Program Requirements

Table 5-1 - Minimum Requirements for Associate Degrees in the VCCS
Table 5-2 - Minimum Requirements for Diplomas, Certificates, and Career Studies Certificates
General Education Core Competencies

Computer Competency
Program Competencies
Outcomes Assessment Requirement

Table 5-1 Minimum Requirements for Associate Degrees in the VCCS

	Minimum Number of Semester Hour Credits
General Education:	(1) AA	(2) AS	(3) AA&S	(4) AAA / AAS
Communication ^(a)	6	6	6	3-6
Humanities / Fine Arts	6	6	6	3-6
Foreign Language (Intermediate Level)	6	0	0	0
Social / Behavioral Sciences	9	9 ^(a)	9	3-6
Natural Sciences /	7-8	7-8	7-8	} 3-6
Mathematics	3-6	3-6	3-6	} 3-6
Total for General Education	37-41	31-35	31-35	15
As specified above, degree programs must contain a minimum of 15 semester hours of general education as defined by SACSCOC.
Other Requirements for Associate Degrees:
Personal Development	1-2	1-2	1-2	1-2
Major field courses and electives (columns 1-3)	14-22	20-28	20-28	43-53
Career/technical courses (column 4)	____	____	____	____
Total for Degree =	60-63	60-63	60-63	60-69

Notes:

^(a)

Only 6 semester hours of social/behavioral sciences are required for engineering majors who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate degree engineering program that requres 6 or fewer hours in this category, provided that the college/university publishes such requirements in its transfer guide.

Table 5-2 Minimum Requirements for Diplomas, Certificates, and Career Studies Certificates

	Diploma	Certificate	Career Studies Certificate
Definition	A two-year curriculum with an emphasis in a career/technical area	A curriculum that consists of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours	A program of study of not less than 9 nor more than 29 semester credit hours
Course Requirements	May include any appropriate courses numbered 10-299	May include any appropriate courses numbered 10-299	May include any appropriate courses numbered 10-299
General Education Requirements	A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of credit hour requirements shall be in general education, including 1 three-credit English course.	A minimum of fifteen percent (15%) of credit hour requirements shall be in general education, including 1 three-credit English course.	There are no general education requirements.
Graduation Requirements	See p 5-8 25% of courses must be taken at home institution. 2.0 GPA Graduation honors eligible	See p 5-8 25% of courses must be taken at home institution. 2.0 GPA Graduation honors eligible	See p 5-8 25% of courses must be taken at home institution. 2.0 GPA Not eligible for graduation honors
Approval	State Board for Community Colleges	Chancellor	Local College Board

General Education Core Competencies

The importance of providing every graduate with a strong background in general education is reflected in both the structure and content of the associate degree programs at Virginia Western Community College. Programs typically devote twenty-five percent or more of the credits required for graduation to the study of general education courses, including at least one course from each of the following: Humanities/Fine Arts, Social/Behavior Sciences, Natural Sciences/Mathematics, and Health/Physical Education. These general education courses, specialized courses in the major field, orientation sessions, and extracurricular activities, are designed to provide each graduate with a collegiate experience that supports the development of the following general education core competencies:

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement is the ability to contribute to the civic life and well-being of local, national, and global communities as both as social responsibility and a life-long learning process. Degree graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking is the ability to use information, ideas and arguments from relevant perspectives to make sense of complex issues and solve problems. Degree graduates will locate, evaluate, interpret, and combine information to reach well-reasoned conclusions or solutions.

Professional Readiness

Professional Readiness is the ability to work well with others and display situationally and culturally appropriate demeanor and behavior. Degree graduates will demonstrate skills important for successful transition into the workplace and pursuit of further education.

Quanititative Literacy

Quantitative Literacy is the ability to perform accurate calculations, interpret quantitative information, apply and analyze relevant numerical data, and use results to support conclusions. Degree graduates will calculate, interpret, and use numerical and quantitative information in a variety of settings.

Scientific Literacy

Scientific Literacy is the ability to apply the scientific method and related concepts and principles to make informed decisions and engage with issues related to the natural, physical, and social world. Degree graduates will recognize and know how to use the scientific method, and to evaluate empirical information.

Written Communication

Written Communication is the ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience. Degree graduates will express themselves effectively in a variety of written forms.

Computer Competency

Virginia Western Community College ensures that students are able to demonstrate college entry-level computer skills necessary for academic success and discipline-specific skills necessary for successful transfer or employment.

Outcomes Assessment Requirement

Students may be required to take one or more tests designed to measure general education achievement and/or achievement in selected major areas prior to graduation for the purpose of evaluation of academic programs. No minimum score or level of achievement is required for graduation. Test results will remain confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of improvement of the college.