Associate Degrees
You will earn an associate degree when you successfully complete the required semester credit hours in an approved program. For a full-time student, it generally will take four semesters and one summer to complete an associate degree program.
GTCC awards five associate degrees: Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Engineering.
Second Associate Degree
A student with an associate degree may receive a second associate degree if it is a different degree or a different program. All requirements for the second degree and/or program must be met as stated in the college catalog. In all cases, a maximum of 75% of the hours used to complete the first degree may be applicable to the second degree. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the hours applied to the new degree must be completed in residence at GTCC.
College Transfer
Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, and Associate in Engineering
GTCC offers college transfer through the Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate in Engineering (AE) degree programs. The Associate in Arts (AA) degree is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in one of the liberal arts disciplines or training at a professional school that requires a strong liberal arts background. The Associate in Science (AS) degree is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in areas of study such as computer science, mathematics, the sciences, or professional programs that require strong mathematics and science backgrounds. The Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in either theatre or visual arts. The Associate in Engineering (AE) degree is designed for students who want to pursue a four-year degree in an engineering field.
The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) addresses the transfer of students between institutions in the North Carolina Community College System and the constituent institutions of the University of North Carolina. The Associate in Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS) degrees shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of college transfer courses. Courses are approved for transfer through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). All Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) courses will transfer for general education equivalency credit. The CAA enables North Carolina community college graduates of two-year associate in arts or associate in science programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina to transfer with junior status. Community college graduates must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to transfer with a junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions. Refer to the Transfer Programs for specific transfer degree requirements. For more information about CAA, please visit http://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/academic-programs/college-transferarticulation-agreements/comprehensive-articulation-agreement-caa.
The Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) between signatory institutions of the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is intended to provide smooth transfer for community college students who wish to continue their education at an NCICU institution which has signed the agreement. Information about the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement can be located at https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/independent-comprehensive-articulation-agreement
Career-Technical (not intended for college transfer)
Associate in Applied Science, Diploma, Certificate
Associate in Applied Science
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs are designed to provide entry-level employment training. AAS programs range from 64 to 76 semester hour credits. A full-time student can typically complete one of these programs within two years. In addition to major course work, Associate in Applied Science degree programs require a minimum of 15 semester hour credits of general education. General education requirements include course work in communications, humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences and natural sciences/mathematics. Certain courses in Associate in Applied Science degree programs may be accepted by a four-year college or university for transfer credit in an associated field.
Diploma
Diploma programs are designed to provide training for entry-level employment. Diploma programs range from 36 to 48 semester hour credits and can usually be completed by a full-time student within two semesters and one summer session. Associate degree level courses within a diploma program may also be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Certificate
Certificate programs are designed to provide training for entry-level employment. Certificate programs range from 12 to 18 semester hour credits and can usually be completed within one semester by a full-time student. Associate degree level courses within a certificate program may also be applied toward a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science degree.
General Education Philosophy and Outcomes
General Education refers to the foundational skills, knowledge, habits of mind, and values that prepares students for success in their majors and in their personal and professional lives after graduation.
The following core academic competencies are considered essential for student success and are covered in the GTCC curriculum for all degrees. The broad purpose of a learning-centered two-year technical and community college in the culturally diverse world of the 21st century should be to prepare graduates for productive employment, university transfer, and lifelong learning through the attainment of the following skills, knowledge, and values:
General Education Competency A: Information Literacy and Communication
A successful student should be able to locate and evaluate information, draw conclusions, and use oral and written skills to communicate effectively.
Outcomes:
- Demonstrate information literacy by locating and evaluating information.
- Demonstrate the ability to draw conclusions.
- Demonstrate written and oral communication skills.
General Education Competency B: Critical Thinking
A successful student should be able to think critically through problem solving and quantitative and scientific reasoning in a variety of academic disciplines.
Outcomes:
- Demonstrate problem solving.
- Demonstrate quantitative reasoning.
- Demonstrate scientific reasoning.
General Education Competency C: Personal and Social Responsibility
A successful student should be able to identify ethical issues, demonstrate knowledge of civic processes and diverse cultural perspectives, and collaborate in various contexts.
Outcomes:
- Identify ethical issues.
- Demonstrate knowledge of civic processes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural perspectives.
- Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with others.
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