2018-2019 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Oct 04, 2024  
2018-2019 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Degree & Certificate Overviews


 

A.A., A.S.

General Degree Requirements

The general requirements for an associate degree from OTC are as follows:

  • At least 62 semester hours of college credit; fifteen (15) hours of coursework must be completed in residence.
  • The completion of minimum requirements specified for each program.
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) or better.
  • Approval of the candidate for a degree by faculty and administration.

The following policies should be noted:

  1. Students must take appropriate courses to satisfy the requirements in state and federal constitutions and in American history and regulatory infrastructures. See the course requirements for the appropriate courses.
  2. A student who meets the standards set by the college for credit by exam may be granted credit up to a maximum of one half of the required credit for a degree or certificate.
  3. A student will satisfy the catalog requirements in effect when student entered or re-entered (after one semester of absence) the college.
  4. In determining the 2.00 minimum grade point average required for graduation, transfer grades will not be counted.

A candidate for a certificate or degree must:

  1. File an “Application for Graduation” the semester prior to graduation with the Office of the Registrar.
  2. For Technical Education courses, an approved technical skill assessment (TSA) should be taken by students who have completed a CTE program.
  3. Contact the Office of the Registrar for deadline dates.

Prerequisite Concerns

If a student has questions or concerns regarding prerequisite courses, he/she should see the appropriate department chair or division dean. A course waiver form may be appropriate.

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)

The Associate of Arts degree is designed to allow a student who plans to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete the general education requirements. Of the 62 credit hours required, a student must complete a designated core of general education courses and subject distributions; the remaining hours will consist of electives that are numbered 100 or higher. In order for an Associate of Arts degree to be awarded, 15 hours of coursework must be completed in residence.

Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The Associate of Science degree is a specialized degree for the students who intend to transfer to a college or university in a program that has an emphasis in science and/or math. The programs to which this degree applies have established articulation agreements with specific four-year colleges or universities. Each A.S. degree is designed to meet the lower-division general education requirements and program-specific prerequisite requirements of the receiving institution. In order for an Associate of Science degree to be awarded, 15 hours of coursework must be completed in residence.

A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is oriented toward career and professional preparation. Each program is designed to provide a student with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce after completing at least 62 credit hours of coursework. Requirements of A.A.S. degree programs may vary; however, a minimum of 25 percent of the required credit hours must consist of college-level transferable general education credits. The remaining required credit hours are specific to the program. In order for an Associate of Applied Science degree to be awarded, 15 hours of coursework must be completed in residence.

Students should consult with their faculty advisor and the institution to which they intend to transfer to ensure transferability of courses.

For Technical Education courses, an approved technical skill assessment (TSA) should be taken by students who have completed a CTE program.

Certificate of Achievement

The Certificate of Achievement is awarded to a student completing one of the allied health or technical career programs with fewer than 62 credit hours. Each career certificate is earned after completing a prescribed set of courses. Normally, two full semesters or their equivalent are required to complete the requirements for a one-year certificate.  In order for a Certificate of Achievement to be awarded, you must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) or better and 15 hours of coursework must be completed in residence.

Certificate of Specialization

The Certificate of Specialization is awarded to a student completing designated requirements within a program. These requirements will provide the student the knowledge and skills to further develop strengths in predefined areas of concentration many times related to their current or anticipated future employment. Certificates of Specialization are short-term programs of study. The credit hours earned in most programs may be applied toward a Certificate of Achievement and/or an Associate of Applied Science degree in the related field of study.

Note: The degree requirements and course listings in this catalog are subject to change within an academic year. Refer to otc.edu for the most recent listings.