General Studies

The associate in general studies degree (AGS) is a flexible and personalized degree intended for students whose interests and educational objectives do not fall within either a traditional transfer or career/technical program. This degree is NOT recommended for students who wish to continue their formal education at a four-year institution, nor is it recommended for the student in a regular career/technical program. Transfer students are advised to pursue either the associate in arts or associate in science degree, while regular career/technical students should pursue the associate in applied science degree. Degree requirements for the AGS include:

1. A written plan of study submitted to and approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences or the Dean of Careers and Technology prior to completing the last 12 hours of coursework.
2. A minimum of a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Exceptions to the GPA requirement for graduation must be made by the Dean of Students.
3. At least 12 hours in one area of concentration.
4. General education: A total of 20 hours is required, with at least 3 hours in each of the following areas: humanities, social and behavioral science, natural science, math, written communication, and oral communication.
5. At least 15 semester hours of the last 30 semester hours of a degree must be earned through JWCC.
6. No more than 6 hours of developmental course credit.
7. A minimum of 64 semester hours of passing coursework.
8. A working knowledge and understanding of computers. This requirement may be fulfilled by one of the following:
   1. Passing any computer science course or selected career/technical or noncareer/technical course in which computer literacy has been determined by the Faculty Senate Committee on Curriculum to be one of the primary objectives of the course;
   2. Demonstrating competency or proficiency by successfully passing the CSC 100 proficiency examination.
9. Three credit hours of course work are required to further the student’s knowledge of international awareness. Students may choose from the following list of courses: CHN 101, CHN 102, ENG 241, ENG 242, ENG 251, HIS 101, HIS 102, HIS 111, HIS 112, HUM 200, PHL 201, SOC 222. Some of these courses may also be used to meet appropriate humanities and social and behavioral science requirements.

Any exceptions to the above must be approved by the Vice President for Instruction.