Humanities and Social Sciences

Geography

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Geography is a science that includes the study of physical features of the earth and its atmosphere in addition to looking at how human activities influence and are influenced by these natural forces.

Photography

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Photography program prepares students for employment as studio photographers, photographer assistants, lab/print specialists, freelance photographers, studio managers, and small business owners. Courses cover the fundamentals of photography through studio photography; historical processes through digital photography; the development of a photography portfolio; and the business of photography.

Criminal Justice Education

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Criminal Justice Education program is designed to provide transfer students with the necessary background to complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Graduates may enter careers in municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies or in the private security field. Students interested in completing baccalaureate degrees in criminal justice and related majors are strongly encouraged to complete an A.A. degree prior to transfer. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate degree program in criminal justice as juniors, students need to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits from the framework below. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor or counselor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend.

Elementary Education

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

To teach in Illinois public elementary schools (grades 1-6), teachers must be certified by the state of Illinois. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate program in elementary education as a junior, students must complete specific requirements and a minimum of 60 semester credits. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an A.A. degree prior to transfer. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission. Students should be aware that a minimum grade point average for most universities is required for program admission. All transfer applicants are required to pass the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), or pass the ACT + Writing with a score of 22+ (see an advisor for further details), and this score may be required at time of application. Contact Parkland’s Academic and Career Advising Center for more information about this test and suggested timing. Students planning to teach at the elementary level in Illinois are advised to plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor or counselor to meet specific requirements of their preferred college or university and the Illinois State Teachers Certification Board.

Economics

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

In 1776 Adam Smith called economics "an inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations." Today we think of economics more specifically as a social science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of commodities.

Special Education - A.A.

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Students interested in completing a baccalaureate degree in special education are strongly encouraged to complete an AA. or A.S. degree prior to transfer. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate program in special education as a junior, students must complete specific requirements and a minimum of 30-60 credits. UIUC recommends early transfer after completion of 30 credits, including required courses. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission. Students should be aware that a minimum grade point average for most universities is required for program admission. All transfer applicants are required to pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test, and this score may be required at time of application. Contact Academic Advising for more information about this test and suggested timing. Students planning to teach in special education in Illinois are advised to plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor or counselor to meet specific requirements of their preferred college or university and the Illinois State Teachers Certification Board.

Communication: Media Communication Concentration

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Media Communication concentration provides the foundation for further study in mass communication related to areas such as advertising, public relations, audio/video/internet production, journalism, and media effects research. Students in this area are prepared for careers in mass media industries such as radio, television, entertainment, and journalism.

English Literature

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

To transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate English program, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits. Freshmen and sophomores who plan to major in English are encouraged to fulfill general education requirements with foundation courses in the sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology) and mathematics. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an A.A. degree prior to transfer. Since baccalaureate program admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses and the Parkland degree do not guarantee admission. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend.

History

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

To transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate history program, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits. Freshmen and sophomores who plan to major in history are encouraged to fulfill general education requirements with foundation courses in the sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology) and mathematics (e.g., college algebra, calculus, and statistics). The number of history courses taken at Parkland should be kept to a minimum. The courses in this program are recommended for students planning to transfer into a baccalaureate history program, including into a baccalaureate program leading to state certification as a high school (6-12) history teacher. Students planning to seek high school (6-12) teacher certification are encouraged to consult the specific general education courses recommended for Secondary Education. To transfer as a junior, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in history are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree prior to transfer. Since admission may be competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.

Humanities

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Study the past and present of global cultures through literature, music, visual arts, and a wide range of other forms of cultural expression.

Associate in Arts, General

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree is designed so that students may complete the lower-division (freshman and sophomore) portion of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The A.A. degree includes the transferable General Education Core courses and the lower-division Baccalaureate Major Field core courses recommended by the Illinois Articulation Initiative. All course work must be baccalaureate-oriented (courses numbered 100-289 whose second digit is even). The A.A. degree is ideally suited for students seeking a B.A. degree in areas such as liberal arts and sciences, English, psychology, and many other fields. Since admission to colleges and universities — and to specific majors — is often competitive, students planning to transfer should understand that completing the recommended courses alone does not guarantee admission. It is recommended that students fulfill the foreign language requirement of the program of the senior institution to which they are transferring. In general, credit for the four years of the same high school foreign language or credit for two years in the same foreign language at the college level satisfies the foreign language requirement of most bachelor of arts degrees.

Special Education - A.S.

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Students interested in completing a baccalaureate degree in special education are strongly encouraged to complete an AA. or A.S. degree prior to transfer. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate program in special education as a junior, students must complete specific requirements and a minimum of 30-60 credits. UIUC recommends early transfer after completion of 30 credits, including required courses. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission. Students should be aware that a minimum grade point average for most universities is required for program admission. All transfer applicants are required to pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test, and this score may be required at time of application. Contact Academic Advising for more information about this test and suggested timing. Students planning to teach in special education in Illinois are advised to plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor or counselor to meet specific requirements of their preferred college or university and the Illinois State Teachers Certification Board.

Kinesiology: Sports Management

Associate in Science (A.S.)

The Kinesiology sports management pathway prepares a student to transfer to a four year institution to continue their education for a job on the business side of sport, exercise, and equipment.

Anthropology

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Anthropology is the scientific study of the origins and developments of human beings and their societies.

Social Work

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The profession of social work is devoted to helping people function optimally in their environment by providing direct and indirect services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities and by working to improve social conditions. Bachelor’s degree programs in social work prepare students for careers in public and private agencies such as child welfare, mental health, corrections, shelters, and many other workplaces. Students interested in completing bachelor’s degrees in social work are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts degree prior to transfer. To transfer into an accredited bachelor’s degree program in social work as juniors, students need to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits (up to a maximum of 64 semester credits). Students should contact their academic success advisor about the particular social work baccalaureate program for specific entry requirements, including language requirements. Since admission is competitive, completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

Foreign Languages

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Learn a foreign language from beginning to intermediate levels and begin your journey to becoming bilingual—a highly marketable and rewarding skill.

Kinesiology: Teaching/Coaching

Associate in Science (A.S.)

The Kinesiology teaching/coaching pathway prepares a student to transfer to a four year institution to major in a physical education teacher education program. As part of the Parkland curriculum, the student can become a certified coach through the American Education Sport Program.

Communication: Media Production

Certificate (CER)

This certificate program is designed for students interested in media, music, computers, and the arts. It prepares students for entry-level positions that require in-depth knowledge of mass communication production techniques and software. Students will gain practical experience producing for radio, television, sports, music, film, and digital media. Graduates are employed as production assistants at radio or television stations or in corporate departments in gaming, music, film, or other entertainment industry fields.

Political Science

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Political Science is the study of the theory and practice of government and politics. Students of politics describe and analyze political systems and behavior. Baccalaureate programs offer courses in areas such as public administration, public law, international relations, comparative politics, political behavior, political philosophy, and U.S. government. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree prior to transfer. A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate Political Science program. Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend.

General Studies

Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.)

The Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degree program consists of courses designed to meet individual goals for personal improvement and self-understanding. This program is designed for students who wish to earn an associate’s degree but not in a specific career or transfer area. This associate’s degree is not covered by the "articulation compact program" nor by the Illinois Articulation Initiative.

Sociology

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of behavior of small groups and society. To transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate sociology program, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree prior to transfer. Freshmen and sophomores who plan to major in sociology are encouraged to complete additional foundation courses (including courses in the social and behavioral sciences) and mathematics. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend.

Communication: Public and Professional Communication Concentration

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Public and Professional Communication concentration provides a foundation for continued study in effective communication strategies and research in areas such as interpersonal, public address, organizational communication, and rhetorical studies. Public and Professional communication prepares students for careers in public service, customer relations, education, corporate management and leadership.

Communication

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Bachelor’s degree programs in communication typically encompass two areas of concentration: Media Communication includes concentration areas in advertising/public relations, audio/video/ Internet production, journalism/photojournalism, and media theory/research/effects. Public and Professional Communication includes concentration areas such as interpersonal, public address, organizational communication, and rhetorical studies. The introductory coursework in either of these concentrations will provide a solid foundation from which the student may choose any of the various pathways offered in a four-year communication program. Students are encouraged to complete an associate degree prior to transfer. Students should be aware that some schools have specific requirements for admission to the major, and should consult with an advisor at the transfer institution concerning specific degree requirements.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Liberal Arts and Sciences transfer area provides students with the broad educational experience and background necessary to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution as well as to enter almost any profession or career. Emphasis in the first two years is on gaining reading, writing, speaking, and problem-solving skills in humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend. Refer to the general course requirements and to the suggested sequence of courses as a guide to completing an Associate in Arts degree.

Secondary Education - A.A.

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

To teach in Illinois public high schools (grades 6-12), teachers must be certified by the state of Illinois. To transfer into an approved baccalaureate program in secondary education as a junior, students must complete specific requirements and a minimum of 60 semester credits. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an A.A. or A.S. degree prior to transfer. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission to any particular transfer institution. Students should be aware that a minimum grade point average is required for program admission at most universities. All transfer applicants are required to pass the Illinois Basic Skills Test, and this score may be required at time of application. Contact Parkland’s Academic and Career Advising Center for more information about this test and suggested timing. Students planning to teach at the secondary level in Illinois are advised to plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor or counselor to meet specific requirements of their preferred college or university and the Illinois State Teachers Certification Board.

Philosophy

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Liberal Arts and Sciences transfer area provides students with the broad educational experience and background necessary to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution as well as to enter almost any profession or career. Emphasis in the first two years is on gaining reading, writing, speaking, and problem-solving skills in humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend. Refer to the general course requirements and to the suggested sequence of courses as a guide to completing an Associate in Arts degree.

Psychology

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

To transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate psychology program, students must complete a minimum of 60 semester credits. Freshmen and sophomores who plan to major in psychology are encouraged to fulfill general education requirements with foundation courses in the sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology) and mathematics (e.g., college algebra, calculus, and statistics). The number of psychology courses taken at Parkland should be kept to a minimum. Students are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate in Arts degree prior to transfer. Since admission is competitive, completion of the recommended courses does not guarantee admission. Students should plan their transfer programs with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the four-year college or university they plan to attend.

Mental Health Certificate

Certificate (CER)

The Mental Health Certificate prepares students for entry-level jobs in social services and mental healthcare fields by training them to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and/or substance abuse crises. Students will gain knowledge of the rules for mandated reporting of abuse/neglect of children and seniors, communicate with therapeutic language using a trauma-informed approach and other de-escalation techniques, maintain basic records, and comply with current privacy regulations. By training in this field, students will learn basic skills to engage the needs of mental health and social services clients and provide assistance to organizations and individuals providing treatment.

Early Childhood Education

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Illinois is currently facing a shortage of qualified early childhood professionals: early elementary school teachers, preschool teachers, childcare center workers, home childcare providers, and others who work with children from birth to second grade. Early childhood education courses at Parkland College offer a flexible, practical path to a rewarding career working with young children.

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Certificate (CER)

The Early Childhood Education certificate fulfills the minimum educational requirements of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for early childhood teachers. Courses help students reach Illinois Gateways Early Childhood Education Credential Level 3, Infant Toddler Caregiver Credential Level 2, and Illinois Great Start Wage Supplement Program Level 4. All courses apply toward the Early Childhood Education Associate’s Degree requirements.