Technical Degrees, Diplomas, & Certificates

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) is ideally suited for students who wish to enter the workforce upon the successful completion of an Associate's degree, or for those students who are not sure if they would like to complete a Bachelor degree. Unlike transfer degrees, AAS degrees and credits are not guaranteed or designed to transfer to participating North Carolina universities or colleges. Although some degree tracks and classes are transferrable, the primary intent of the technical AAS degrees are to help students enter the workforce without the need for a Bachelor degree or higher. For current or future students thinking of pursuing a technical AAS degree, please select a program of interest below to review its program plan (list of classes required for graduation).

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Diplomas

Diplomas are credentials awarded after completion of a one year program, which is usually made up of 36 credit hours. Diploma programs are available within programs of study that may not require an Associate degree to obtain entry-level employment, or to provide a marketable credential while degree seeking students are pursuing their Associate degree. For a full-time student, diplomas generally will take two semesters and one summer to complete. For current or future students thinking of pursuing a technical Diploma, please select a diploma of interest below to review its program plan (list of classes required for graduation).

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Certificates

Certificates are short-term credentials awarded for completion of a specified set of courses in a program of study of at least 12 credit hours. Certificates are often designed to compliment and/or improve upon a current skill, and to provide students currently pursuing a degree or diploma with a marketable credential. Certificate recipients do not participate in the graduation ceremony. For current or future students thinking of obtaining a technical certificate, please select a certificate program of interest below to review its program plan (list of classes required for completion).

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If you are unsure which educational track to take or need assistance choosing a college major, please contact the Academic Advising Department's Career Services team.