The Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) is awarded upon completion of a prescribed program of study designed to prepare students to enter and compete in the job market. AAS curricula are designed to enable the graduate to enter an occupation with marketable skills, an acceptable level of technical competency, and the ability to communicate effectively. In addition, the AAS degree helps prepare students for life-long learning.
The AAS degree is awarded to students who meet the specific degree requirements along with the graduation requirements listed below. The Core Curriculum and the total number of hours required to graduate with an AAS degree vary among the programs; however, a minimum of 18 credit hours must be earned in residency at Collin.
WECM (Workforce Education Course Manual) courses are those courses designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as workforce education (technical) courses offered for credit and CEUs (Continuing Education Units). While these courses are not designed to automatically transfer to public four-year colleges and universities, they will transfer to state community colleges and selected colleges and universities.
PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Instructional areas in each technical program area use advisory committees for program development, evaluation, long-range planning, development of employment opportunities for graduates, and other program issues. These committees provide an essential link between the education institution and the business community to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared for employment. Members of the advisory committees are selected from related industry, prospective employers, and other knowledgeable community representatives.
Within each AAS program are suggested timelines for completion of degrees and certificates.
RECIPROCAL TUITION AGREEMENTS
Collin County residents may enroll in select Workforce Education (WECM) programs offered by the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and Grayson County College at in-county tuition rates. Likewise, Dallas County and Grayson County residents may enroll in select Workforce Education programs offered by Collin. For more information contact the Admissions and Records Office at CPC-972.548.6710, PRC-972.377.1744 or SCC-972.881.5710.
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE CORE CURRICULUM
| English |
3 credit hours |
| ENGL 1301 | |
| Speech Communications |
3 credit hours |
| SPCH 1311, 1315, or 1321 | |
| Mathematics (Select one course) |
3 credit hours |
| MATH 1XXX College-Level mathematics course | |
| MATH 2XXX College-Level mathematics course | |
| (Math requirements may vary from the core curriculum. Check each degree plan. MATH 1314 or higher is recommended for transfer students) | |
| Humanities / Fine Arts |
3 credit hours |
| ARTS 1301, 1303, or 1304 | |
| DANC 2303 | |
| DRAM 1310, 2361, or 2362 | |
| ENGL 2322, 2323, 2327, 2328, 2332, 2333, 2342, or 2343 | |
| FREN 2303 or 2304 | |
| HUMA 1301 | |
| MUSI 1306 or 1307 | |
| PHIL 1301, 1304, 2303, 2306, 2307, or 2321 | |
| SPAN 2321 or 2322 | |
| Social / Behavioral Science |
3 credit hours |
| ANTH 2351 | |
| ECON 1301, 2301, or 2302 | |
| GOVT 2301 or 2302 | |
| HIST 1301, 1302, or 2301 | |
| PSYC 2301 or 2302 | |
| SOCI 1301 | |
| Physical Education / Dance |
1 credit hour minimum |
| PHED / DANC - Activity course | |
| PHED 1338 | |
| Total credits required to complete the AAS Core Curriculum |
16 credit hours |
AAS Degree Requirements Review
| 1. | Complete the curriculum outline of the program of interest. This will require a minimum of 60 credit hours (excluding developmental credit). | |
| 2. | Earn a minimum of 18 credit hours in residency at Collin | |
| 3. | Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. | |
| 4. | Complete TSI requirements. | |
Note: The Biotechnology, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services Professions, Fire Science, Nursing, Respiratory Care, and Surgical Technology programs at Collin have specific core curriculum requirements. Please refer to the respective degree plan for details.
Note: The computer literacy requirement is met through each AAS degree, either by integrating the competencies throughout the program’s curriculum or by requiring a separate computer science course in the program’s curriculum.
Choosing a Catalog Year
Students who plan to transfer to a college or university have a choice to make regarding their requirements for graduation. Specifically, they may choose the catalog year under which they wish to graduate. This choice is subject to restrictions that are outlined in the college or university catalog. Students should consult their Collin academic advisor or the catalog of their choice to learn about any limitations.
Students who plan to transfer should keep a copy of the Collin Catalog from the year they choose, the college’s or university’s catalog and the transfer guide that was valid at the time they enrolled in Collin and selected a major. Course syllabi should also be kept.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Collin offers certificate programs designed to meet specific employment needs of the community. Students who enroll in certificate programs are generally interested in re-entering the job market after an absence, changing careers, or upgrading job-related skills in order to enhance employment specialization. Although certificates are normally one year in length, the specific number of credit hours varies by program area. Level II certificates require completion of TSI requirements.
Marketable Skills Achievement Awards
A Marketable Skills Achievement Award is a sequence of credit courses totaling 9-14 semester credit hours. Collin offers Marketable Skills Achievement Awards for the following:
• Animation, contact Lupita Tinnen at 972.578.5527
• Applied Graphic Design Technology, contact Lupita Tinnen at 972.578.5527
• Child Development, contact Elaine Wilkinson at 972.881.5967
• Cisco Systems Networking (CCNA), contact Dave Galley at 972.377.1676
• Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, contact Dave Galley at 972.377.1676
• Computer Information Systems, contact Tebring Daly at 972.881.5838
• Computer Programming, contact Susan Mahon at 972.377.1688
• Convergence Technology, contact Dave Galley at 972.377.1676
• E-Business Media, contact Tebring Daly at 972.881.5838
• Emergency Medical Services Professions, contact Pat McAuliff at 972.548.6836
• Fire Science, contact Pat McAuliff at 972.548.6836
• Interior and Architectural Design, contact Ali Kholdi at 972.377.1716
• Office Systems Technology, contact Mary Jane Tobaben at 972.881.5170
Note: The second digit in a course number indicates the number of credit hours
for that course.