Liberal Arts, A.A.

CIP Code: 24.0101
NOVA Code: 6480

Offered through AL, AN, LO, MA, NOL, WO

Purpose: An Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts is designed to provide an understanding and appreciation for the ideas and ideals that are the basis of human civilization. It offers a foundation in the arts and sciences and prepares students for transfer into a Bachelor of Arts program. Liberal arts BA degrees prepare graduates for careers in a wide array of professions by enabling them to write well, critically analyze issues, place problems in a variety of contexts, and work competently with diverse groups of colleagues.

Recommended Preparation: Satisfactory completion of the following high school units or equivalent: 4 units of English, 2 units of mathematics (algebra and geometry), 2 units of laboratory science, 1 unit of history, and 3 to 4 units of foreign language.

Transfer Information: Students are advised to work closely with the faculty and counseling staff for program and course scheduling. Electives should be chosen carefully to meet requirements of the transfer institution. The responsibility for proper course selection rests with the student.

Two Years

1st Semester

Total 13-16 credits

2nd Semester

Total 13-15 credits

3rd Semester

Total 16-17 credits

4th Semester

Total 15-18 credits

Total credits for the A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts: 60-63 credits

¹ Select from the following: CST 100 , CST 110 , CST 126 , or CST 229 .

² Placement testing determines initial foreign language level. Students who place directly into intermediate level foreign language or ASL may take any General Education course to meet the required number of credits. Waivers or credit by exam for previous experience is available for some languages. See the ‘World Language Credit and Waiver’ section of the [Credit for Prior Learning Manual]. Students must take sufficient General Education Elective courses so that they can apply at least 60 credits toward the Liberal Arts degree.

³ May substitute any higher-level mathematics course. See transfer requirements. Credit will not be awarded for both MTH 261 and MTH 263 . Credit will not be awarded for both MTH 262 and MTH 264 .

⁴ See biology, chemistry, ENV 121 -ENV 122 , physics, geology, or natural science courses with a lab component, listed under General Education Electives . Some four-year colleges require a two-semester sequence.

⁵ Any 200-level literature course with an ENG prefix satisfies this requirement.

⁶See HIS courses listed under social/behavioral sciences under General Education Electives .

⁷ See social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives .

⁸ Consult an advisor or appropriate transfer pathways for assistance in selecting open electives that will meet the requirements of the transfer institution. In many cases, open electives should be selected from the approved courses listed under General Education Electives. Only 3 credits of open electives are needed if selected World Languages total more than 15 credits. Students planning to transfer to selected Public History and Historic Preservation program should take HIS 180 and HIS 181 .

⁹Approved HIS course: HIS 101 , HIS 102 , HIS 111 , HIS 112 , HIS 121 , HIS 122 , HIS 203 , HIS 231 , HIS 232 , HIS 251 , HIS 253 , or HIS 254 . Transfer to selected universities with a major in Public History and Historic Preservation should take HIS 183 or HIS 187 .

¹⁰ See humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives . Elective should be selected with advice of a counselor or academic advisor to meet requirements of the transfer institution.