Degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas
Associate Degree
The associate degree is offered to a student completing a two-year program of study. Metro offers Associate in Arts degrees, Associate in Science degrees, and Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Associate in Arts Degree (AA)-The Associate in Arts degree is awarded to a student completing the requirements of the Liberal Arts/Academic Transfer or Time Option program. This degree parallels the work done in the first two years of a four-year institution with students required to complete at least 96 and no more than 100 quarter hours.
Associate in Science Degree (AS)-The Associate in Science degree is an academic transfer degree awarded to a student completing the required courses. Students complete at least 96 and no more than 100 quarter hours. This degree is generally transferable as the first two years of a baccalaureate program or in meeting the minimum requirements of entrance into a designated professional program of study.
Associate in Science in Nursing Degree (ASN)-The Associate in Science in Nursing degree is awarded to a student completing the program requirements of the Associate Degree Nursing program with a minimum of 108 credit hours. The graduate awarded this degree is eligible to take the NCLEX Exam for licensure as a registered nurse. Many of the required courses transfer to four-year institutions.
Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)-The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded to a student completing the requirements of one of the career programs with at least 96 but not more than 110 quarter hours (unless otherwise specified by program accreditation requirements or transfer agreements). An Associate in Applied Science degree prepares the graduate for entry-level positions and is accepted by several four-year institutions under Associate to Bachelor agreements.
General Studies Associate in Applied Science Degree (PSAAS)-The General Studies Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded to a student completing a core sequence in a career program with at least 96 quarter hours. The General Studies degree focuses on career areas as well as general education and presents the student with an associate degree that allows some latitude in selection of courses in areas of interest.
Certificate
A Certificate of Achievement is awarded for a program of study that is at least 48 and no more than 55 quarter hours in length (unless otherwise specified by program accreditation requirements).
Specialist Diploma
Designed for the currently employed person seeking job-relevant career development, Specialist Diploma modules represent a structured sequence of courses that may be completed in a relatively short time. Diplomas range from a minimum of 24 quarter hours to a maximum of 36 hours.
General education courses in English, mathematics and social sciences are not included. However, candidates for the Specialist Diploma must demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills necessary for beginning college-level work. This may be accomplished either through appropriate coursework or by assessment evaluation/testing, but is not required for initial registration.
At least two-thirds of the credits leading to the Diploma must be completed at Metropolitan Community College, and no course with a grade lower than “C” is accepted. The student receives a Diploma designating his/her specialization area which lists each course completed.
Student Services offices have further details on all Specialist Diplomas.