Which associate degrees will prepare me for a technical or semi-professional job?
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Associate in Technical Arts (ATA)
v ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE - TRANSFER (AAS-T) DEGREE
The Associate in Applied Science - Transfer (AAS-T) is built upon the technical courses required for job preparation but also includes a college-level general education component, common in structure for all such degrees. OC currently offers an AAS-T in Early Childhood Education. See the degree description in the Professional-Technical programs section of this catalog for more information.
v ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS) AND ASSOCIATE IN TECHNICAL ARTS (ATA) DEGREES
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degrees are designed to provide entry into a technical or semi-professional occupation or additional training for those already working in a field but desiring advancement.
This Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree is offered in Physical Therapist Assistant. Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degrees are offered in other professional/technical fields. The associate degree differs from a certificate program by combining a specific job skill component with a breadth component. In general, an associate program is designed to be completed in six quarters of full-time study.
ATA degree requirements may be met through two different options. These two options may be interchanged to substitute qualifications in one option to meet corresponding requirements in another option at the discretion of the Dean for Workforce Development.
ATA Degree — Option One
Courses required and recommended for the ATA Degree depend upon the program selected. Students should choose their program as early as possible and maintain frequent contact with an OC faculty advisor. Programs of study for each ATA program are listed in the Professional-Technical section of this catalog.
ATA Degree — Option Two
Individuals who have journey status in a trade may earn credits toward the ATA Degree in the following ways:
Experience at the journey level in an apprentice trade: 5 credits for the first year, one credit for each additional year to a maximum of 5 additional credits.
Experience as a supervisor or instructor: 5 credits for the first year, 1 credit for each additional year to a maximum of 5 additional credits.
Journey-level experience and credits from professional/technical courses from other colleges must be evaluated by the appropriate faculty member and the Dean for Workforce Development.
Graduates of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Apprentice Program may attain an ATA Degree using the graduation requirements listed in any OC catalog under which they were in attendance even if more than eight years ago.
1. General Requirements: Students must complete 90 credits numbered 100 or above with a college-level GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Communications: English 101.
3. Quantitative: Math 100 or above, or Business Management 140.
4. Social Sciences and Humanities: A minimum of one course in each area for a total of 15 credits is required. See “Distribution Requirements” list in this section to select appropriate courses.
Source: 2007-2008 Olympic College Catalog