Policy # 6235:00
Subject: Criteria For Academic Credentials
Section: Academic Affairs (6200-6299)
Effective: 5/6/99
SUBJECT: CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
PURPOSE: To establish criteria for awarding academic credentials.
The successful completion of a catalog program of study offered by an MCCS college entitles the student to a certificate, an advanced certificate, a diploma, or associate degree credential as appropriate to the curriculum. The basic criteria for the award of these credentials is described below.
CERTIFICATE
The certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of a prescribed program of vocational and/or technical courses leading to an occupational skill that includes
- 12 to 36 credit hours of coursework as specified by the program; included will be appropriate
related and/or general education courses;
- demonstrated competence in mathematics and communication skills at a level consistent with
the requirements of the program. The competency may be demonstrated either by satisfactory
performance on prescribed academic assessment tests or by completing required
communications and mathematics courses; and
- achievement of minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
Certificates may also be considered as the first year of an associate degree program, and if so, must meet the appropriate academic requirements.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE
The advanced certificate (for occupational programs of study) is awarded upon the successful completion of a prescribed program of vocational and/or technical courses designed to enhance the occupational skills of students seeking employment in highly specialized occupations. Advanced Certificates require:
- 12 to 36 credit hours of coursework as specified by the program exclusive of practicum hours;
- achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0; and
- an earned associate or higher degree* as a standard criterion for admission into the program.
* Equivalent professional credentials as approved by the Academic Dean may meet this requirement.
DIPLOMA
The diploma is awarded upon successful completion of a prescribed program of study leading to an occupational skill that includes
- 32 to 72 credit hours of coursework including appropriate content in related and/or general education
as specified by the program;
- demonstrated competence in mathematics and communication skills at a level consistent with the
requirements of the program. The competency may be demonstrated either by satisfactory
performance on prescribed academic assessment tests or by completing required communications and
mathematics courses; and
- achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE
The associate of applied science credential is awarded upon the successful completion of a program designed for employment in a specific occupational area. These curricula offer some opportunities for transfer into baccalaureate programs and include the following
- MINIMUM semester credit hour distribution by subject areas*
Communications and/or Literature; Social Science,Fine Arts and/or Humanities 12-15 credit hours
Mathematics and/or Science 6- 8 credit hours
General Education Sub Total 20-21 credit hours
Specialty Concentration** 31 credit hours
Elective(s)*** 3 credit hours
Total Credits - ranging between 60 – 72**** semester credit hours; and achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
* Care must be used to assure compliance with accreditation standards.
** Other concentrations or options should consist of a minimum of 9 credits to build knowledge depth
in an area closely related to the major with a minimum of 21 credits in the major
*** Within the next review cycle from the effective date of this revision (June 26, 2002), all programs
of study will offer this elective option.
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
The associate in science credential is awarded upon the successful completion of a program designed primarily to prepare students to transfer to an upper division baccalaureate program. These curricula also provide employment skills and include the following
- MINIMUM semester credit hour distribution in the subject areas
Communication and/or Literature and/or Social Science
and/or the Arts and Humanities 12-18 credit hours
Mathematics and/or Science 18-12 credit hours
General Education sub total 30 credit hours
Specialty Concentration 24 credit hours
Electives 6 credit hours
Total Credits - ranging between 60 – 72**** semester credit hours, and achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
**** Unless exception to exceed 72 semester credit hours is granted by the Board of Trustees
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
The associate in arts credential is awarded upon the completion of a program designed to prepare students to transfer to an upper division baccalaureate program. The curriculum is built on a foundation in liberal studies with considerable flexibility in selecting strands of electives to develop depth in the prerequisite knowledge required for further study at the baccalaureate level. The curriculum includes the following minimum requirements:
- English/Communication 6 credit hours
- Humanities 3 credit hours
- Mathematics/Science 3 credit hours
- Social Science 9 credit hours
Total core requirements 39 credit hours
Total credit hours :60 and the achievement of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
This credential is limited to 64 credit hours.
REFERENCES:
MCCS POLICIES: Academic Affairs, Section 305
REPLACES: Section 305, Effective 05/26/99
DATE EFFECTIVE: September 27, 1995
REVISED: April 27, 2005; June 27, 2007
Last changed: Feb 25 2008 at 4:49 PM Back |
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