Degrees and Certificates

Tri-C offers five main types of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
  • Online Associate of Arts (OAA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Business (AAB)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Associate of Technical Studies (ATS)

If you plan to work immediately after graduation, you might choose to earn an Associate of Applied Business or Associate of Applied Science. If you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university, you might choose to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.

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The Associate of Arts degree requires more coursework in communications, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities, while an Associate of Science requires more math and natural science courses.

• Associate of Arts (AA)
  • Online Associate of Arts (OAA)
• Associate of Science (AS)

The Associate of Technical Study (ATS) degree lets you combine courses from two or more technical programs to create a degree path focused on a special career interest. You can also earn an ATS from Tri-C by successfully completing technical studies at a non-credit-bearing postsecondary institution that has an articulation agreement with the College. Based upon the agreement, you can receive up to 30 transfer credits toward an ATS in the identified program.

To earn a degree, you must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 60 credits at the 1000 or 2000 level. No more than 3 of the 60 credits can be completed in physical education.

Tri-C offers three types of certificates:

• Short-term certificate
• Certificate of proficiency
• Post-degree professional certificate

• Short-term certificate: 9 to 29 credits (1000 level or higher)
• Certificate of proficiency: 30 to 37 credits (1000 level or higher)
• Post-degree professional certificate: 20 to 37 credits (1000 level or higher) plus an associate degree or higher

Some degree programs, like the AAS in Automotive Technology, include coursework that allows you to complete specialized certificates along the way.

Academic pathways are the broader areas of interest or study available at Tri-C. Each pathway requires you to complete particular course sequences in order to earn specific degrees and certificates.

Tri-C offers nine academic pathways:

• Business
• Creative Arts
• Health Careers
• Hospitality
• Humanities, Liberal Arts, and Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Industrial Manufacturing and Construction
• Information Technology
• Public Safety
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

View the Academic Pathways section of the College Catalog to explore each pathway in detail.