Degree Designations

Associate Degree Designations

In 1992, Maryland community colleges joined colleges across the nation in offering Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees. In February 1992, the Maryland Higher Education Commission adopted policies and guidelines designed to standardize degree designations among Maryland community colleges. In June 2001, the Maryland Higher Education Commission approved the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree.

The following designations have been adopted for Chesapeake College programs.

Career Programs

Programs are offered in a variety of career fields, leading to Associate of Applied Science degrees, certificates, and letters of recognition. Individual career programs are designed to provide students with entry-level employment skills, instruction for employed students seeking to upgrade skills, and training for students preparing for a career change and new job skills.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

This degree recognizes a curricular focus in a specific occupational area. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs are intended primarily for immediate employment or occupational skills upgrading, but also provide opportunities for additional education in appropriate Bachelor of Science (BS) and/or Bachelor of Technology (BT) programs at four-year institutions.

Transfer Programs

Transfer programs prepare students for transfer to the upper division of a college or university upon completion of an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. In many cases, these flexible programs can be adapted to meet requirements in preprofessional programs at four-year colleges.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree

This degree recognizes a curricular focus in the liberal arts, humanities, and fine arts. Associate of Arts (AA) degree programs are intended primarily for transfer to Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs at four-year institutions, but are also suitable for career exploration and skills upgrading.

Associate of Science (AS) Degree

This degree recognizes a curricular focus in scientific and technical studies. Associate of Science (AS) programs are intended to facilitate direct transfer to Bachelor of Science (BS) programs at four-year institutions, but also provide technical knowledge and skills applicable to career entry or advancement.

Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) Degree

This degree recognizes a curricular focus which provides the equivalent of the first two years towards a bachelor’s degree in teacher education. The degree is intended to facilitate transfer into a teacher education program at any Maryland four-year college or university, but is also suitable for persons needing to meet requirements to become teacher aides. The degree requires a grade point average of 2.75 and passing scores on the Praxis-I Exam.

Certificates

Certificate programs provide a credential for acquired knowledge and skills in specific discipline areas. Most certificate programs are designed to assist students with upgrading their skills or providing the knowledge base for immediate entry-level employment. Certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credits. Many are designed to lead into degree programs.

Letters of Recognition

Credit Letters of Recognition are awarded to students who complete fewer than 12 credits in a prescribed sequence of courses focused in a specific discipline. Letters of Recognition are often designed to lead into certificate programs.