Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is awarded to a student who successfully completes a program designed to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a baccalaureate degree. The student who is pursuing a particular major at a four-year institution may wish to select a particular area of emphasis described in this catalog. Students pursuing a program of study that has a Statewide Articulation Agreement must meet those requirements.

Written Communication

Total Credits 6

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
ENG121ENG1021	English Composition I: GT-CO1	3
Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)
and
ENG122ENG1022	English Composition II: GT-CO2	3
Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or persuasive papers that incorporate research. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG1021 or ENG1031 with a "C" grade or better. (3-0)

Or you can take ENG1022 and a GT-CO3 course.

Oral Communication

Total Credits 3

Choose one of the following courses:

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
COM115COM1150	Public Speaking	3
Combines the basic theory of speech communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasizes on speech delivery, preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. (3-0)
COM125COM1250	Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3	3
Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)
COM220COM2300	Intercultural Communication: GT-SS3	3
Provides a global view of communication across cultures and brings an awareness of how perception, language, race, verbal and nonverbal communication impact our behaviors, messages, and interactions. Emphasis is on developing effective and ethical cross-cultural communication skills while also building an appreciation for different cultures. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)

Mathematics

Total Credits 3-4

Take one 3 or 4 credit minimum, MAT1240 or higher. Any GT-MA1 course except MAT1220/1230.

Arts and Humanities

Total Credits 6

Take two GT courses from two different categories AH1, AH2, AH3 or AH4.

History

Total Credits 3

Take one GT course from the HI1 category.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Total Credits 9

Take two GT courses from SS1, SS2, SS3 categories.

One additional Guaranteed Transfer course from either Arts & Humanities or Social & Behavioral Sciences (AH1, AH2, AH3, AH4, HI1, SS1, SS2, or SS3).

Natural and Physical Sciences

Total Credits 7

Take two GT courses from the SC1 or SC2 categories including at least one lab course.

Electives

Total Credits 23

Consult with a Northeastern Advisor and select the elective credits needed based on the specific articulation agreement and transfer institution requirements. The list of approved electives can be found on the Approved A.A.-A.S. Electives page.

Degree & Certificate Options

60 Credits

Curriculum

Geography Designation

Associate of Arts

Degree with Designation

60 Credits

Curriculum

History Designation

Associate of Arts

Degree with Designation

60 Credits

Curriculum

Degree Descriptions

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 math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (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. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school 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.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and 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.