2015-2016 Student Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Student Handbook [Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Understanding Degree Options


Degree options available at NPC include: College certificate, Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Liberal Studies (ALS), Associate of Science Degrees in various specializations, Technical Certificates and Certificates of Proficiency.

The AA and AS degrees are designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. NPC is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as such, general education courses usually transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Students should check with the college to which they plan to transfer for questions regarding specific courses and their transferability. The requirements for attaining the ALS degrees are more flexible than requirements for the AA or AS degrees. Although many courses leading to the Associate of Liberal Studies degree may be transferable on an individual basis, the combined courses do not always fulfill all requirements suitable to transfer in specific majors. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed primarily for students who seek occupation, technical and vocational skills for employment advancement, however NPC has forged agreements with several universities allowing NPC students to transfer into Bachelor programs. Consult your Division Chair for more information.

The Technical Certificate is a planned program of classroom and laboratory/shop work at the collegiate level. It recognizes the completion of a specified level of competency in an occupational field. The program of study may be part of an Associate of Applied Science curriculum or a stand-alone program. The Certificate of Proficiency is awarded to students who have demonstrated the attainment of basic skills in one of several areas. The program of study is normally not part of other programs leading to the awarding of a Technical Certificate or Associate Degree. Under Department of Higher Education guidelines, only one Certificate of Proficiency can be awarded prior to completion of a related Technical Certificate or Associate Degree.