IN 6.0 - General Requirements for Degrees, Certificates, and High School Diploma :

SUMMARY/SCOPE
The Board of Trustees requires Edmonds College to deliver degrees, curricula, programs, and certificates that are appropriate to student and community needs and align with the college’s mission. The purpose of these degrees, certificates, and high school diploma are designed to lead individuals directly to employment in a specific occupation or prepare individuals to transfer to a four-year college or university.

DESCRIPTION
Degrees and certificates offered at Edmonds College will follow the guidelines established by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges requirements and meet accreditation standards. Curriculum development and revisions are the responsibility of faculty with support and authorization of the administration.

PROCEDURE DETAILS
I. Degrees

A. Associate in Arts (AA) degrees are designed to provide students with a broad background during their first and second year of study so that they can transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. The AA degree consists of a minimum of 90 quarter credits and shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified courses and credit requirements.

B. Associate in Science (AS) degrees are designed to prepare science and engineering majors for transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. AS degrees consist of a minimum of 90 quarter credits and shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified courses and credit requirements.

C. Associate in Applied Science-T (AAS-T) degrees prepare graduates for jobs requiring two years of training or for transfer to four-year schools with specific bachelor’s programs that accept this degree. AAS-T degrees consist of a minimum of 90 quarter credits and shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified courses and credit requirements.

D. Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) degrees are designed to provide professional and technical training to prepare students for specific jobs or to improve existing skills. ATA degrees consist of a minimum of 90 quarter credits and shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified courses and credit requirements.

E. The Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree grants students academic recognition for an individually designed program of coursework. This coursework is designed for students not planning to transfer to a four-year school. The Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree consists of a minimum of 90 quarter credits and shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified courses and credit requirements.

II. Certificates

Certificates are shorter programs and are designed to provide specialized training and skills in a number of interest areas. A certificate requires the successful completion of course requirements that may range from 20 to 89 quarter credits, depending on the certificate. The certificate shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified courses and credit requirements.

III. Certificates of Completion

Certificates of Completion (COC) are professional-technical programs of less than 20 credits. The courses are targeted to help students gain skills in a specific area. A COC requires the successful completion of the course requirements that may range from 5 to 19 quarter credits. The COC shall be awarded to students who successfully complete the specified course(s) and credit requirements.

IV. High School Diploma

A. Adult High School (AHS) Diploma: Adults age 17 and older without a high school diploma are eligible to take classes to complete minimum Washington state high school diploma requirements to earn an Edmonds College high school diploma. Students must meet with an advisor to determine which credits are needed for completion. Qualified students may also take college classes that meet high school diploma requirements.

Incoming students will take the college ACCUPLACER® test and meet entry-level course placement requirements. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements will be referred to academic skill-building classes first. Students under the age of 18 must complete special admission requirements.

B. High School 21+ Diploma (HS21+): Adults age 21 and older without a high school diploma are eligible for the HS21+ program. Students can take classes and/or demonstrate competency to complete Washington state high school diploma requirements and earn an Edmonds College high school diploma. Qualified students may also take college-level classes at reduced tuition that meet high school diploma requirements.

Incoming students will take the CASAS reading and math tests and the college ACCUPLACER® test for placement in college-level courses.

VI. Residency

A. The residency requirement for all degrees and certificates shall be thirty (30) credits or one-third of the required credits. However, a specific program may require that more credits must be earned in residence. Only college-level courses (numbered 100 or above) meet the resident credit requirement except as approved by the appropriate dean. If the residency requirements are met, then the final credits for degrees and certificates do not have to be earned at the college.

B. The minimum requirement for a high school diploma is that the last course shall be completed at Edmonds College (EC).

C. Credits earned through the college’s Course Challenge and/or Special Project as described in the Awarding Credit for Non-traditional Learning Procedure count toward EC residency requirements and will be posted to the student’s transcript the quarter in which they are earned.

VII. Grade Point Average (GPA) and Calculation

The student must maintain a GPA of 2.00 or above for all degrees and certificates. Only EC classes are included in the GPA calculation.

High School Diploma: Only courses used to satisfy graduation requirements are used in the GPA calculation.

VIII. Effect of Time Lapse on Graduation Requirements

A student may use any set of requirements in effect while they are in attendance, and they have six years to complete their degree under that set of requirements. After a lapse of six years, the student must use the catalog in effect during their subsequent attendance.

IX. Cultural Diversity Requirement

All students earning a degree or certificate of 45 credits or more must meet the cultural diversity (CD) requirement by successfully completing at least five (5) credits of a Cultural Diversity (CD) course.

X. Course Substitutions

A. To request a substitute for a course required for a degree, certificate, or diploma, the student must meet to consult with a faculty advisor from the department that offers the degree. The faculty advisor makes a recommendation to the division dean.

B. The authority to grant the request resides with the division dean. The division dean communicates the decision to the faculty advisor, the student, and the credentials office.

XI. Course Waivers

Minimal use of waivers shall be used in granting certificates and degrees.

SOURCE INFORMATION
(was) C.1.9.100 R102 Grade Point Average Calculation

(was) C 4.7.100 Department and Degree Requirements

(was) C.4.7.100 R101 Definitions for Degree, Certificate, Curriculum, Department

(was) C.4.7.100 R103 Effect of Time Lapse on Graduation Requirements

(was) C 4.7.100 R106 General Graduation Requirement

CONTENT OWNER. The primary responsibility for this policy belongs to:
Vice President for Instruction

PRIMARY CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR (Director/Dean)
Vice President for Instruction

REVIEW PERIOD
Three years.

REVIEW HISTORY
2020-Oct 21 Amended to update content owner and contributor

2017-Jan 30 Approved by President’s Cabinet

2006-Nov 16 Revised

1987-Jul Approved