The Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts degree program prepares students for successful transfer to a four-year baccalaureate degree program in a wide variety of majors, including Liberal Arts. In this degree program, students will study a coherent and substantive balance of English, mathematics, the sciences, the arts and humanities, and the social sciences. Because the program gives students the opportunity to explore different academic interests, it is particularly appropriate for students who have not yet decided on an academic major as well as for those who know that they are committed to pursuing a liberal arts program at the baccalaureate level.
In addition to the transfer function of the Liberal Arts Program, the liberal arts have a practical application by providing essential skills needed by students in both their personal and professional lives. These include “soft skills” identified by employers as especially important in today’s workplace.
These skills include the ability to:
- communicate effectively;
- think critically;
- use quantitative tools;
- employ technology as an information resource;
- apply research methods to solve problems;
- reason about contemporary ethical issues and values;
- embrace the importance of cultural diversity and a global perspective.
Students who have not yet decided on a college major are encouraged to enroll in the Liberal Arts Program and follow the Exploratory Pathway, which focuses on providing students with the tools and resources necessary for making academic and career decisions. During their first year, many Exploratory students choose an Academic Focus Area that also aligns with a career pathway. These students follow a core curriculum of courses within their chosen AFA, such as: Communications, English, History/Social Sciences, Mathematics, Psychology, or Science.
Those intending to follow a four-year Liberal Arts program as well as those who remain undecided continue to follow the Liberal Arts core curriculum in their second year.
Early identification of the four-year college to which they wish to transfer helps students to develop a program of study that aligns with their transfer plans. On-going support from academic advisors further enhances this process. Requirements of the four-year college will guide some of the course selections chosen by students, but future plans and areas of personal interest will also contribute to students’ program design.
Upon the completion of the AA degree in Liberal Arts, graduates will be able to:
- Communicate effectively and fluently; read with comprehension; listen, speak and write competently.
- Develop skills in reflection, analysis, logical reasoning, and evaluation to formulate judgments, reach conclusions, and solve problems.
- Evaluate and utilize quantitative and qualitative data and apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods.
- Utilize technology to locate, evaluate, organize, and utilize information accurately and responsibly.
- Acquire knowledge and skills to function effectively as informed and responsible citizens.
- Acquire knowledge and skills that will enable respect for diversity as well as an awareness of global interdependency.
In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate the competency in the general education outcomes.
A minimum of 60 credits must be earned in the required categories to complete the program of studies. A minimum of 15 credits must be earned at NCC, and 8 of those 15 credits must be earned in courses at the 200 level. This program can be completed in four full-time semesters.