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Anne Arundel Community College offers programs that
lead to an associate degree or certificate and areas of
study that lead to a Letter of Recognition. Students may
enter a program designed for transfer to a four-year institution,
or one that prepares for immediate entry into, or
upgrading in, a career. Requirements for each area of study,
as stated in this catalog, may be altered only by petition to the
college. For assistance, contact an academic adviser.
Associate degrees
• The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree recognizes mastery in
the liberal arts and in the fine arts.
• The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree recognizes mastery
in science or technology.
• The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is designed
primarily for immediate employment and is identified with a
specialty designation, e.g., computer technology, engineering
technology, etc.
• The Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree is
designed for transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a
baccalaureate degree and teacher certification.
Associate degree programs consist of general education
courses, area specific courses and electives. To qualify for an
associate degree, students must complete the minimum
number of credit hours required in their program and earn a
cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better.
Certificates
The college offers certificate programs for those who wish to
gain a credential for acquired knowledge, skills and abilities
focused in specific discipline areas. Most certificate programs
TRANSFER PROGRAMS
Transfer programs are designated as Associate of Arts, Associates
of Arts in Teaching or Associate of Sciences degrees in the Areas
of Study table on pages 49-58. These programs meet the needs of
students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year
college or university. The courses in these programs follow the
patterns required in the lower division of bachelor’s degree programs.
Upon the completion of a transfer program with a cumulative
average of 2.0 or better, the student is qualified to receive
an associate degree and to be accepted with junior standing at a
bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.
CAREER PROGRAMS
In the Areas of Study table, career programs are designated as
Associate of Applied Science degree or Certificate or Letter of
Recognition areas of study. Career programs are for students
who intend to seek employment upon graduation. Associate of
Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) programs include specific career
courses leading to employment in a specific occupation, in addition
to general education courses that provide the basis for a
well-rounded college education. Certificate programs, usually
about 30 credits, are designed for those who wish to develop or
upgrade their job skills. Nearly all courses in the certificate pro-
Areas of Study
are designed to assist students with goals for upgrading skills
for immediate application in employment. Many certificates
are designed as units within associate degree programs (see
elsewhere on this page) and can be acquired in the process of
seeking an associate's degree. Certificate programs require a
minimum of 12 credits (with 50 percent earned at AACC) or
more and demonstrated English 111 eligibility. See program
descriptions, pages 59-223, for all Certificate programs, including
those integrated within an associate degree program.
Letters of Recognition
Credit Letters of Recognition are awarded to students who
complete fewer than 12 credits in a prescribed sequence of
courses focused on acquisition of specific skill sets or of concepts
within a specified context. Letters of Recognition often
are part of certificate programs and, in turn, of associate
degree programs. See pages 59-223 for all Letters of
Recognition, including those integrated within a certificate
and an associate degree.
A number of Letters of Recognition also are offered
through the Continuing Education and Workforce Development
division. These Letters of Recognition primarily address
career and professional development needs. Information on
noncredit Letters of Recognition may be found in any current
noncredit schedule of classes.
Professional Certificate
Professional certification in Physician Assistant is available
and has an entry requirement of a completed bachelor's
degree program. See pages 201-203 for qualifications and
certificate requirements.
grams relate to the skills required by the career field. Letters of
recognition are awarded to students who complete a shorter prescribed
sequence of courses required for employment enhancement
in a specific employment area.
While the primary objective of career programs is job entry, a
growing number of graduates in career areas of study are transferring
courses to specialized bachelor degree programs at bachelor’s
degree granting institutions.
SPECIALIZED AREAS
Honors Program
The honors program at Anne Arundel Community College maintains
academic rigor while allowing flexibility for qualified students
in all majors to participate in an honors curriculum and
receive recognition for their achievements. The honors program
expands opportunities for high achieving students by offering
either: an honors certificate earned simultaneously with a transfer
studies associate degree or an honors certificate earned
simultaneously with a career oriented degree such as an A.A.S.
or A.A.T.
All honors certificate programs include honors contract
options to provide maximum flexibility in completing the
required honors credits. Students admitted to the honors program
are challenged to develop their full potential through a vari-
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