This section contains a description of each of the one-year and two-year curricula of the College. Special courses are available to help you upgrade your skills in specific subjects. Cooperative Education courses allow you to work and earn college credits at the same time. The credit programs of the College are outlined and explained in this section.
Associate in Applied Arts Degree (A.A.A.)
This degree is awarded for completion of two-year curricula which are primarily designed to prepare a student for employment in jobs in fine arts, music, and photography. The general education requirement for A.A.A. degrees is less than for A.A. and A.S. degrees. In some cases, the A.A.A. degree may also transfer to four-year degree-granting institutions for the completion of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
This degree is awarded for completion of two-year curricula which are designed to prepare the student for employment immediately following graduation. In some A.A.S. degree programs one or more summer terms may be required. The general education requirement for A.A.S. degrees is less than for A.A. and A.S. degrees. In some programs, transfer arrangements may be available for A.A.S. degree graduates.
Associate in Arts Degree (A.A.)
This degree is awarded for the completion of two-year curricula in Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, and Music. The A.A. degree is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year degree-granting institution for the completion of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. A significant portion of the A.A. degree is in general education designed to meet the majority of the requirements in the first two years of most four-year B.A. degrees.
Associate in Science Degree (A.S.)
This degree is awarded for the completion of two-year curricula in a variety of pre-professional programs. The A.S. degree is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year degree-granting institution for the completion of a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. A significant portion of the A.S. degree is in general education designed to meet the majority of the requirements in the first two years of most four-year B.S. degrees.
Certificate
A certificate is awarded for the completion of various one-year occupational/technical curricula. Most certificates prepare the student for a specific job or aspect of a job. Some certificates are part of an associate degree program, in which case the credit earned in the certificate may be used toward the degree.
Career Studies Certificate
The career studies certificate is a response to the short-term training needs of many individuals, and can be completed in less time than conventional certificates or degrees. The career studies programs are designed for expansion of job and life skills, retraining for career change, and investigating new career possibilities. Credit earned in a career studies certificate curriculum may be used to meet the requirements in other certificates and degrees which require similar courses.
Multiple Degrees
You may earn more than one degree or certificate at NVCC. All of the graduation requirements for each individual curriculum must be completed prior to the award of the degree or certificate for that program. When the Associate in Science degree in General Studies is one of the multiple degrees to be awarded, the A.S. degree in General Studies shall include a minimum of 9 semester hours beyond the requirements of any other degree awarded to you by the College.