Apr 24, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Definitions of Types of Degrees & Certificates



Associate Degrees

Kishwaukee College awards seven degrees, the Associate in Arts, the Associate in Engineering Science, the Associate in Fine Arts - Art Education emphasis, the Associate in Fine Arts - Fine Arts emphasis, the Associate in Science, the Associate in Applied Science and the Associate in General Studies.

Associate in Arts/Associate in Science Degree

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees are intended for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions. Students planning to transfer should consult the catalog of the college or university to which they plan to transfer after completing the A.A. or A.S. degree. This will aid in appropriate course selection at Kishwaukee College. Students are strongly urged to meet for advisement to assist in the planning of their transfer programs.

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is intended for students planning a career upon completion of study. While career program coursework is not intended for transfer, some career programs or courses are transferable to some four-year institutions. Students enrolled in A.A.S. programs should plan their degree programs with Academic Advising. A listing of programs offering the Associate in Applied Science degree may be found in the section titled Career/Occupational Programs.

Associate in Engineering Science Degree

To transfer as a junior into a baccalaureate engineering program, students must complete a minimum of 64 credit hours. Since admission is highly competitive, completion of the degree does not guarantee admission to engineering programs at four-year institutions. Usually, a grade of “C” or better is required for a course to fulfill a degree requirement. Students should decide on their engineering specialty and their transfer school no later than the beginning of the sophomore year. Since engineering course selections vary by specialty and school, students should schedule an appointment for academic advising before scheduling courses.

Completion of the A.E.S. degree does not fulfill the requirements of the Illinois Articulation Agreement (IAI) General Education Core Curriculum, nor does it fulfill the requirements for the A.A. or the A.S. degree. Students will need to fulfill the general education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.

Associate in Fine Arts Degree (Fine Arts emphasis)

To transfer as a junior into a B.F.A. program with a major in Art, students should follow the requirements for the degree in consultation with an advisor. Completion of the A.F.A. degree does not fulfill the requirements of the IAI General Education Core Curriculum, nor does it fulfill the requirements for the A.A. or the A.S. degree. Students will need to fulfill the general education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.

Associate in Fine Arts Degree (Art Education emphasis)

To teach in Illinois public schools, teachers must be certified by the State of Illinois. To transfer as a junior into an approved baccalaureate program in art education (K-12 or 6-12), students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including the general education courses specified to meet teacher certification requirements and the art courses. Completion of the A.F.A. degree does not fulfill the requirements of the IAI General Education Core Curriculum, nor does it fulfill the requirements for the A.A. or the A.S. degree. Students will need to fulfill the general education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.

Associate in General Studies Degree

The Associate in General Studies (A.G.S.) degree is an individualized degree. The A.G.S. allows students to design their own associate degree program that may include both transfer and occupational courses. This degree has minimal general education requirements, thus allowing considerable flexibility in designing and pursuing a course of study that meets individualized learning goals. All students considering this degree must meet with an advisor/counselor to determine suitability. The A.G.S. degree is not considered a transfer degree and may or may not transfer, all or in part, to senior institutions.

Certificates

A Certificate of Completion is awarded by Kishwaukee College upon satisfactory completion of courses required for certificate programs. Application for a certificate should be made by the deadline established for the term in which all certificate requirements are satisfied. Application forms are available online in Kishwaukee Self Service.

A listing of the programs offering certificates of completion may be found in the section of this catalog titled Career/Occupational Programs.