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Program Details

Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Certificate
Blue Ridge Community College

The Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) is a one-year college program in which all courses are transferrable and satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any Virginia public institution of higher education. The UCGS consists of seven course blocks. To satisfy the UCGS, students are required to complete the appropriate number of courses in each block as described below. Student course selection should be carefully considered since the UCGS program is not designed to capt


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The UCGS provides a guarantee that these 30-32 credits will apply to 30-32 credits of general education requirements at most Virginia colleges. See the Resource Center for a list of participating institutions.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Students must select a course for each block from the official UCGS course list.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Blue Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Fully online option available. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Doing More With Your Degree You are encouraged to continue on to the Associate Degree. The more credits you earn prior to transfer, the better your chances of completing a Bachelor's Degree.
Program Successes & Highlights This guarantee applies to all Virginia students completing course work through a 2-year college, including Dual-Enrollment.
Related Programs & Certifications
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Credential That Prepares You For This Program
Credential
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Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Uniform Certificate of General Studies
31
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are required to select courses from each block as prescribed below. A grade of C or better is required on all coursework for students to earn a UCGS. All courses must be taken after May 1, 2020.
UCGS
31
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Students are required to select courses from each block as prescribed below. A grade of C or better is required on all coursework for students to earn a UCGS. All courses must be taken after May 1, 2020.
Plan GPA 695
31
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 22 credits may be applied to this program.
Block I Written Communication
6
Block II Arts/Humanities/Literature
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Select two courses chosen from different categories
Block III Social/Behavioral Science
3
Block IV Natural Science
4
Block V Mathematics
3
Block VI History
3
Block VII Specialized General Education Requirements
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Student may complete courses from Blocks I-VI above or any additional course below. Student should align their Block VII course selection with their intended transfer destination's specific general education or programmatic requirements.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion SDV 100, College Success Skills, will be granted to all students who have completed an associate degree or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

BRCC will award applicable transfer credit for courses completed at other post-secondary educational institutions, provided certain criteria are met. Students should complete the Transcript Evaluation Request form to start the evaluation process. https://www.brcc.edu/admissions/transferring-credits/
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School BRCC will award applicable transfer credit for courses completed at other post-secondary educational institutions, provided certain criteria are met. Students should complete the Transcript Evaluation Request form to start the evaluation process. https://www.brcc.edu/admissions/transferring-credits/
Credit for Prior Learning https://www.brcc.edu/admissions/transferring-credits/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Blue Ridge Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? What can you do with a BRCC degree or certificate? Guarantee transfer to a great 4-year school, fix cars or planes, take care of people or animals, and so MUCH more!
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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This program could not be matched to any related careers. Please contact the institution for assistance with matching this program to careers.

Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 31 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Uniform Certificate of General Studies at Blue Ridge Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 2 semesters or 1 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $168 Per Credit $5,208 $0 $5,208
Fees
Student Activity fee $10 Per Credit $310 0 $310
Auxiliary Capital Fee $15 Per Credit $465 0 $465
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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