Career Degrees and Certificates

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Associate in Applied Science

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) represents completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours in a technical or career program. Certificates are awarded after completion of up to 50 credits that focus on specific occupational or technical areas of study.

A.A.S. Degree Requirements

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) represents completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours in a technical or career program. Certificates are awarded after completion of up to 50 credits that focus on technical or career program. Certificates are awarded after completion of up to 50 credits that focus on specific occupational or technical areas of study.

1. Successfully completed at least 15 semester hours of credits at Prairie State College (excluding proficiency credits).
2. Completed program requirements as specified by the occupational/technical degree program (minimum of 60 semester hours).This includes a General Education Core Curriculum, program-mandated occupational/technical courses, and electives as determined by the A.A.S. degree program.
3. Attained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in all Prairie State College courses.
4. Filed appropriate evidence of high school graduation or GED certificate with the Enrollment Services Office.

A.A.S. Degree Components

The A.A.S. degree is composed of a general education component, a core concentration of occupational/technical courses, and other program electives.

1. General Education Core Curriculum for the A.A.S. Degree
   The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has prescribed that each associate degree curriculum shall include general education components. Within these parameters, the general education component will represent at least 15 general education credit hours, depending on the A.A.S. degree program of study. The 15 credit hour general education requirements can be chosen from the following areas:
   Area A: Communication  
   Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts  
   Area C: Mathematics  
   Area D: Physical and Life Sciences  
   Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences  

2. Program Requirements
   Program course requirements are established by each department to reflect the core competencies expected in the workplace for specific occupations.

3. Electives
   Electives are determined by each department based on options for specialization within a program or to provide students with choices related to their career goals.
   
   The specific courses in each division will vary with the student’s degree or program. Students can contact a Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisor to determine the specific requirements.

Certificate Guidelines

Certificates are awarded after completion of up to 50 credits that focus on specific occupational or technical areas of study. Certificates are awarded to those students completing education and training in a particular occupational field of study. A student will be recommended for a certificate if the following requirements are met:

Certificate Requirements

1. Completed the certificate requirements as specified in the certificate program.
2. Attained a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in the courses identified in the certificate program.
3. Completed 15 credit hours or one-half of the required credit hours for programs that exceed 30 credit hours, as a student at Prairie State College.