Associate in Arts

The Associate in Arts (AA) degree is intended for students who want to transfer to a four-year university or college and major in disciplines such as liberal arts, public service, education, nursing, business, fine arts, communication, and social work.

Program Description

The Associate in Arts degree shall be granted for a planned program of study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit (SHC) of college transfer courses. Within the degree program, the institution shall include opportunities for the achievement of competence in reading, writing, oral communication, fundamental mathematical skills, and basic computer use.

Courses are approved for transfer through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA). The CAA enables North Carolina community college graduates of two-year associate in arts programs who are admitted to constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina to transfer with junior status.

Community college graduates must obtain a grade of "C" or better in each course and an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to transfer with a junior status. Courses may also transfer through bilateral agreements between institutions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Be able to communicate in quantitative terms and analyze and interpret quantitative data specific to their disciplines.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method, models, and basic foundational scientific theories, and be able to apply sound scientific reasoning to problems.
  • Achieve college-level competence in written communication, composing clear, organized, and focused documents which demonstrate mastery in research and documentation skills, use of evidence, supporting details, analysis, and mechanical accuracy.
  • Achieve college-level competence in oral communication by demonstrating proficiency in these professional verbal communication skills: planning clear and coherent presentations appropriate to audience; composing and organizing content; using effective transitional devices; and engaging verbal communication with effective delivery techniques.
  • Acquire technology skills enabling them to achieve a variety of academic, work-related, and personal goals.
  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically about diverse perspectives.

Contact Information

Image of Natasha Harris
Natasha Harris, PhD
Dean of Arts & Sciences
Phone: 336-838-6189
npharris099@wilkescc.edu