12 credit hours of retraining for a degree or 6 credit hours of retraining for a certificate, tuition-free, subject to the following conditions:
- All coursework for the degree or certificate must have been completed at the College and a grade of "C" or better earned.
- The student must have completed the program within four years of initial enrollment at the College.
- The student must have been employed full-time in a job directly related to his/her program of study within one year after graduation from the College's A.A.S. degree or certificate program.
- The employer must verify in writing to the College administration within 90 days of the graduate's initial employment listing the specific skills in which the graduate lacks competency as represented by the degree or certificate information printed in the College catalog from which the graduate received the degree. Courses for which credit was granted by articulation are not subject to this policy. The college administration and faculty will investigate and determine if such deficiencies are evident.
- A written retraining plan must be mutually developed by the employer, the graduate, the appropriate dean, and the career/occupational program teacher, specifying the courses needed for retraining and the competencies to be mastered. The retraining plan will not be successfully completed until the student has demonstrated that such competencies have been remediated.
- The retraining will be limited to courses regularly offered by the College and must be completed within one calendar year from the time the educational plan is agreed upon. Should the student audit, withdraw, or not receive a passing grade in a course identified in the retraining plan, it will be included in the offer of credit hours.
- Prerequisites and other admission requirements for retraining courses must be met and are not included in the courses covered by this guarantee.
- Books, course fees, and supplies will be included within the guarantee. Other course costs are not included.
- This guarantee does not imply that the graduate will pass any licensing or qualifying examination for a particular career or occupation.
- Students' rights under this program are personal and may not be assigned or transferred voluntarily or involuntarily. Further, no refund is required or will be made.
- Claims against the Occupational Program Guarantee must be filed with the appropriate College Administrator within the prescribed time limits as set forth above.
- The sole recourse available to participants enrolled in this guarantee program shall be limited to tuition, books and supplies reimbursement for the retraining in the same class with no recourse for damages, court costs, or any associated costs of any kind or right to appeal beyond those specified by the College.