Apr 16, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog SVC 
    
2021-2022 Catalog SVC [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Degree Information


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Overview: Degrees and Certificates


Bachelor’s Degrees


Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree is a 180-credit baccalaureate degree, specifically designed to build on professional-technical associate’s degrees that provide workplace skills. BAS degrees include a professional core of courses, general education credits, and upper division courses. BAS degrees are a pathway to the baccalaureate level with upper-division coursework, in an applied field, that provide expanded career opportunities for graduates and meet the needs of employers in the community.

Associate Degrees: Transfer


Intended for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year university.

Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)

Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Agreement degrees are designed to provide students with a broad background during their first and second year of study so that they can transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. These degrees follow guidelines set by the state’s Intercollege Relations Commission. The associate degree curriculum is designed to give students a general education that transfers to four-year universities for bachelor’s degrees.

For those who qualify, the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) gives students priority admission and general education for most Washington state universities. Students must have the AA degree, be a Washington state resident, and meet the minimum GPA for their chosen university. Students who complete this path and are accepted at a four-year university will be ready for their junior year at all public and participating private colleges.

Associate Direct Transfer Agreement Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)

Associate Direct Transfer Agreement Major Related Program (MRP) pathways are transfer associate pathways outlining the appropriate courses in order for students to be well prepared to enter a major upon transfer-Major Related Program (MRP) pathways follow one of the two Washington statewide transfer agreements-the Associate in Arts DTA format or the Associate in Science-Transfer (AS-T) format with courses chosen to following a specific major.

Associate in Science-Transfer Degrees (AS-T)

Associate in Science-Transfer degrees are designed to prepare science and engineering majors for transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. All of the Associate in Science-Transfer degrees adhere to guidelines developed under the guidance of the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Most coursework is in mathematics, science, and engineering but the curriculum also includes additional general education requirements.

Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degrees (AAS-T)

Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degrees are built upon the technical courses required for job preparation; however, they also include a college-level general education component, common in structure for all such degrees. The general education courses for the degrees are drawn from the same distribution requirements list as those taken by students completing the Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science-Transfer degrees. Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degrees prepare graduates for jobs requiring two years of training or for transfer to specific four-year schools with agreements to accept this degree toward specific bachelor’s programs.

Associate in Education (A.Ed) and Associate in Visual Arts (AVA) Degrees

Like the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degrees, these degrees are built upon the technical courses required for job preparation but they also include college-level general education components. These degrees prepare graduates for jobs requiring two years of training or for transfer to specific four-year schools with agreements to accept these degrees toward specific bachelor’s programs.

Associate in Arts General Studies Degree

The Associate in Arts General Studies degree grants students academic recognition for an individually designed program of course work. While some of this course work may be transferrable to a four-year school, it will not guarantee junior standing.

Associate Degrees: Workforce


Intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment.

Associate of Applied Science Degrees (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed to provide professional and technical training to prepare students for specific jobs or to improve existing skills. All of the career programs have advisory committees of professionals in related fields to help ensure that the curriculum evolves with changes in business and industry. Advisory committee members and faculty members work together to link education and employment to help students succeed.

Associate Degree: General Studies


Intended for students who are looking to achieve a two-year degree.

Associate of Arts, General Studies (AA)

The Associate of Arts General Studies Degree is appropriate for students whose primary goal is to earn a two-year college degree. It may be suitable for you if you wish to apply credit by challenge, independent study, CLEP, professional/technical, or military programs to courses not included in the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) where applicable.

This degree is not designed to be a transfer degree. It is strongly recommended that students taking the AA General Studies degree and desiring to transfer to a four-year college or university seek the assistance of an advisor to plan an appropriate course of study. 

High School Diploma or Equivalency


Diplomas are granted for successful completion of high school diploma programs at the college. Students can earn a high school diploma or an equivalent through multiple different programs at SVC. Each program has separate admission and completion requirements. Successful completion of any one of the programs will earn a student a high school diploma authorized by the state of Washington. Students may also earn a diploma through rules set in State House Bill (SHB) 1758 . In addition, General Equivalency Degree (GED®) preparation classes are also offered for those seeking an alternate credential to a high school diploma.

HS21 Adult High School Diploma

HS21 Adult High School Diploma is a competency-based high school completion program for adults 21 years of age or older who do not have a high school diploma or GED®. High School competency requirements may be met through high school and college coursework and/or prior learning gained from work, life, and/or military experience. Unmet requirements may be achieved through additional coursework at Skagit Valley College.

Open Doors

Open Doors is a competency-based high school completion program for eligible individuals who are 17-20 years of age who are deficient in high school credits. High School competency requirements may be met through high school and college coursework and/or prior learning gained from work and life experience. Unmet requirements may be achieved through additional coursework at Skagit Valley College.

INVEST Program

The INVEST program at SVC is a comprehensive Post-Secondary Transition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, currently enrolled in local high school until 21 years of age.

GED Exam Preparation

The GED® is a certificate of high school equivalency for individuals who have not completed high school. The exam consists of four separate tests, one for each of the following areas: Social Studies, Science, Mathematical Reasoning, and Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA). Skagit Valley College offers courses to prepare you to take the four tests.

Certificates


Approximately one-year long, Certificates are intended to provide students with specialized training and skills in a number of interest areas.

Micro-Certificates


Micro Certificates are short-term programs focused on providing training in a specific skill. Typically two quarters or less, the courses are targeted to help students gain skills in a specific area.

Basic Education for Adults Programming


Basic Education for Adults (BEdA) programs are designed for adults who may have experienced educational gaps or missed the opportunity to develop certain skills. BEdA provides the opportunity for adult learners to achieve. This program is intended to improve English language skills, earn a high school diploma or GED, or start earning college credit and prepare for career training or a transfer degree. 

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