Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is ordinarily considered a terminal degree, and is intended to prepare students for immediate employment, usually in a technical or occupational field.
The A.A.S. degree includes a designated field of study, such as Accounting Technology or Welding. Most classes are devoted to a technical or occupational field, with minimal general education coursework.
Please note that students who decide to work on a four-year degree after completing an A.A.S. degree will have their coursework analyzed, on a class-by-class basis. Some classes may satisfy the specific requirements of a major, minor, option or certificate, or fulfill some part of the general education program. As the A.A.S. degree is not meant to be a transferable degree, however, students should not be surprised if most classes are accepted only as free or elective credits by the four-year institution.
| Length of program: | 4 semesters |
| Type of program: | Associate of Applied Science |
| Semester of entry: | Typically Fall (some programs may provide for entry in Spring or Summer) |
Minimum Requirements
- Completion of a minimum of 60 semester credit hours (some programs may be higher)
- Completion of 3 Related Instruction courses with a grade of “C-“ or higher
- An overall GPA of 2.25 upon completion
Related Instruction
The related instruction component of Associate of Applied Science degrees provide Helena College University of Montana students with the general foundation of knowledge essential for success in technical and occupational fields or as a foundation for further education.
Students are provided with practical and/or applied instruction in the following areas:
A. Written and Oral Communications
Writtenand Oral Communications student learning outcomes:
- Develop ideas logically, clearly, convincingly, and ethically
- Control the effect of voice in achieving specific communication purposes with specific audiences
- Employ analysis, synthesis and evaluation in both writing and reading
B. Computational Skills
Computational Skills student learning outcomes:
- Solve quantitative problems and interpret solutions
- Use inductive and deductive scientific reasoning to solve novel problems
C. Human Relations
Human Relations student learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate an awareness of major perspectives in social and individual behavior
- Be able to apply critical thinking skills
- Be able to recognize and practice ethical research techniques
- Demonstrate appreciation of diversity across cultures and be able to reflect upon students’ own cultural values and systems
- Demonstrate understanding of, and be able to analyze the complex political, social and economic relationships within and among cultures
Certificate of Science Degree Requirements
Certificate of Applied Science
The Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) degree is ordinarily considered a foundational or first-level degree, and is intended to prepare students for immediate employment, usually in a technical or occupational field.
The C.A.S. degree includes a designated field of study, such as Accounting Technology or Welding. Most classes are devoted to a technical or occupational field, with minimal general education coursework.
| Length of program: | 2 semesters |
| Type of program: | Certificate of Applied Science |
| Semester of entry: | Typically Fall; some programs may provide for entry in Spring or Summer |
Minimum Requirements
- Completion of a minimum of 29 semester credit hours (some programs may be higher)
- Completion of 3 Related Instruction courses with a grade of “C-“ or higher
- An overall GPA of 2.25 upon completion
Related Instruction
The related instruction component of Certificate of Applied Science degrees provide Helena College University of Montana students with the general foundation of knowledge essential for success in technical and occupational fields or as a foundation for further education.
Students are provided with practical and/or applied instruction in the following areas:
A. Written and Oral Communications
Writtenand Oral Communications student learning outcomes:
- Develop ideas logically, clearly, convincingly, and ethically
- Control the effect of voice in achieving specific communication purposes with specific audiences
- Employ analysis, synthesis and evaluation in both writing and reading
B. Computational Skills
Computational Skills student learning outcomes:
- Solve quantitative problems and interpret solutions
- Use inductive and deductive scientific reasoning to solve novel problems
C. Human Relations
Human Relations student learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate an awareness of major perspectives in social and individual behavior
- Be able to apply critical thinking skills
- Be able to recognize and practice ethical research techniques
- Demonstrate appreciation of diversity across cultures and be able to reflect upon students’ own cultural values and systems
- Demonstrate understanding of, and be able to analyze the complex political, social and economic relationships within and among cultures
