Associate of Arts (AA) Degree
An Associate of Arts degree is a credential awarded for completion of requirements in an approved Academic Transfer program of at least 60 semester credits (includes a minimum of 36 general education credits) and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. An AA can typically be completed within two years if a student attends on a full-time basis. An Associate of Arts degree program is typically an adaptable degree, meaning that it is flexible and encompasses all topics that are not primarily related to math or science. You can expect coursework that will focus on the liberal arts plus your choice of electives.
Associate of Science (AS) Degree
An Associate of Science degree is a credential awarded for completion of requirements in an approved Academic Transfer program of at least 60 semester credits (includes a minimum of 36 general education credits) and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. Depending on math readiness, an AS can typically be completed within two years if a student attends on a full-time basis. An Associate of Science degree program requires an additional 15 credits of STEM courses and therefore provides a greater focus on elective courses within math and science.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree
An Associate of Applied Science degree is a credential awarded for completion of requirements in an approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of at least 60 semester credits (includes a minimum of 15 general education credits) and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. An AAS can typically be completed within two years if a student attends on a full-time basis. Students who are career-focused, know what they want to do, and have researched the advantages of earning the AAS can earn this degree without needing to complete the additional required general education coursework required by AA and AS degree programs. NOTE: Students need to be aware that AAS degrees will articulate into BAS degree programs but do not include all of the general education coursework that is required when continuing to BS or BA degree programs. Please refer to the Transfer and Articulation catalog page for additional information regarding the transfer of general education credits.
Associate of Engineering (AE) Degree
An Associate of Engineering (AE) degree is a credential awarded for completion of requirements in an approved Academic Transfer Engineering program of at least 60 semester credits and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. Students who select this program are expected to have already attained high levels of math and chemistry skills. Depending on math readiness, an AE can typically be completed within two years if a student attends on a full-time basis. Students who complete the Associate of Engineering program should note that the general education (GE) requirements for this program will NOT result in GE core completion with regard to transfer. However, the program was designed to make transferring into a four-year Engineering program easier and is intended to result in students being better prepared to transfer in at a junior-class level.
Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC)
The Advanced Technical Certificate requires the successful completion of both general education coursework and Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework. The ATC places a heavy emphasis on CTE coursework with at least 43 credits needed in the chosen discipline, representing mastery of a defined set of competencies. Students are also required to complete nine (9) credits in general education for a minimum total of 52 credits.
Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC)
The Intermediate Technical Certificate requires the successful completion of both general education coursework and Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework. The ITC emphasis is primarily on CTE coursework; with at least 21 credits needed in the chosen discipline, representing mastery of a defined set of competencies. Students are also required to complete nine (9) credits in general education for a minimum total of 30 credits.
Basic Technical Certificate (BTC)
The Basic Technical Certificate requires the successful completion of at least eight (8) credit hours of Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework and represents mastery of a defined set of competencies. NOTE: CTE programs may offer certificates referred to as BTC 1 and BTC 2. A BTC 1 typically includes all first-year major required courses while a BTC 2 includes all second-year major required courses. As a result, a BTC 1 must be completed before a BTC 2 in order to meet the prerequisite requirements for courses required within the BTC 2.
Academic Certificate (AC)
The Academic Certificate is a credential awarded for completion of a coherent program of study consisting of seven (7) semester credits or more. An AC may lead to an academic degree or be completed in addition to an Academic Transfer or CTE degree.
Specialized Certificate (SC)
The Specialized Certificate is a credential awarded upon the successful completion of specific courses that have been industry validated and sequenced for the purpose of developing and upgrading skills in an occupation.
Certificate (non-credit)
All of the Certificate (non-credit) courses are offered through Business Partnerships/Workforce Development, which offers a wide selection of short-term certificate classes and fast track career training programs. Courses are available to anyone 16 and older, and out of high school – regardless of previous educational experience.
Online
There are several Business Partnerships/Workforce Development courses offered entirely online that allow you to complete certificate training at your own convenience. CWI also currently offers a number of General Education programs that can be completed at least 50 percent online. Please consult the current course schedule for online offerings in any semester.