Explanation of degree types
Northeastern Junior College offers programs leading to the Associate of Arts Degree, Associate of Science Degree, Associate of General Studies Degree and Associate of Applied Science Degree and certificates for Career and Technical Education Programs. All degrees and certificates require a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to be awarded.
Graduation requirements for degrees and certificates vary according to program objectives and content. Interpretations of general and specific requirements are available to each student through his/her faculty advisor. Students who expect to transfer will have help in selecting appropriate college/university transfer courses.
Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)
The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting a couple of math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree.
Associate of General Science (A.G.S.)
The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Many students do not choose to transfer to a four-year school with an AGS. If they decide to do so, and choose to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.
Certificates
Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, CISCO, Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.
Download the College Catalog.
Graduation requirements for degrees and certificates vary according to program objectives and content. Interpretations of general and specific requirements are available to each student through his/her faculty advisor. Students who expect to transfer will have help in selecting appropriate college/university transfer courses.
Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)
The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting a couple of math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree.
Associate of General Science (A.G.S.)
The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Many students do not choose to transfer to a four-year school with an AGS. If they decide to do so, and choose to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.
Certificates
Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, CISCO, Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.
Download the College Catalog.