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:
- Form a provable thesis, develop it through factual research, distinguish between fact and opinion, and make effective rhetorical choices in relation to audience and purpose.
- Analyze and evaluate complex issues or problems, draw reasoned conclusions and/or generate solutions, and effectively communicate their results.
- Analyze and interpret human thought, achievement, and expression relevant to such branches of knowledge as philosophy, literature, and/or the fine and performing arts, and to communicate the 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 | |
| Human Resources Management | ||
| Business Mathematics | ||
| Computer Information Systems | ||
| Programming Fundamentals: Python | ||
| Programming Methods I: Java | ||
| Programming Methods II: Java | ||
| Programming Methods I.5: C and C++ | ||
| Computer Forensics | ||
| Critical Thinking and Public Education | ||
| College Composition | ||
| College Composition: Enhanced | ||
| Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction to Discourse Analysis | ||
| Mathematics for General Education | ||
| Number Systems | ||
| Pre-Calculus | ||
| College Algebra for STEM | ||
| Trigonometry | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
or PSYC/SOCI 19 | Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences | |
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Political Science Research Methods | ||
| Introduction to Research Methods | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS | 18 | |
| Additional Requirements | 42 | |
| Complete Competency Requirements, general education pattern (MPC General Education, CSU General Education, or IGETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units. | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.