Associate Degree Requirements

Catalog Rights

Students may graduate under the degree requirements in effect:

  1. At the time of first enrollment at College of the Sequoias,* California Community College (CCC),* or California State Universities (CSU)* as long as continuous enrollment is maintained; or
  2. Any academic year while continuous enrollment is maintained at College of the Sequoias, California Community College (CCC), or California State Universities (CSU); or
  3. At the time continuous enrollment is reestablished and maintained at College of the Sequoias; or
  4. At the time of graduation
*

At the time of first enrollment at College of the Sequoias does not apply to students concurrently enrolled in high school. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in at least one semester per calendar year or one semester per academic year excluding summer session and ends with a break of more than two consecutive semesters (continuous enrollment cannot be maintained with a break of more than two consecutive semesters excluding summer session). Any academic record symbol (A-F, CR, NC, P, NP, I, IP, W) shall constitute enrollment. Exception: COS enrolled high school students completing all degree requirements while in high school can be awarded the degree requirements using any catalog rights listed.  


Due to recent changes in general education requirements for transfer, counselors have the discretion to determine how catalog rights are applied. Their decisions may be based on previous coursework, Title 5 regulations, and major requirements, with the goal of helping students avoid unnecessary units and graduate or transfer on time. Catalog rights will primarily apply to general education patterns and, if applicable, major requirements—provided there are no substantial changes to the requirements. If significant changes occur in the major requirements, students must follow the catalog year in effect when they re-establish enrollment at COS.


Definition of Associate Degrees

Students at College of the Sequoias who complete the appropriate requirements may earn either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree. Both degrees represent significant levels of achievement and may be used by students who plan to start their career immediately after graduating or, with proper planning and course selection, by those who plan to transfer to a four-year university.

  • Associate of Arts (AA) degree is granted to students majoring in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and similar areas.
  • Associate of Science (AS) degree is granted to students majoring in agriculture, engineering, technology, the sciences, and related programs.
  • Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University campus majoring in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and similar areas (see Transfer Information and Requirements section for additional information).
  • Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree is designed for students planning to transfer to a California State University campus majoring in agriculture, engineering, technology, the sciences, and related programs (see Transfer Information and Requirements section for additional information).

For more information, see Types of Degrees and Certificates


General Education Philosophy for the Associate Degree

General education breadth requirements emphasize democratic concepts based on the value and dignity of each individual, thus helping students prepare to undertake the responsibilities of citizenship and to participate knowledgeably in the varied experiences of life.

Major requirements educate students in the area of specialization; breadth requirements help them develop the capacity for independent judgment. The general education breadth requirements are of vital importance in the personal, social, and vocational/professional life of each student.

In personal development, breadth requirements help students develop self-awareness, thus increasing their understanding of personal potential and limitations.

In social relationships and in the life of society, breadth requirements help students communicate more effectively, better understand others, and develop an awareness of societal relationships.

In professional development, breadth requirements help students become more effective in the workplace through more effective communication through a better understanding of the relationship between the job at hand and the larger world.

General education breadth requirements:

  1. Expose students to the major disciplines of accumulated knowledge;
  2. Stimulate curiosity about their surroundings;
  3. Help students evaluate alternatives so that personal values can be formed;
  4. Develop effective communication skills;
  5. Gain a sense of self-worth;
  6. Learn to make rational decisions based on the utilization of problem-solving techniques; and
  7. Question simple solutions of complex problems; and if appropriate, seek alternatives.

Requirements for Associate of Arts & Associate of Science Degrees

  1. Units, Residency, and Scholarship Requirements: A minimum of 60 units of college-level courses (numbered from 1-299, common courses, or otherwise designated college-level), at least 12 of which must be taken in residence at COS, with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) average. These 60 units include general education, major, and elective courses.
  2. Major Requirements: Completion of all courses required for the desired major with a minimum grade of “C” or better in each course, or “P” if the course is taken on a pass-no pass basis. 
  3. General Education Requirements: A minimum of 25 units of general education is defined in Areas 1-8 below. Courses that satisfy the COS General Education pattern must be completed with a satisfactory grade, defined as a “C” or better. Note: Completion of the Cal-GETC transfer general education requirements or bachelor's degree from an institutionally accredited institution will fulfill the COS general education requirements.
  4. Courses may meet multiple requirements: Including general education, a major or area of emphasis, and additional requirements when courses are approved to meet multiple requirements. However, one course may not be counted in more than one general education area, even if the course is approved in multiple general education areas. Students may use the same course to meet a COS general education requirement and to satisfy a general education requirement at the California State University or the University of California if that segment accepts the course for this purpose.
GE Area Title Min units
1A English Composition 3
1B Oral Communication & Critical Thinking 3
2 Mathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning 3 *
3 Arts & Humanities 3
4 Social & Behavioral Sciences 3
5 Natural Sciences 3
6 Ethnic Studies 3
7 Lifelong Learning & Holistic Development 3 **
8 Information Literacy 0 - 1 ***
*

AAC students may qualify for an academic adjustment of an approved math substitution to satisfy the math requirement. The math substitution process is available through the AAC.

**
  1. Veterans with an approved DD-214 or military transcript showing completion of basic training may receive 3 units of GE credit through Credit for Prior Learning to fulfill this requirement.
  2. Students who have completed a police, fire, or paramedic academy are exempt from this requirement and may complete COS GE requirements with 22 units.
  3. Students completing “high-unit” local degrees intended for transfer, as identified in the college catalog (Engineering AS, e.g.), are exempt from this requirement. These students may complete COS GE with 21 units alongside completion of minimum admission requirements for CSU or UC.
***
  1. Students who meet this area via testing may use 1 added unit in the areas above to meet the 25 unit minimum.
  2. Nursing and Physical Therapist Assistant students are exempt from this requirement and may complete COS GE requirements with 24 units.
  3. Students completing “high-unit” local degrees intended for transfer, as identified in the college catalog (Engineering AS, e.g.), are exempt from this requirement. These students may complete COS GE with 21 units alongside completion of minimum admission requirements for CSU or UC.

COS General Education Requirements

Area 1A: English Composition

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. This area focuses on the development of academic reading, writing, and research skills. Students learn to develop written arguments by using active reading strategies, working through the writing process, and improving information literacy. Students will learn to adapt their arguments for various audiences and writing situations while citing appropriately. Courses fulfilling this requirement must be at the baccalaureate level and include expository and argumentative writing.

ENGL C1000Academic Reading and Writing4

Area 1B: Oral Communication & Critical Thinking

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in this area provide an introduction to principles of inductive and deductive processes, the relationship of language to logic, and the abilities to analyze, criticize, and advocate ideas through argumentative writing and/or oral communication. The critical thinking component should go beyond critical reasoning or literary criticism; courses in oral communication address the foundational knowledge and practice of public speaking in a democratic society, to enable students to successfully communicate ideas of an informative and persuasive nature in the public speaking mode, and to critically evaluate the speeches of others. Courses fulfilling this requirement must be baccalaureate-level and may include oral communication and critical thinking courses.

AJ 025Constitutional Law3
BUS/COMM 112Public Speaking for Business4
COMM C1000Introduction to Public Speaking3
COMM 004Interpersonal Communication3
COMM 005Argumentation and Debate3
COMM 007Persuasion3
COMM 008Group Communication3
COMP 005Computer Concepts4
COMP 006Programming Fundamentals3
ENGL C1001Critical Thinking and Writing3
JOUR 007Mass Communication3
PHIL 020Introductory Logic3
PHIL 025Critical Thinking3

Area 2: Mathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in this area focus on mathematics and quantitative reasoning. Additionally, courses approved to fulfill this requirement must address students’ ability to develop, present, use, and critique quantitative arguments. Courses fulfilling this requirement must be at least college-level and may include mathematics or quantitative reasoning courses, including logic, statistics, computer languages, and related disciplines. Courses at the level of Intermediate Algebra or above are college-level courses and may fulfill this requirement.

BUS 020Business Statistics3
BUS 119Quantitative Methods3
MATH 005Modern Mathematics4
MATH 010Structure and Concepts 14
MATH 011Structures and Concepts 24
MATH 035Precalculus A4
MATH 044College Algebra4
MATH 054Precalculus B4
MATH 065Calculus 14
MATH 066Calculus 24
MATH 070Precalculus5
MATH 080Linear Algebra4
MATH 081Differential Equations5
SSCI 008Introduction to Data Science4
SSCI 025Statistics - Social Sciences4
STAT C1000Introduction to Statistics4

Area 3: Arts & Humanities

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in the humanities study the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings. Such courses develop students' awareness of how people throughout the ages and in different cultures respond to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and develop students' aesthetic understandings and abilities to make value judgments. Courses fulfilling this requirement may include introductory or integrative baccalaureate-level courses in the visual and performing arts, art history, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, religion, and related disciplines.

AJ 123Ethics in Criminal Justice3
ANTH 013Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion *3
ARCH 010Architectural Design 14
ARCH 020Visual Communication 13
ARCH 070Architecture History 13
ARCH 071Architecture History 23
ART 001Art Appreciation3
ART 002Art History/Ancient-Gothic3
ART 003Art History/Gothic-Modern3
ART 004Art of Ancient America: Mesoamerica3
ART 005Art of Ancient America: South America3
ART 006Color and Design3
ART 008Drawing Fundamentals3
ART 066Beginning Sculpture3
ASL 001American Sign Language 14
ASL 002American Sign Language 23
ASL 003American Sign Language 33
ASL 004American Sign Language 43
ASL 005Deaf Culture3
ASL 006Deaf Literature3
BUS 185Ethics in Business and Industry3
CINA 031Film Appreciation-American3
CINA 032Film Appreciation-International3
DRAM 001Introduction to the Theatre3
DRAM 002Fundamentals of Acting 14
DRAM 003Fundamentals of Acting 23
DRAM 006Shakespeare3
ENGL 004Composition and Literature3
ENGL 010Chicano Literature3
ENGL 015Survey of British Literature 13
ENGL 016Survey of British Literature 23
ENGL 018African American Literature3
ENGL 019Women in Literature3
ENGL 030American Literature 13
ENGL 031American Literature 23
ENGL 044World Literature 13
ENGL 045World Literature 23
ENGL 046Shakespeare3
ESL 090Advanced Academic ESL Reading/Writing/Grammar *5
HIST 004History of Western Civilization to 16483
HIST 005Western Civilization Since 16483
HIST 017People of the US to 1877 **3
HIST 018People of the US from 1865 **3
HIST 023Mexican American3
HIST 025World History to 15003
LING 111Introduction to Language3
MUS 001Music Fundamentals3
MUS 004Theory and Musicianship 14
MUS 005Theory and Musicianship 24
MUS 006Theory and Musicianship 34
MUS 007Theory and Musicianship 44
MUS 010Music Appreciation3
MUS 011Music Appreciation/Jazz3
MUS 013Music of the World3
MUS 014History of Rock and Roll3
OH 111Floral Design3
PHIL 001Introductory Philosophy3
PHIL 005Introduction to Ethics3
PHIL 012Comparative Religion3
PORT 001Beginning Portuguese4
PORT 002Elementary Portuguese4
SPAN 001Beginning Spanish4
SPAN 002Elementary Spanish4
SPAN 003Intermediate Spanish4
SPAN 004Advanced Spanish4
SPAN 012Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 022SPAN 2 for Spanish Speakers4
SPAN 023Spanish 3 for Spanish Speakers4
WELD 104Metal Sculpture3

Area 4: Social & Behavioral Science

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in the social and behavioral sciences focus on people as members of society and develop awareness of the methods of inquiry used by the social and behavioral sciences. They stimulate critical thinking about how people act and have acted in response to their societies and promote appreciation of how societies and social subgroups operate. Courses fulfilling this requirement may include introductory or integrative baccalaureate-level courses in cultural anthropology, cultural geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology, and related disciplines.

AG 001AG, Society, & the Environment3
AGMT 001Agriculture Economics3
AJ 011Introduction to Criminal Justice3
AJ 045Terrorism and Freedom3
AJ 114Juvenile Delinquency3
ANTH 010Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH 012Archaeology3
ANTH 013Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion *3
COMM 002Gender and Communication3
BUS 188Human Relations in Business3
CHLD 039Child Growth and Development3
CHLD 042Child, Family, and Community3
COMM 009Intercultural Communication3
ECON 025Introduction to Economics3
ECON 040Principles of Microeconomics3
ECON 050Principles of Macroeconomics3
ESL 090Advanced Academic ESL Reading/Writing/Grammar *5
ETHN 001Black American Studies *3
ETHN 002American Indian Studies *3
ETHN 003Chicana and Chicano Studies *3
ETHN 004Asian American Studies *3
ETHN 010Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Studies *3
FASH 141Introduction to Fashion Culture, Dress, and Theory3
GEOG 002World Regional Geography3
HIST 004History of Western Civilization to 16483
HIST 005Western Civilization Since 16483
HIST 017People of the US to 18773
HIST 018People of the US from 18653
HIST 023Mexican American3
HIST 025World History to 15003
HSRV 120Introduction to Social Welfare3
HSRV 122Practices in Human Services/Social Work3
JOUR 007Mass Communication **3
JOUR 020Cultural Issues in Film/TV/Web3
KINE 088Sport and Exercise Psychology3
NUTR 020Cultural Foods3
PHSC 002Health and Social Justice3
POLS C1000American Government and Politics3
POLS 006Comparative Politics3
POLS 008International Relations3
POLS 011Political Theory and Thought3
POLS 012Introduction to Political Science3
POLS 013Introduction to the Politics of Race and Gender3
PSYC C1000Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC 005Social Psychology3
PSYC 010Human Sexuality3
PSYC 034Abnormal Psychology3
PSYC 080Introduction to Lifespan Psychology3
PSYC 133Personal and Social Growth3
SOC 001Introduction to Sociology3
SOC 002Social Problems3
SOC 010Sociology of Gender3
SOC 015Self and Society3
SOC 026Marriage and Family Life3
SOC 043Sociology of Deviance3
SSCI 050Law and Democracy3

Area 5: Natural Sciences

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in the natural sciences examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena, helping students appreciate and understand the scientific method and the relationships between science and other human activities. Courses fulfilling this requirement may include introductory or integrative baccalaureate-level courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, general physical science, geology, meteorology, oceanography, physical geography, physical anthropology, physics, and other scientific disciplines.

AG 002Environmental Conservation3
AG 003Economic Entomology3
AG 004Soil Science3
ANTH 011Biological Anthropology3
ASTR 010Introduction to Astronomy3
BIOL 001Principles of Biology 15
BIOL 002Principles of Biology 25
BIOL 020Frontiers in Biology4
BIOL 021Plant Biology3
BIOL 022Animal Biology3
BIOL 025Human Ecology3
BIOL 030Human Anatomy4
BIOL 031Human Physiology4
BIOL 040General Microbiology4
CHEM 001General Chemistry 15
CHEM 002General Chemistry 25
CHEM 010Introduction to Chemistry4
CHEM 012Organic Chemistry 15
CHEM 013Organic Chemistry 25
CHEM 020Introduction to General Chemistry4
CHEM 021Organic/Biological Chemistry4
GEOG 001Physical Geography3
GEOG 005Introduction to Weather and Climate3
GEOL 001Physical Geology4
GEOL 005Earth History4
GEOL 012Environmental Geology3
NUTR 018Nutrition3
OH 001Introduction to Horticultural Science3
PHYS 020General Physics 15
PHYS 021General Physics 25
PHYS 055Physics 1: Mechanics & Waves4
PHYS 056Physics 2: E&M and Heat4
PHYS 057Physics 3: Modern Physics5
PLSI 001Introduction to Plant Science3
PSCI 020Physical Science4

Area 6: Ethnic Studies

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in Ethnic Studies focus on cultivating critical consciousness, equity and social justice by examining the struggles and resilience of historically marginalized communities. They feature interdisciplinary, intersectional, and anti-racist approaches for dismantling oppressive systems that perpetuate racism and social inequalities and aim to create humanizing and healing academic experiences. Courses fulfilling this requirement may include baccalaureate-level courses in the four autonomous disciplines within Ethnic Studies: Black Studies; African American Studies; Africana Studies; Native American Studies; Chicano/a/x; Latino/a/x Studies/La Raza Studies; and Asian American Studies.

ETHN 001Black American Studies3
ETHN 002American Indian Studies3
ETHN 003Chicana and Chicano Studies3
ETHN 004Asian American Studies3
ETHN 010Introduction to Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Studies3

Area 7: Lifelong Learning and Holistic Development

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in lifelong learning and holistic development are designed to equip learners for lifelong understanding and development of themselves as integrated physiological, social, and psychological beings. Content may include topics such as student success strategies, human behavior, nutrition, physical and mental health, stress management, social relationships, or other avenues for lifelong learning and development. Courses in this area shall focus on the integrative development of skills, abilities, and dispositions. Courses fulfilling this requirement may include introductory or integrative baccalaureate-level courses in physical education, health and wellness, intercollegiate athletics, psychology, and related disciplines.

CHLD 039Child Growth and Development3
COUN 010Career and Life Planning3
COUN 025College and Life Success3
DANC 041Musical Theatre Performance - Dance2
DANC 050Ballet 11
DANC 051Ballet 21
DANC 054Modern Dance 11
DANC 055Modern Dance 21
DANC 056Contemporary Dance1
DANC 058Jazz Dance 11
DANC 059Jazz Dance 21
DANC 061Jazz Dance Styles 21
DANC 062Tap Dancing 11
DANC 063Tap Dancing 21
DANC 070Hip Hop1
DANC 071Dance Crew1
DANC 080Choreography1
DANC 081Studies in Choreography1
DANC 082Contemporary Dance 21
DANC 085Dance Production 11
DANC 160Jazz Dance Styles1
HW 001Personal and Community Health3
HW 007Sports Health3
IA 001ADIntercollegiate Varsity Baseball3
IA 002ADIntercollegiate Men's Basketball1.5
IA 003ADIntercollegiate Women's Basketball1.5
IA 006ADIntercollegiate Football3
IA 008ADIntercollegiate Women's Softball3
IA 012ADIntercollegiate Women's Tennis3
IA 016ADIntercollegiate Women's Volleyball3
IA 023ADIntercollegiate Track and Field3
IA 024ADIntercollegiate Cross Country3
IA 029ADIntercollegiate Swimming/Diving3
IA 030ADIntercollegiate Women's Soccer3
IA 031ADIntercol Women's Equestrian1.5
IA 032ADIntercollegiate Men's Soccer3
IA 047ADStrategies of Sport1
IA 049ADPerformance of Sport1
IA 051ADPower Lifting for Athletes2
NURS 106Cultural Competency in Healthcare3
PEAC 001Aerobic Conditioning1
PEAC 002Non-Impact Aerobics1
PEAC 003Step Aerobics1
PEAC 004Circuit Training1
PEAC 008Beginning Swimming1
PEAC 009Intermediate Swimming1
PEAC 010Advanced Swimming1
PEAC 011Swimming for Fitness1
PEAC 015Fundamentals of Baseball1
PEAC 016Conditioning for Baseball1
PEAC 017Techniques of Baseball1
PEAC 021Beginning Basketball1
PEAC 022Intermediate Basketball1
PEAC 025Fundamentals of Football1
PEAC 036Stretch and Tone1
PEAC 037Pilates Mat Class1
PEAC 038Introduction to Yoga1
PEAC 039Hatha Yoga Fundamentals1
PEAC 042Soccer1
PEAC 046Women's Softball-Beginning1
PEAC 048Women's Softball - Advanced1
PEAC 052Beginning Tennis1
PEAC 053Intermediate Tennis1
PEAC 056Beginning Track and Field1
PEAC 060Varsity Performance 12
PEAC 061Varsity Performance 22
PEAC 064Beginning Volleyball1
PEAC 065Intermediate Volleyball1
PEAC 068Beginning Fitness Walking1
PEAC 069Intermediate Fitness Walking1
PEAC 070Walk/Jog for Aerobic Fitness1
PEAC 071Cross Interval Training1
PEAC 074Beginning Weight Training1
PEAC 075Intermediate Weight Training1
PEAC 076Advanced Strength and Body Building Principles2
PEAC 177Cheer and Stunt1
PEAC 262Cheer Fitness 11
PEAC 263Cheer Fitness 21
PSYC C1000Introduction to Psychology3
SOC 001Introduction to Sociology3

Area 8: Information Literacy

Complete 3 units minimum. Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Courses in information literacy provide an introduction to the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning. Courses fulfilling this requirement may include introductory or integrative baccalaureate-level courses in library science and related disciplines.

LIBR 050Research Skills for Lifelong Learning3
LIBR 101College Research Strategies1
LIBR 102Internet Information Resources1
LIBR 103Evaluating Information Sources1

Multiple Majors

  1. Students may elect to pursue up to three majors at a time. However, federal financial aid will only award aid toward course requirements for one major at a time. 
  2. Students can apply for multiple degrees during the degree filing period.
  3. All degrees are subject to appropriate catalog rights.
  4. There will be a monetary charge for each degree awarded.
  5. Notations of all degrees earned and majors completed will appear on students’ transcripts.
  6. A receipt from the cashier for each diploma must accompany the application for a degree.

Graduation Application

A student who wishes to receive an Associate degree must complete an Application to Graduate. A student must make an appointment with a counselor to apply for graduation or attend a graduation application workshop. 

The application must be submitted to the Admissions Office before the deadline in the Academic Calendar.