Overview: Degrees and Certificates

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Associate of Arts Degrees

Associate of Arts degrees are designed to provide students with a broad background during their first and second year of study so that they can transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. Our degrees follow guidelines set by the state’s Intercollege Relations Commission. Our associate degree curriculum is designed to give students a general education that transfers to four-year universities for bachelor’s degrees.

Associate of Science Degrees

Associate of Science degrees are designed to prepare science and engineering majors for transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. All of our Associate of Science degrees adhere to guidelines developed under the guidance of the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Most coursework is in mathematics, science, and engineering but the curriculum also includes additional general education requirements.

Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degrees

Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degrees are built upon the technical courses required for job preparation; however, they also include a college-level general education component, common in structure for all such degrees. The general education courses for the degrees are drawn from the same distribution requirements list as those taken by students completing the Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science degrees. Associate in Applied Science-T degrees prepare graduates for jobs requiring two years of training or for transfer to four-year schools with specific bachelor’s programs that accept this degree.

Associate of General Studies Degree

The Associate of General Studies degree grants students academic recognition for an individually designed program of course work. This course work is designed for students not planning to transfer to a four-year school.

Associate of Technical Arts Degrees

Associate of Technical Arts degrees are designed to provide professional and technical training to prepare students for specific jobs or to improve existing skills. All of our career programs have advisory committees of professionals in related fields to help ensure that our curriculum evolves with changes in business and industry. Advisory committee members and faculty members work together to link education and employment and help students succeed.

Certificates

Certificates are shorter programs and are designed to provide specialized training and skills in a number of interest areas.

Certificates of Completion

Certificates of Completion (COCs) are professional-technical programs of less than 20 credits. The courses are targeted to help students gain skills in a specific area. COCs are not eligible for financial aid; however, some COCs may be eligible for veteran’s benefits. In addition, some COCs can be applied to certificates (programs of 20 or more credits) or degrees. If interested in a COC, please inquire at your instructional department or academic advising.

High School Diploma

Diplomas are granted for successful completion of high school diploma programs at the college. Students can earn a high school diploma through three different programs: Adult High School, Edmonds Career Access Program (EdCAP), and International High School Completion. Each program has separate admission and completion requirements. Successful completion of all programs will earn a student a high school diploma authorized by the state of Washington. Students may also earn a diploma through rules set in State House Bill (SHB) 1758 . In addition, General Equivalency Degree (GED) preparation classes  are also offered for students needing an alternate credential to a high school diploma.