Policy 3.17B

Chapter 3 - Educational

3.17.B Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates

As a result of interpreting policies and mandates of The Higher Learning Commission, Minnesota Statutes, Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, and Minnesota State Academic policies, the following guidelines for certificates, diplomas, and degrees will be followed at Minnesota West:

Certificate

1. 9 - 30 semester credits.
2. 0 general education courses required
3. 100% of credits shall be completed at Minnesota West for certificates 9-15 credits in length and at least 12 credits for certificates 16-30 credits in length.
4. A grade point average of 2.0 ("C") or better is required.

Diploma

1. 30-72 semester credits.
2. Under 45 credits, 0 general education courses.
3. 45 credits and over requires 15% general education electives.
4. At lease 1/3 (33%) of the credits shall be completed at Minnesota West.
5. A grade point average of 2.0 (“C") or better is required.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

1. 60-72 semester credits.
2. 25% of total semester credits in general education - selected from 3 of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota
   Transfer Curriculum. Thirty semester credits shall be program related, occupational, or technical credits.
3. Successful completion of 60-72 semester credits, 15 of which must be earned at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
4. A grade point average of 2.0 ("C") or better is required.

Associate of Science Degree (minimum)

1. Must have one or more articulation agreements between the college and     an institution awarding a related baccalaureate degree.
2. An AS degree may also be designed to prepare students for employment.
3. Substantial general education component
4. General Education shall be selected from 6 of the 10 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum goals (May include entire transfer curriculum).
5. Must include 30 semester credits in general education.
6. Successful completion of 60-72 semester credits, 15 of which must be earned at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
7. A grade point averatge of 2.0 ("C") or better is required.

Associate of Arts Degree

1. Awarded to those who successfully complete liberal arts and science curriculum designed to constitute the
   first two years of a baccalaureate degree.
2. Includes all of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.
3. Successful completion of 60-72 semester credits, 15 of which must be earned at Minnesota West Community and Technical College
4. A grade point average of 2.0 ("C") or better is required.

See Minnesota State Policy 3.17



Approved by: Ron Wood, President
Date: August 22, 2006
History & Revision: June 3, 2015 Associate "in" changed to Associate "of". June 30, 2015 residency requirement changed from minimum of 20 credits to 15.