Programs (Degree)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is generally awarded to those who successfully complete programs which emphasize preparation in the applied arts and sciences and are designed to lead individuals to employment in a specific career. It also assures the employer that graduates have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 60 credit hours. Although the objective of the associate of applied science degree is to enhance employment opportunities, some baccalaureate degree granting institutions have developed upper division programs to recognize this degree for transfer of credits.

The Associate of Arts degree is designed to satisfy the lower division requirements of Bachelor in Arts degrees, thereby, preparing students to transfer to upper division baccalaureate program. The studies required in this degree embody the characteristics of an educated person and generally place emphasis upon the social sciences, humanities, and professional fields within these disciplines.

Graduation from an associates program assures that students have been provided a foundation in general education that enables them to appreciate their culture and environment as well as different cultures of the world, the development of a system of personal values based on accepted ethics that lead to civic and social responsibility, and the attainment of communication skills necessary for growth as a lifelong learner. It also assures the employer that graduates have satisfactorily completed at least 60 credit hours.

Certificate of Applied Science degree programs, which generally take one year or two semesters but less than two years of full-time course work to complete, are designed for students seeking to learn basic skills or to increase their proficiency in a specific occupational area. In the programs of study, students take skill-development courses in their field of interest and a limited number of related courses. Graduates of these programs may use their credentials to seek immediate employment or may continue their studies in an Associate degree program.

In today’s work world in order for students to remain competitive, they must adapt to change by seeking new knowledge and building upon their current talent to create the ability to perform a specific job. The skill set has been developed to assist the student with facing this challenge. Skill sets are typically several courses designed to prepare the student with specialized skills. Often skill sets are part of the Certificate of Applied Science and/or the Associate degree. Advanced Skill Sets are 12 or more but less than 30 credit hours (or noncredit contact hours, equivalent to 12 or more but less than 30 credit hours) and Basic Skill Sets are fewer than 12 credit hours (or noncredit contact hours, equivalent to fewer than 12 credit hours). Successful completion of courses with a GPA of 2.0 or better will receive an Advanced Skill Set or Skill Set Certificate of completion.

Skill Set and Advanced Skill Set programs alone do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an Associate or Certificate of Applied Science degree major of study in which the courses are embedded.

In today’s work world in order for students to remain competitive, they must adapt to change by seeking new knowledge and building upon their current talent to create the ability to perform a specific job. The skill set has been developed to assist the student with facing this challenge. Skill sets are typically several courses designed to prepare the student with specialized skills. Often skill sets are part of the Certificate of Applied Science and/or the Associate degree. Advanced Skill Sets are 12 or more but less than 30 credit hours (or noncredit contact hours, equivalent to 12 or more but less than 30 credit hours) and Basic Skill Sets are fewer than 12 credit hours (or noncredit contact hours, equivalent to fewer than 12 credit hours). Successful completion of courses with a GPA of 2.0 or better will receive an Advanced Skill Set or Skill Set Certificate of completion.

Skill Set and Advanced Skill Set programs alone do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an Associate or Certificate of Applied Science degree major of study in which the courses are embedded.