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)
AFA
|
(5)
AAA / AAS
|
|
Communication
|
6(a)
|
6(a)
|
6(a)
|
6(b)
|
3-6
|
|
Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature
|
6(c)
|
6(c)
|
6(c)
|
3-9
|
3-6
|
|
Social/Behavioral Sciences
|
6(d)
|
6(d)
|
6(d)
|
3-9
|
3-6
|
|
Natural Sciences
|
4
|
4-8
|
4-8
|
4
|
0-6(e)
|
|
Mathematics
|
3
|
3-6
|
3-6
|
3
|
0-6(e)
|
|
Institutional Specific General Education Courses
|
5-6
|
5-6
|
5-6
|
0
|
0
|
|
Total for General Education =
|
30-31
|
30-38
|
30-38
|
19-28
|
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:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Student Development
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
|
Transfer Core(f) (columns 1-4)
Career/technical courses (column 5)
|
27-32
|
20-32
|
20-32
|
34-43
|
43-53
|
|
|
____
|
____
|
____
|
____
|
____
|
|
Total for Degree =
|
60-63
|
60-63
|
60-63
|
60-63
|
60-69
|
|
|
Notes:
(a) Each of the courses in communication must be in written communication.
(b) One course in humanities/fine arts for the Fine Arts major must be a literature course.
(c) Each of the two courses cannot be from the same discipline area (e.g. humanities).
(d) One course in social/behavioral sciences must be a history course and the second required course cannot be history.
(e) A total of 3-6 semester hours is required in either natural sciences and/or mathematics for the AAA and AAS.
(f) Transfer core includes additional general education and/or major courses.
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.
|
.png "vw-logo-stacked-web")
