Degree Programs

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree is a planned, integrated sequence of technical classroom and laboratory experiences at the postsecondary collegiate level, two years in length, designed to prepare students for a wide range of job opportunities in well-identified fields of technology.

Associate of Applied Science Transfer Disclaimer

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has requested all Arkansas institutions offering an Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) Degree to print the following general disclaimer:
The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed for employment purposes, and it should not be assumed that the degree or the courses in the degree could be transferred to another institution. While a few institutions have recently begun to accept some courses in A.A.S. programs, the general rule is that courses in the A.A.S. degrees are not accepted in transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Students to whom transfer is important should get assurance in writing in advance and only from the institution to which they wish to transfer.

The Associate of Arts (AA) Degree is a two-year program of study designed for students interested in transferring to a four-year college or university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.

The Associate of General Studies (AGS) Degree program is designed to allow flexibility for students whose needs are not met by other degree programs. Individual courses may fulfill requirements for transfer toward a baccalaureate degree, direct employment, or educational enrichment. Fifteen hours must meet general education requirements. The 45 remaining hours are selected from both academic transfer and technical career course offerings.

The Certificate of General Studies (CGS) is designed to recognize 38 credit hours of general education core courses successfully completed by students. This certificate serves as an intermediate step toward attaining an Associate of Arts degree or transferring to a baccalaureate institution. The program will document the student’s mastery of skills and competencies needed to be successful in the workforce and function in today’s world.

The Certificate of Proficiency (CP) is awarded to students who have demonstrated their mastery of skills or knowledge with specified performance standards as defined by the College. The award is granted for programs of one semester or less.

The Technical Certificate (TC) is awarded to individuals who successfully complete a one-year planned program of classroom and laboratory work at the collegiate level. It recognizes the completion of a specified level of competency in an occupational field.

Acceptable ACT or ACCUPLACER scores may waive the English and math course requirements for some one-year technical certificate programs.