catalog - Prairie State College

DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, COURSESACADEMIC DEGREES AND CERTIFICATESACADEMIC DEGREES ANDCERTIFICATESPrairie State College offers associate’s degrees that preparestudents for transfer to four-year institutions, associate’sdegrees and certificates that prepare students for specificcareers, and an associate’s degree that recognizes completionof a broad range of college-level courses.2006-2008 CATALOGTRANSFER DEGREESThe Associate in Arts degree (A.A.) includes the first two years ofstudy for students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree inliberal arts.The Associate in Science degree (A.S.) covers the first twoyears of study for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering,mathematics or science.The Associate in Fine Arts: Art degree (A.F.A.) is designed to preparestudents to transfer as juniors into a bachelor’s degreeprogram (B.F.A.) in Studio Art. Students are encouraged tocomplete their core courses in Art before enrolling in mediaspecificstudio courses. A portfolio review is usually requiredfor transfer to a four-year institution.The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree (A.A.T.) is a two-yearprogram designed for students preparing for careers in secondaryeducation. It provides a foundation in teacher education,field-based experiences and discipline-specific content. CurrentA.A.T. degrees are designed to facilitate transfer for studentswho intend to teach in high-need disciplines.GENERAL STUDIES DEGREEThe Associate in General Studies degree (A.G.S.), while notintended for transfer or directed at a specific occupation,allows students to design their own two-year program. Seepage 69 for details.CAREER PROGRAM DEGREES AND CERTIFICATESThe Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) represents completion ofa minimum of 60 credit hours in a technical or career program.Certificates are awarded after completion of up to 50 creditsthat focus on specific occupational or technical areas of study.For detailed information about career degree and certificateprograms, see page 70.DEGREES,CERTIFICATES,COURSES40