Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) Degrees

Golden West College awards the Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS) Degree to students who have met all the requirements for graduation. The associate degree is typically completed in two years and has one of two primary purposes: either the program of study prepares the individual for transfer to a four-year institution, or the program of study is intended to prepare the student for immediate employment. All majors and areas of emphasis offered by Golden West College are approved locally by the college Council on Curriculum and Instruction, and at the state level by the California Community College Chancellor's Office.  The requirements for the associate degree include the following requirements:  

1. Major or Area of Emphasis:  A major or area of emphasis is designed to gain competency and knowledge in a particular field or subject area. Majors and areas of emphasis can be found in the catalog under the Academics tab. 
   1. Major and Area of Emphasis Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate skills, abilities, and knowledge in a particular area of aptitude or study.
   2. Major and Area of Emphasis Requirements: Minimum of 18 units of study, with all coursework for the Major or Area of Emphasis being completed with a grade of “C” or better.

2. General Education: Students may choose to complete one of the following options to satisfy general education requirements for the degree: 

   1. Completion of a minimum of 24 units as listed under the GWC General Education, Associate Degree Requirements.
   2. Completion of a minimum of 34 units of California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements.  Students who complete this pattern are also eligible to receive the Certificate of Achievement in Cal-GETC.
3. Unit and Grade Requirement:  60-degree applicable units must be completed to earn the Associate Degree with a 2.0 overall grade point average within 60 units required for the degree. 
4. 12 semester units in residence: 12 semester units must be completed in residence within the Coast Colleges (Golden West College, Orange Coast College, and/or Coastline College).

*Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals.  For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.