ASSOCIATE IN LIBERAL ARTS

Areas of Emphasis

1. Liberal Arts: Science Exploration - Minimum 18 units

Emphasis offers a broad area in the sciences and is intended for students who wish to explore the various fields of study and for those who may not intend to transfer to a university as a science major.  Students are encouraged to seek advice if they decide to choose a specific course of study.

2. Liberal Arts: Mathematics - Minimum 18 units

Emphasis in mathematics is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in mathematics or mathematics-related fields. Completion of curricula prepares students to major in their field of study when they transfer to a university. Students should seek advising before selecting specific courses in order to meet specific university requirements for their university major.

3. Liberal Arts: Science - Minimum 18 units

Emphasis in the sciences and is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in a scientific field.  Completion of curricula prepares students to major in their field of study when they transfer to a university.  Students should seek advising before selecting specific courses in order to meet specific university requirements for their university major.

 4. Liberal Arts: Fine Arts - Minimum 18 units

The student pursuing the Fine Arts AA degree may choose either to specialize within one of the four degree fields (Art, Cinema, Drama, or Music), on the one hand, or to take an interdisciplinary cross-section of introductory arts courses, on the other.  The degree offers potential students the opportunity to develop basic skills in one or more of the arts; students who choose to specialize in a particular field can take courses commonly required at four-year institutions for majors, and thus can prepare themselves for upper-division courses they may take in the future.  Students not planning to continue their education, or planning to continue in some other field, will still benefit from the increased cultural awareness and personal fulfillment attained through this degree program.

5. Liberal Arts: Behavioral and Social Science - Minimum 18 units

The Behavioral and Social Science AA degree includes an introductory core curriculum including classes in Administration of Justice, Anthropology, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology with elective courses in these disciplines, as well as Economics, Journalism, and Native American Studies. Students will address the methods, theories, and ethical dilemmas faced by behavioral and social science professionals through classroom-based presentations and discussions, with opportunities to apply these concepts in out-of-class assignments and activities. The degree is designed to demonstrate the connections between the behavioral and social sciences, as well as the way in which each discipline provides a unique perspective on humanity. It includes an introduction to three fields, with at least three elective courses within the student’s chosen interest area(s). The emphases include courses commonly required at four-year institutions for majors in each of the fields so that transfer students will be prepared for upper-division courses they might take in the future. Students not planning to continue their education will benefit from the increased personal and cultural awareness attained through these studies.

6. Liberal Arts: Humanities and Communications - Minimum 18 units

Students planning to transfer to a university should consult with counselors/advisors about lower division major requirements at their transfer institution to make the most judicious selection of the Humanities and Communication emphasis courses.

7. Liberal Arts: Business - Minimum 18 units

These courses emphasize the integration of theory and practice within the fields of business.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the place of business within the global economy.  Students will critically apply ethical standards to business practices and decisions.