The Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees require a minimum of 60 semester hours credit for completion. These degrees are essentially planned sets of general education courses that make up the first half of a four-year baccalaureate degree. Thus, Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree students do not officially major in an academic discipline at Northwest Shoals. Majors are actually defined by the institutions to which these students transfer. However, Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree students are assigned to an advisor on the basis of an intended major or a field of interest indicated by individual students.
It is the student’s responsibility to become familiar with the requirements of the senior institution to which transfer may occur. A student planning to transfer should follow a prescribed transfer program in order to prevent loss of credit upon transferring. Students should consult with their advisor or the Advising Center before registering.
Note 1: The specific courses are suggested for graduation and transfer requirements. Students should consult the requirements of the senior institution to which they plan to transfer.
Placement in college level English, math, and science courses depends upon scores achieved in placement tests (ASSET, COMPASS, ACCUPLACER, or ACT). Placement in developmental level courses may be required to ensure student success but will not count toward graduation.
Note 2: The College recommends that students take a sequence in literature and history. However, the state requirement is that at least one history and one literature must be completed with a sequence in one or the other. If only one literature is completed, the student must take an additional course from Area II to replace it. If only one history is completed, the student must take an additional course from Area IV to replace it. Only ART 100 or MUS 101 will generally meet the fine art requirement at transfer institutions.
Note 3: Students may take courses as many times as permissible, credit will not be cumulative.