Associate of Arts and Associate of Science

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees are general transfer degrees. Completion of either program indicates the student has completed a course of study equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees do not officially include a major or minor course of study; nevertheless, students do complete a minimum of 21/22 credits in a program of study option for either an A.A. or A.S. degree. (For specific information on the Associate of Science degree in nursing, please see the Nursing Programs pages).

Students may also accumulate credits to transfer to another college or university. Completion of the Helena College general education core requirements (31+ credits) satisfies the general core requirements of the Montana University System. All Montana University System institutions will accept the Helena College general education core to satisfy their lower division general education requirements.

Faculty Advisors: Mike Cronin, John Hartman, Kim Haughee, Karen Henderson, Rick Henry, Michelle Holt, Steve Lewis, Elyse Lovell, Marcy Martin, Chris Matson, Nathan Munn, Tammy Scott, Viktor Shchuchinov and Joyce Walborn

Minimum Requirements for A.A. and A.S.

• Completion of 60 semester credit hours, 15 credits of which are at the 200 level.
• Completion of 35 credits in General Education, a minimum of 22 credits in a program of study, and 3 credits in an open elective or capstone project where indicated.
• An overall GPA of 2.25 upon completion of the degree.
• A grade of “C-” or higher in each course in the program of study.

NOTES:
* Indicates second half of science sequence required for A.S. degree (see below under “Additional General Education Requirements for Degree-Seeking Students”) “D” Indicates the course meets the core diversity requirement (see requirement “F” below)

I.  General Education Core (31+ credits)

The General Education Core of the Helena College University of Montana provides students with the broad foundation of knowledge essential for success at the associate and baccalaureate levels.

All students are prepared for independent, abstract, and critical thinking; responding creatively to problems; applying quantitative and mathematical knowledge; finding information; and communicating both orally and in written forms. This is done to engender life-long learning skills, a foundation of knowledge in a variety of disciplines, and a broadened perspective on our interdependent, changing global community.

A: Sciences/Mathematics (10+ credits)
Math and Sciences Outcomes

• Understand and demonstrate methods used to gather, test, and interpret scientific data
• Understand basic principles that explain the natural world
• Solve quantitative problems and interpret solutions
• Use inductive and deductive scientific reasoning to solve novel problems

To complete the science/math requirement, students must include one natural science with lab and one of these math courses: M115, M121, M122, M145, M171, M172, or STAT216.

B: Written Communication (6 credits)
Written/Oral Communications Outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery of engaging, clear, and coherent structures for presenting ideas in a variety of expository and argumentative models
• Develop ideas logically, clearly, convincingly, and ethically
• Control the effect of voice in achieving specific communication purposes with specific audiences.
• Control the conventions of language
• Understand and apply research skills necessary for academic study
• Employ analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in both writing and reading
• Exercise proficiency, confidence, and self-reliance in the application of academic activities

C: Oral Communication (3 credits)

D: Social and Psychological Sciences (6+ credits)
Social and Psychological Science Outcomes

• Have an awareness of major perspectives in social and individual behavior
• Be able to apply social science theories to multicultural perspectives
• Understand how historical experiences influence current theories
• Be able to apply critical thinking skills
• Be able to recognize and practice ethical research techniques

E: Humanities/Fine Arts (6+ credits)
Humanities and Fine Arts Outcomes

• Identify a variety of artistic styles, movements, schools of thought/expression, and cultures
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a range of human expressions and values using critical strategies
• Engage in imaginative expression
• Appreciate a diversity of world-views or perspectives

F: Diversity Requirement
Diversity Component Outcomes

• Students will appreciate diversity across cultures and be able to reflect upon their own cultural values and systems.
• Students will understand and be able to analyze the complex political, social, and economic relationships within and among cultures.
• Students will appreciate the creative works, values, and ways of life and/or history of a cultural group outside of their own culture.

Within their core of 31+ credits, students must take at least three credits in courses that explore cultural diversity. Such courses are marked "D." Courses labeled "D" can be counted twice, once for diversity AND once for the core requirement or program of study.

II. Additional General Education Requirements for Degree-Seeking Students (4+ credits)

A: A.A. Degree (4+ credits in social science, psychological science, humanities and/or fine arts)
Students seeking an A.A. degree must complete an additional 4+ credits in humanities/social science—these additional credits must include one foreign language course.

B: A.S. Degree (4+ credits in natural science or mathematics)
Students seeking an A.S. degree must complete an additional 4+ credits in math/science. Students must complete the second half of one of the science sequences noted above (*).

III. Program of Study Options (21/22+ credits)

A: Associate of Arts -- Transfer

1. Students must complete 21/22+ credits in one of the following areas: Accounting, Business, Humanities/Fine Arts, Natural Science, Social and Psychological Sciences. A program of study may be supplemented with Math courses by declaring math as part of the program of study.

Students planning to transfer are advised to work closely with the receiving four-year institution to ensure the applicability of Helena College courses to their intended program of study.

B. Associate of Science – Transfer

1. Students must complete 21/22+ credits in General Science (Math may be combined).

Students planning to transfer are advised to work closely with the receiving four-year institution to ensure the applicability of Helena College courses to their intended program of study.

C: Associate of Science OR Associate of Arts

4-year degree in Business available at Helena College through partnership with Montana Tech.

IV. Capstone (2/3 credits)

Capstones for Programs of Study in Accounting, Business, Computer Technology, and Mental Health Direct Care have specific capstone courses: ACTG299, BGEN299, CSCI299, and PSYX298.

Students must officially declare a Program of Study before enrolling in any capstone, and the course must qualify within that Program of Study. Students undertake capstone projects during their sophomore year and are encouraged to do so during their final semester when appropriate. In the case of a dual Program of Study, students should take a capstone from the predominant program.

V. Open Elective (maximum of 3 credits)

Students have the opportunity for exploration by taking one MUS college level course (100 level).