General Studies: Communication and Analytical Thinking Emphasis, Associate in Arts
This degree provides an opportunity for students to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) degree in a comprehensive area of study. It is intended for the student who is not currently preparing to transfer to a university. A minimum of 60 semester units must be completed with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in all degree-applicable units. Only courses numbered 1-299 may be applied toward this associate degree.
These courses improve effective communication and analytical thinking, which enable the bridging of disciplines. Through the use of effective resources, students are able to interpret and analyze problems, evaluate answers, make judgments, and enhance their general knowledge.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply college-level writing skills to compose logical, source-based thesis-driven arguments.
- Develop and refine critical thinking skills through the evaluation and use of academic research, argumentative writing, and the critical assessment, evaluation, and use of persuasive and interpersonal oral communication.
- Analyze and evaluate complex logic or quantitative problems and arguments, generate solutions, and effectively communicate their results.
Associate in Arts Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| Select 18 units from at least two disciplines from courses listed below: | 18 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Business Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Public Speaking | ||
| Programming Fundamentals: Python | ||
| Programming Methods I: Java | ||
| Programming Methods II: Java | ||
| Programming Methods I.5: C and C++ | ||
| Critical Thinking and Public Education | ||
| Academic Reading and Writing | ||
| Critical Thinking and Writing | ||
| Mathematics for General Education | ||
| Number Systems | ||
| Pre-Calculus | ||
| College Algebra for STEM | ||
| Finite Math | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Soc Sci/Business | ||
| Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | ||
| Calculus of Several Variables | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Differential Equations | ||
| Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to Logic | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
or PSYC 19 | Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences | |
or SOCI 19 | Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences | |
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 18 | |
| Additional Requirements | 42 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education or Cal-GETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the program requirements section of the Catalog for information about associate degree requirements and certificate requirements including Information Competency, and General Education requirements.