Degrees and Certificates

Associates of Arts and Science

The Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are two-year general education degrees designed to satisfy the attainment of a broad, balanced, two-year college education. These degrees form the foundation and prerequisites for transfer into a baccalaureate program. Students must complete a minimum of 60 semester hours to earn an AA or AS degree, 42 semester credit hours of which are derived from our core curriculum. Students planning to obtain a baccalaureate degree should take courses appropriate to their specific degree requirements. Be aware that your specific major and/or minor depends on the institution from which you plan to receive your baccalaureate degree.

Difference between an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science degree.

The Associate of Arts (AA) may be differentiated from the Associate of Science (AS) by:

1. The AA program may have additional requirements in the liberal arts and/or the AS program may have additional requirements in disciplines such as science, mathematics, or computer science; or
2. The AA program may serve as a foundation for the BA degree and the AS program for the BS degree.

Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate

The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed for the student seeking the skills necessary for employment. The A.A.S. degree will prepare the student to transfer to baccalaureate degree-granting institutions that have articulation programs with LCC. To fulfill senior college requirements, the student should ascertain the specific requirements of that institution. To receive the degree, a student must have completed all requirements of the respective program.

Certificate: A technical program designed for entry level employment or for upgrading skills and knowledge within an occupation.