Associate degree general education transfer program definition

In general, the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree is intended to focus your study toward liberal arts while the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree is intended to focus your study toward math and science. Knowing what your planned four-year major will be, and where you plan to transfer, can affect the choice of which degree you choose and the courses you choose to complete that degree. This means knowing where you plan to transfer is an important decision that is best made early in the process. However, since there are courses that can satisfy General Education requirements at most universities, this decision can be delayed. The delay in making this decision might mean you will take additional semesters to complete your four-year degree.

The A.A. degree is awarded in support of the first half of a bachelor’s degree (four year degree) in liberal arts, general studies, or pre-professional studies with courses in a wide range of areas. The A.A. degree from EICC is fully articulated with the Iowa Regents institutions, conforms to the state-wide articulation agreement and grants junior status in the respective colleges of Arts and Sciences. It is also fully articulated with many private colleges and universities.

The A.S. degree is awarded in support of the first half of a bachelor’s degree (four-year degree), usually in mathematics, natural sciences, or a pre-professional degree that emphasizes math and science courses, such as Engineering or Pharmacy. The A.S. degree from EICC conforms to the state-wide articulation agreement and in most cases the A.S. degree transfers to a four year university or college on a course-by-course basis. As you select courses to complete an A.S. degree it is very important to use available course equivalency guides and to seek advising assistance at both your community college and the four year school to which you plan to transfer.

Choosing Elective Courses for your Associates Degree

• The number of elective credits available to you depends on the degree and courses selected to satisfy general education requirements.
• Electives may include up to 16 semester hours of vocational/technical courses.
• Consider your personal interests and/or your transfer institutions requirements when selecting elective courses.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-888-336-3907, email or contact the college nearest you and ask to speak to an advisor.

• Clinton Community College, 563-244-7000
• Muscatine Community College, 563-288-6000
• Scott Community College, 563-441-4000

It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Debora J. Sullivan, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, 563-336-3487, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, Illinois 60661-7204, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, .