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Program Details

Associate of Science Degree in General Studies

Associate of Science
Mountain Empire Community College

The Associate of Science degree in General Studies is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program. The courses in this program are specifically selected for ease of transfer to most four-year colleges and universities. Following the prescribed coursework in this program will result in graduation with the Associate of Arts (AA). Students should consult with their advisors to ensure that they select general electives that best prepare them for the specific requirements of their intended transfer college or university programs of study.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Written Communication: Express themselves effectively in a variety of written forms.
2. Civic Engagement: Demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.
3. Critical Thinking: Locate, evaluate, interpret, and combine information to reach well-reasoned conclusions or solutions.
4. Quantitative Literacy: Calculate, interpret, and use numerical and quanititative information in a variety of setting.
5. Professional Readiness: Demonstrates skills important for successful transition into the workplace and/or pursuite of further education.
6. Scientific Literacy: Recognize and know how to use the scientific method, and to evaluate empirical information.
7. Information Literacy: Ability to determine the nature and extent of the information needed; access needed information effectively and efficeintly; evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Transfer Degree
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

Students must meet the requirements for admission established by the college. Depending on specific circumstances, students may need to complete developmental coursework as they begin this course of study. Students are encouraged to check the mathematics requirements of the four-year college or university to which they plan to transfer to determine the appropriate courses to be taken at MECC, as well as to determine the transferability of electives. MECC strongly recommends consulting with an academic advisor at the college in planning their program and selecting courses.

Considerations When Selecting Courses

Requirements of four-year institutions may vary. Students should consult an academic advisor to select courses that will satisfy baccalaureate major requirements. In addition, they should confirm with the college or university to which they plan to transfer that they will receive credit at the four-year institution.

  • 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 Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
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
Associate of Science Degree in General Studies
61
Associate of Science in General Studies
61
Course Requirements for 699
61
Core Requirements for 699
61
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ITE 152
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SDV 101
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Natural Science Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MTH Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MTH Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
History Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HIS Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CST 100
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Humanities Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Social Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
General Transfer
15
Earn 15 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Humanities Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Natural Science Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
SDV 195
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
English Literature
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
61
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 45 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 699
61
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
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 The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
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: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate in Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Communication MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeGeneral Studies, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Sciences in General Studies AssociateAssociate of Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online
Piedmont Virginia Community CollegeAssociate of Science in General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General StudiesAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearOnline
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication)AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Science - General Studies (Theatre Arts)AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications MajorAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
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 61 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 Associate of Science Degree in General Studies at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 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 $167 Per Credit $10,187 $0 $10,187
*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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