Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates
RCC offers a wide variety of planned educational programs, called "curriculum credit" programs, which range in length from one semester to two years. These programs lead to certificates, diplomas or associate degrees, depending on the nature of the curriculum. Curriculum programs include certificate, diploma, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in General Education programs.
Certificate
Certificate programs are designed to provide entry-level employment training. Certificate programs range from 12 to 18 semester hour credits. Associate degree level courses within a certificate program may also be applied toward a diploma or an associate in applied science degree.
Diploma
Diploma programs are designed to provide entry-level employment training. Diploma programs range from 36 to 48 semester hour credits and can usually be completed by a full-time student within two semesters and one summer session. Associate degree level courses within a diploma program may also be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Associate in Applied Science
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs are designed to provide entry-level employment training. AAS programs range from 64 to 76 semester hour credits. A full-time student can typically complete one of these programs within two years. In addition to major course work, associate in applied science degree programs require a minimum of 15 semester hour credits of general education. General education requirements include course work in communications, humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences and natural sciences/mathematics. Certain courses in associate degree programs may be accepted by a four-year college or university for transfer credit in an associated field.
Associate in Arts and Associate in Science
College Transfer Programs offer courses designed to parallel those taken during the freshman and sophomore years of study at a four-year college or university. Associate in Arts and Science programs range from 60 – 61 semester hour credits. During these first two years, students pursue general education courses in the areas of English, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science. This program provides great flexibility in course requirements so that students can design a curriculum plan to lead them smoothly into the junior year of a particular four-year college or university.
Students may choose to stay long enough to earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science Degree, or they may choose to transfer the credit earned at any time along the way. Academic advisors are available to help students plan their programs to meet their specific needs.
Students who complete the A.A. or A.S. degree, including the general education core and appropriate electives, are assured that their credits will transfer to the University of North Carolina System schools through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). Students must apply to and be accepted by a particular UNC System school in order for their credits to transfer.
Associate in General Education
The Associate in General Education (AGE) curriculum is designed for individuals wishing to broaden their education with emphasis on personal interest, growth and development. Associate in General Education programs ranged from 64 – 65 semester hour credits. The two-year General Education program provides students opportunities to study English, literature, fine arts, philosophy, social science, science and mathematics at the college level. All courses in the program are college-level courses—course number 110 or higher. Many of the courses are equivalent to college transfer courses; however, the program is not intended for college transfer.
RCC uses the AGE program major for students to take general education courses required as program prerequisites for competitive health science programs.
General Education Competency Requirements for Educational Programs
Students who graduate from RCC’s educational programs should demonstrate competence in the general education outcomes described below. Student competencies in general intellectual skills are introduced and assessed in general education courses; however, curriculum major courses also teach these skills embedded in program specific content. It is the reinforcement of these competencies across disciplines and in program specific courses that advance qualified students.
RCC’s General Education Outcomes are defined as follows:
- Communication: Students will communicate using the conventions appropriate for the intended academic or professional audiences.
- Information Literacy: Students will locate, evaluate, and use appropriate information for academic and professional tasks.
- Critical Thinking: Students will analyze information and ideas and develop reasoned solutions to academic or professional problems.