Associate Degree in Arts -­ Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Liberal Arts and Sciences encompasses a range of academic disciplines, from mathematics to the arts. LAS 189, a required course for all AA degrees, reflects this interdisciplinary ideal in its structure and approach.

Why study Liberal Arts and Sciences?

LAS 189 is a required course for all AA and AS transfer degree programs at Parkland College. Think of it as a kind of “capstone” course which brings together many of the ideas, issues, and methodologies you’ve learned in your general education classes within a single course.

At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty - never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority. Offering more than 100 Associates Degree and Certificate programs, Parkland College is well known for its small class sizes, state­-of-­the-­art facilities, inclusive learning environment, and personable faculty. Parkland boasts the largest international student body of any 2-year college in the state of Illinois, with more than 300 students representing more than 40 countries.

The Associate Degree offers an ideal and inexpensive doorway for international students wanting to enter the American education system. Having worked to perfect their English language skills through the English as a Second Language (ESL) program or earned two years­ worth of transferable credits, many of Parkland’s international students then transfer on to 4­ year universities (2+2 transfer) around the United States, where they continue their educations, earning Baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

Parkland College faculty are well accustomed to the challenges faced by international students who are experienced in dealing with them. Parkland strives to enhance global awareness and multiculturalism through education and faculty welcome the perspective brought by international students in their classes.

Why Choose Parkland College

• Small class sizes and a personalized education
• Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program for non­-English speakers
• Complete two years and transfer credits to a 4­-year university
• In the same city as the University of Illinois, a top research university
• Around ½ the yearly cost of 4 ­year universities
• A diverse international student population, more than 300 international students
• Faculty focus on global awareness and multiculturalism
• Stand out!
  

In today's workplace, it's not enough to have technical skills. You need to be able to make good decisions and to think critically from a global perspective. Competency in English, with strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, provides the foundation for your future academic and professional success. That's why a college education includes coursework in the liberal arts—composition, reading, religion, philosophy, literature, and more.

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. The emphasis in the first two years is on gaining reading, writing, speaking, and problem­-solving skills in humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Students can choose from the following concentrations:

• African Studies
• African American Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Economics
• French
• Geography
• German
• International Studies
• Japanese
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Russian
• Spanish
• Women’s Studies