Multiple Degrees

Section: III.  STSV - 207
Approved By: Dr. Pamela J. Transue, 11/21/11
Last Review: 11/16/11
Last Revision: 11/16/11
Prior Revisions: 1/28/04
Initial Adoption: Unknown

Policy

Tacoma Community College grants five college degrees.  They are:

  • Associate in Arts and Sciences

Awarded for completion of an approved transfer curriculum paralleling the first two years of university study.

  • Associate of Science

Awarded for completion of an approved science transfer curriculum paralleling the first two years of university study with a specialization in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, or physics.

  • Associate in Applied Sciences

Awarded for completion of an approved TCC professional/technical program.

  • Associate in Technical Arts

Awarded after completing an approved occupational or technical program at another postsecondary institution and completion of a program of studies upon transferring to TCC.

  • Associate in General Studies

Awarded for completion of an approved two-year academic program designed to meet a particular educational goal.

Requirements for All Degrees

General requirements for all degrees are as follows:

A combined cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in TCC and transfer college-level coursework.

A cumulative college-level grade point average of 2.00 in course work completed at Tacoma Community College.

At least 30 of the last 45 applicable credits must be earned at Tacoma Community College

Specific degree and program requirements are published in the catalog.

Multiple Degrees

A student may earn more than one degree from Tacoma Community College.  In addition to meeting the specific requirements for each degree, a candidate must earn an additional 30 credits for each additional degree.  (Example:  120 credits for a second degree and 150 credits for a third degree.)  Fifty (50) credits must be earned in resident at Tacoma Community College to be eligible for two degrees.

Changing Degree Requirements

In the event that degree requirements change after a student enrolls at Tacoma Community College, TCC will adhere to the following policy:

If the degree is completed within five years, the student who initially enrolls at Tacoma Community College, or who transfers to the College with a minimum of 55 applicable credits, may graduate under the provisions of the Tacoma Community College degree in effect when he or she originally enrolled in any college accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges or by another accrediting body duly recognized by Tacoma Community College.  The College encourages all students to fulfill the degree requirements in effect at the time of their graduation; students who do not complete the degree requirements within five years must fulfill the requirements in effect when they graduate.

Graduation

Degrees are conferred at the end of each quarter, and commencement ceremonies for degrees are held annually at the end of spring quarter.  All students who have earned degrees in the current academic year are invited to participate in the June Commencement.  Students within two course of completing their degree and who have enrolled in the required courses for summer quarter may also apply to participate in Commencement.

Purpose

To identify degrees offered by the college and general degree and graduation requirements.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

All individuals registered for classes at Tacoma Community College.

References

Tacoma Community College Catalog

Definitions

None

Procedure

None