Associate in Applied Science Degree, AAS

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Program Overview

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed for students who are preparing to enter a career field. Although certain courses in this degree may transfer to baccalaureate institutions, students are advised that many courses in this degree are not usually transferable because of their specialized nature. Students interested in continuing their studies after earning the AAS degree are encouraged to consult with a counselor or the department chair as well as the intended transfer institution for specific transfer options available.

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges considers the following workforce degrees as equivalent:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Associate of Technical Arts (ATA)
Associate of Applied Technology (AAT)
Associate of Technical Science (ATS)

Transfer

Central Washington University: Information Technology and Administrative Management - accepts all Professional/Technical AAS and AAS-T degrees for transfer subject to CWU-ITAM general admissions criteria.
City University: AAS degree program transcripts are individually reviewed for transferability and BA completion requirements.
Eastern Washington University: AAS degree program transcripts are individually reviewed for transferability and BA completion requirements.
The Evergreen State College: AAS degree program transcripts are individually reviewed for transferability and BA completion requirements.
Montana State University - Northern: Diesel Power Technology, AAS.
Trinity Western University - Bellingham: Human Services Generalist or Human Services - Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counseling Emphasis, AAS degrees.
University of Phoenix: Reviews each AAS-T and AAS degree program individually for transferability and BA completion requirements.
Washington Polytechnic Institute (WAPOLY): BS Mechanical Engineering Technician Program: Manufacturing - Engineering Technology, AAS degree.
Washington State University - Human Development: Early Childhood Education AAS.
Western Washington University - Fairhaven College: Any AAS degree that is also offered as an academic major at WWU.

Learning Outcomes

Degree Requirements

To graduate from SVC with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, students must complete a minimum of 90 credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 including a technical major and related education requirements. At least 25 core program credits must be earned at SVC with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The student’s declared major must have approval of the Dean of Professional/Technical Education and the Department Chair of the technical field. To receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree, students must satisfy requirements listed below.

1. First Quarter Experience (2 cr.)

CSS 103 - First Quarter Experience Credits: (2)

2. Communication Skills (3-5 cr.)

ENGL 101 , ENGL 170 (3-5 cr.), or another specific communication course as designated by the Professional/Technical department chair.
CMST 210 , CMST 125 (3-5 cr.), or another specific communication course as designated by the Professional/Technical department chair. Specific course options in this category are designated within each major.

3. Quantitative Skills (5 cr.)

WMATH 100 (5) - Alternative courses of an equal or higher number may be substituted in some majors.

4. Physical Education (2 cr.)

PE 200 - First Aid, Safety, and CPR Credits: (2)
or PE 100 (1) plus one activity credit (choice determined by program; check with department chair)

5. Human Relations Skills (3-5 cr.)

CMST 125 - Professional Communication Credits: (3)
or choose from one of the following:
- CMST 210 - Interpersonal Communication: E (5)
- CMST 220 - Public Speaking (5)
- A specific course designated by the department chair

6. Cooperative Education (1-15 cr.)

Cooperative Education courses are listed as 199 courses. Students will complete 30 hours of work at a supervised site for each credit received. Concurrent enrollment in Cooperative Education seminars or equivalent is required. Students may earn 1 to 15 credits toward this degree requirement. Approval of the department chair is required for enrollment in all 199 courses. See program for specific requirements.

7. Equity Requirement

An Equity designated course is required for students pursuing an Associate in Arts (AAS), an Associate in Science (AS-T), or an Associate Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP) degree. Students should use the SVC online quarterly class scheduled search or consult with their faculty advisor or counselor to identify courses that fulfills this requirement.