Uniform Certificate of General Studies, Certificate

Purpose

This program provides a solid foundation in the VCCS and NOVA general education core competency areas. Essentially the first year of an associate of science degree, this certificate is awarded to students placed in A.A. and A.S. degree programs who complete the requirements listed.

Transfer Virginia has developed 32 credits of transferable coursework (including Passport courses) that students can complete. This replaces the General Education Certificate beginning in Fall 2022. Only classes completed after May 1, 2020 will apply, and students must have earned a C or higher. NOVA cannot accept course substitutions, as this is a VCCS program. Students must be program-placed in the UCGS and apply for graduation to earn the credential. See a summary of UCGS courses.

One Year

Students who are placed in A.A.A. and A.A.S. programs may work with an academic advisor to be placed in this program under certain circumstances. 

Electives should be chosen with advice of an academic advisor to meet the requirements of the transfer institution. 

¹

Select any UCGS course from the humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives. Students must choose courses from two of the three areas listed. Credit will not be applied if student takes two courses from the same area.

²

Select any UCGS course from the physical and life science courses listed under General Education Electives.

³

Select any UCGS non-HIS course from the social/behavioral science courses listed under General Education Electives.

⁴

Select any UCGS course from the communication, languages, studio art, and technology courses listed under General Education Electives or any UCGS course listed under the General Education Electives.

⁵

Select any UCGS HIS course listed under social/behavioral sciences in General Education Electives.