Liberal Arts: Associate in Arts Degree
The Liberal Arts program provides courses that develop general intellectual capacities, such as reason and judgment. These studies encourage students to think clearly and creatively, to seek and assess information, and to communicate effectively. As the liberal arts are the foundation for a good education in any field, many of the courses are prerequisite for career and technical programs. Beyond the mission of preparing students for further education, the Liberal Arts program is committed to developing well-rounded individuals with the skills to face the challenges of life and to make positive contributions to society.
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) updated 02/28/2022:
- Apply appropriate English language skills to effectively communicate complex ideas in academic and professional contexts.
- Apply an iterative, reflective approach to finding, evaluating, and using information.
- Apply mathematical concepts and quantitative literacy skills to solve problems.
- Engage with artistic expression by applying established aesthetic principles and analytical techniques.
- Apply evidence-based theories and methods of scientific inquiry to test ideas, predict outcomes, observe and measure results, and make informed decisions.
- Use knowledge of diverse human experiences and ways of knowing from different times, nations, cultures, ethnicities, classes, and identities to inform critical thought and intellectual empathy.
FALL (SEMESTER 1)
Course
Course Title/Category
Credits
Electives: Any 100-level or higher course (6 credits)
+
6
Oral Communication
+
3
Sub-Total Credits
15
SPRING (SEMESTER 2)
Course
Course Title/Category
Credits
Electives: Any 100-level or higher course (6 credits)
+
6
Sub-Total Credits
16
- Diversification: Arts (DA), Humanities (DH), and Literatures (DL): A total of 6 credits are required. The DA, DH, or DL courses should be taken in semesters 2 and 3. The 6 credits must be from two different designations.
- Diversification: Biological Sciences (DB)/Physical Sciences (DP): Only 1 DB course and 1 DP course is required. If the DB course is taken in semester 2, the DP course should be fulfilled in semester 3 or vice versa.
- Diversification: Laboratory (science) (DY): Only 1 DY course is required and may be completed in semester 2 or 3.
- Foundations: Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG): A total of 6 credits are required. The FG courses should be taken in semesters 2 and 3. Any two courses with different FG designations are required.
FALL (SEMESTER 3)
Course
Course Title/Category
Credits
Electives: Any 100-level or higher course (3 credits)
+
3
Sub-Total Credits
15
- Diversification: Arts (DA), Humanities (DH), and Literatures (DL): A total of 6 credits are required. The DA, DH, or DL courses should be taken in semesters 2 and 3. The 6 credits must be from two different designations.
- Diversification: Biological Sciences (DB)/Physical Sciences (DP): Only 1 DB course and 1 DP course is required. If the DB course is taken in semester 2, the DP course should be fulfilled in semester 3 or vice versa.
- Diversification: Social Sciences (DS): A total of 6 credits are required. The DS courses should be taken in semesters 3 and 4. The courses must be from two different disciplines.
- Foundations: Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG): A total of 6 credits are required. The FG courses should be taken in semesters 2 and 3. Any two courses with different FG designations are required.
SPRING (SEMESTER 4)
Course
Course Title/Category
Credits
Electives: Any 100-level or higher course (11 credits)
+
11
Sub-Total Credits
14
- Diversification: Social Sciences (DS): A total of 6 credits are required. The DS courses should be taken in semesters 3 and 4. The courses must be from two different disciplines.
Graduation Requirements (to be satisfied within the 60-credit A.A. degree)
Course
Course Title/Category
Credits
Total credits:
60