Program Overview
The Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) programs provide students with the first two years of a four-year baccalaureate degree. The AA offers an excellent foundation for degrees in communication, education, humanities, fine arts, languages, and social and behavioral sciences. The AS offers an excellent foundation for degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the natural sciences. If you are an aspiring business or other major not identified above, contact the university with the program that interests you and determine which degree is most suitable.

A student completing either degree with a grade of "C" or better in every course is assured of admission into one of the 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, usually transferring in with junior ranking. (Admission into a particular university, program, or major is not guaranteed.) Even if a student elects not to transfer, an AA or AS degree improves job marketability.

Students in the AA or AS program who wish to transfer on a faster timetable may complete the 44-hour general education core to earn a Transfer Core Diploma. Although the diploma is not a degree and does not assure admission into the UNC system, a student who completes the diploma with a grade of "C" or better in every course will have met all general education requirements for any university in the system, and upon admission will likely be ranked as a sophomore.

The core courses are selected from the following categories:

Associate of Science Core
  • 6 credits English
  • 9 credits Humanities/Fine Arts
  • 9 credits Social/Behavioral Sciences
  • 20 credits Math/Natural Sciences*
  • (*includes at least 6 credits in Math and at least 8 credits in Natural Sciences)


Applicants to the AA or AS program are required to do pre-admission testing. Students with a verbal score of at least 500 and a math score of at least 500 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are exempt from further testing. All others must take a placement test to determine their reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency. Students must place into ENG 111 (Expository Writing) for admission into either program. Prospective students who need remediation in one or more areas will be placed in appropriate developmental studies courses designed to give them the best opportunity for success in subsequent college courses. Developmental courses do not count toward the overall degree credit requirements.

Program Outcomes
1. Communication Skills:
    Communicate effectively through writing and speaking.

2. Quantitative Reasoning:
     Understand and apply mathematical concepts and interpret numerical data.

3. Critical Thinking:
     Evaluate the relevance and validity of information in order to draw logical and useful conclusions.

4. Technological Skills:
     Use technology to acquire and share information.

5. Global and Cultural Awareness:
     Demonstrate an understanding of global and cultural diversity, events, and issues.

6. Occupational Skills:
    Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary for entry level positions or continued education in a field of  
    study.

For More Information: Angela Gardner-Ragland - Interim Dean of Arts & Science