Degree Definitions
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Degrees
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees require a minimum of 180 credits within the appropriate distribution areas and with specific courses in the program core. An internship is also a required part of the Bachelor of Science. Program of Study declaration is required in order to enroll in junior and senior-level courses. Students can enter a bachelor’s program at the beginning of their college studies or transfer into the program as a junior. Students who have completed an associate’s degree at NWIC or other college are encouraged to enter a bachelor’s program at the junior level. Students transferring from other institutions must request an evaluation of transfer credits by the Admissions Office to apply them toward program requirements. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in courses numbered 100 or above is required for completion of a bachelor’s degree.
Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) Degree
The Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS degree, also referred to as the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA), is designed primarily for students intending to continue toward a bachelor’s program at NWIC or transfer to another college or university. The Associate of Arts and Sciences degree requires completion of a minimum of 90 credits in courses numbered between 100 and 299 with specified general education requirements and is accepted as fulfillment of the general education requirements of NWIC bachelor’s programs and by most Washington State four-year colleges and universities. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in courses numbered 100 to 299 is required for completion of an AAS degree. Students intending to transfer to a bachelor’s program at another college should consult with an advisor since some colleges may have additional degree requirements. Early contact with the admissions office at the transfer institution will help ensure that entrance requirements for specific majors are completed.
Associate of Science Transfer (AS-T) Degree
The Associate of Science Transfer (AS-T) degree is awarded for completion of a program of study within specific scientific and technical disciplines. Students must complete a minimum of 90 credits in courses numbered 100 or above, with specified credits completed in the core. The AS-T is designed to meet prerequisites for entrance into a four-year college or university science or technical program in Washington State. The general education requirements are less than for the AAS and, as such, AS-T students may need to take general education requirements after transfer. Students are urged to consult with an advisor to select appropriate courses that meet the requirements of the college or university to which they plan to transfer. Early contact with the admissions officer at the transfer institution will help ensure that entrance requirements for specific majors are completed. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in courses numbered 100 to 299 is required for completion of the AS-T degree.
Associate of Applied Science - Transfer Degree (AAS-T)
The Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree is built upon the technical courses required for job preparation and includes a college-level general education component. The general education courses for the AAS-T degree are drawn from the list of AAS degree general education requirements. The Associate of Applied Science-Transfer is a professional-technical degree with a core of general education courses commonly accepted in transfer. In general, professional-technical degrees are not designed for transfer to other colleges or universities; however, several four-year colleges and universities have specific bachelor's degree programs that accept the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degree. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in courses numbered 100 to 299 is required for completion of the AAS-T degree.
Associate of Technical Arts Degree (ATA)
The Associate of Technical Arts (ATA) degree represents a program of study designed for immediate application within an occupational field. ATA programs concentrate on the skills and technical aspects of the student’s chosen occupational field. Although the ATA program may contain courses transferable to other colleges, transferability of credits remains the sole prerogative of the college or university to which the student transfers. Students interested in continuing on to a bachelor's program at NWIC need to consult with an advisor to determine which additional credits are required for junior entry. Students must complete a minimum of 90 credits, including specified core and elective courses. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 in courses numbered 100 to 299 is required for completion of the ATA degree.
Certificate
Certificate programs are designed to prepare students in general studies or for entry into technical fields of employment. Certificate programs are designed so that they can be completed within one year of full-time enrollment. Requirements for completion include a minimum of 45 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses numbered 100 to 299.
NWIC also offers Awards of Completion and training programs.