NOTE: This is the third in a three-part series on new program offerings in the Fall 2019 semester. See also: Broadcast Media Arts certificate and Web Design & Development certificates.
Faculty and administration at Washtenaw Community College are consistently compiling insight from student feedback, industry research and educational analyses to determine the need for curriculum changes. Sometimes that insight can result in slight tweaks to existing programming and sometimes it can result in the formation of a totally new program.
Heading into the Fall 2019 semester, which begins on August 26, both of those scenarios are true.
The college has developed a new Associate in General Studies degree program that was recently approved by the WCC Board of Trustees and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Also approved was a realignment of several Web Design & development certificates and the creation of a Broadcast Media Arts certificate.
The new Associate in General Studies is a multidisciplinary degree that allows students considerable flexibility to design a program that relates to their academic and career goals. It will also allow students to explore options if they are not sure of their career path.
“This degree is really motivated by the ever-evolving needs of the 21st century workforce,” said Vice President for Instruction Dr. Kimberly Hurns. “This program allows students to combine occupational and general education courses while digging into specific areas that will provide a strong foundation for a career path or transfer."
The program offers two different pathways, determined by the student’s post-Associate Degree intentions.
Curriculum for the transfer pathway includes nine general education classes that meet the requirements of the Michigan Transfer Agreement. The employment pathway has six classes to meet WCC associate degree general education requirements.
Both pathways include six student-defined “concentration” classes and electives to fill out the 60-credit minimum total.
Adding to its flexibility, the associate degree program can be completed entirely online.
General Studies (AGGSD)
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY
- First semester (15 credits): Writing elective, Math elective, Concentration 1, Concentration 2, elective to reach 15 credits
- Second semester (15 credits): Speech/Computer elective, Arts/Humanities elective, Concentration 3, electives to reach 15 credits
- Third semester (15 credits): Natural Science elective, Concentration 4, Concentration 5, electives to reach 15 credits
- Fourth semester (15 credits): Social Science elective, Concentration 6, electives to reach 15 credits
TRANSFER PATHWAY
- First semester (15 credits): Writing elective, Math elective, Concentration 1, Concentration 2, elective to reach 15 credits
- Second semester (15 credits): Speech/Computer elective, Natural Science elective, Arts/Humanities elective, Concentration 3, electives to reach 15 credits
- Third semester (15 credits): Natural Science elective, Social Science elective, Concentration 4, Concentration 5, electives to reach 15 credits
- Fourth semester (15 credits): Social Science elective, Arts/Humanities elective, Concentration 6, electives to reach 15 credits
Tags: AGGSD, General Studies, ousearch_News_2019