Associate of Arts, General Studies, AA

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Program Overview

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. This entire degree can be completed online.

Learning Outcomes

Degree Requirements

This degree requires a total of 90 credits in courses numbered 100-level or above. At least 25 quarter college-level credits must be earned at Skagit Valley College with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Credits must satisfy requirements listed below.

1. First Quarter Experience (2 cr.)

CSS 103 - First Quarter Experience Credits: (2)

2. Communication Skills (13-15 cr.)

ENGL& 101 - English Composition I Credits: (5)
Choose one:
CMST& 210 - Interpersonal Communication: E Credits: (5)
CMST& 220 - Public Speaking Credits: (5)
CMST& 230 - Small Group Communication Credits: (5)
EAP 105 - Bridge I: Communication Skills Credits: (5)
Choose a second course in Communications Distribution:
ENGL& 102 - Composition II Credits: (5)
ENGL 103 - Advanced Composition Credits: (5)
ENGL 170 - Professional and Technical Communication Credits: (3)
ENGL& 235 - Technical Writing Credits: (5)
CMST 125 - Professional Communication Credits: (3)
CMST& 210 - Interpersonal Communication: E (5)
CMST& 220 - Public Speaking (5)
CMST& 230 - Small Group Communication (1-5)
EAP 105 - Bridge I: Communication Skills (5)

3. Physical Education (3 cr.)

Two credits must be activities.

4. Natural Science/Technologies (15 cr.)

Maximum of 10 credits from one department:

Astronomy,
AAS Technologies,
Biological Sciences,
Chemistry,
Earth Science,
Environmental Conservation 202 ,
Environmental Science,
Geology,
Mathematics (100-level and above),
Natural Science,
Nutrition,
Oceanography,
Physics

5. Social Sciences (15 cr.)

Maximum of 10 credits from one department:

Anthropology,
Business Administration BUS 101 , BUS 201 , BUS 241
Computer Science 101 ,
Criminal Justice &101 ,
Early Childhood Education &105 ,
Economics,
Education EDUC 115 EDUC 122 EDUC 202 ,
Ethnic Studies
Geography,
History,
International Studies,
Political Science,
Psychology,
Social Science
Sociology

6. Humanities (15 cr.)

Maximum of 10 credits from one department:

Art,
Communication Studies CMST 102 , CMST 105 , CMST 141 , CMST 201 , CMST 240 , CMST 220 ,
Drama,
English ENGL 112 , ENGL 113 , ENGL 115 , ENGL 120 , ENGL 111 , ENGL 220 , ENGL 236 , ENGL 239 , ENGL 250 , ENGL 254 , ENGL 283 ,
Humanities,
Music,
Philosophy,
World Languages

7. Electives (25-29 cr.)

In order to accumulate 90 college-level (100 or higher) credits for the degree, you will need elective credits. You may select electives from the Distribution Lists in the Natural Sciences, Humanities or Social Sciences, or any other transferable college-level Academic Elective courses. A maximum of 45 credits from Gray Area Courses are allowed in this degree. Professional/ technical credits, credits by examination, independent study, PE activity credits beyond two credits, military credits, DANTES, CLEP, Advanced Placement exams and seminars, workshops are examples of “gray area” credits. Consult your academic advisor or credit evaluator.