Associate of General Studies AGS
What is the AGS Degree?
The Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree is a flexible degree option that allows students to create a customized academic plan using a combination of general education, transfer, and career/technical courses. The AGS includes a core of general education courses but allows for personalized course selection based on a student's educational and career goals.
Unlike traditional transfer degrees (AAOT, ASOT, or AS), the AGS does not guarantee full transferability of all credits. Students planning to transfer should work with an academic advisor to ensure their courses align with their intended four-year institution.
Who Should Pursue the AGS Degree?
The AGS degree is best suited for students who:
✔ Want a flexible degree that includes both transfer and career-focused courses.
✔ Plan to transfer but need a customized pathway not available in traditional transfer degrees.
✔ Need an associate degree for employment purposes rather than immediate university transfer.
✔ Prefer to combine different subject areas to meet unique academic or career goals.
Important: The AGS degree does not guarantee that all courses will transfer to a four-year university. Students should consult an academic advisor to ensure their course selection meets transfer or career requirements.
Benefits of the AGS Degree
✔ Highly customizable—students can mix general education, transfer, and career/technical courses.
✔ Allows for specialization based on career goals.
✔ Meets associate degree requirements without being tied to a specific major.
✔ Can include coursework from multiple disciplines.
AGS Degree Requirements
To earn an AGS degree, students must complete a minimum of 90 credits, including general education and discipline-specific coursework, with a grade of C or higher and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| Oral Communication | ||
| COM 111Z | Public Speaking | 4 |
| or COM 218Z | Interpersonal Communication | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MTH 105Z | Math in Society (or higher) | 4 |
| Writing | ||
| WR 121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Discipline Studies Requirements | ||
| Select at least one additional course from the approved list in each of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Elective Options | 75-77 | |
| Additional courses numbered 100 or higher to bring the total to 90 credits. | ||
| Courses may include a mix of transfer and career/technical courses. | ||
| Total Minimum Credits | 90-94 | |
Additional Requirements
✔ All courses must be at least 3 credits, and selected from the Approved Course List.
✔ A minimum of 25% of program credits must be earned at UCC.
✔ Students must attend at least two terms at UCC to receive the degree.
✔ One course from the above categories must meet Cultural Literacy requirement.
AGS Program Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the AGS degree will develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:
Arts & Letters
- Engage in creative and critical expression to enhance quality of life.
- Analyze values and ethics within human experience.
Mathematics
- Use mathematical reasoning to solve problems.
- Apply math and technology to analyze and interpret data.
Science & Computer Science
- Understand and communicate scientific and technical information.
- Apply scientific inquiry to evaluate problems and solutions.
Social Sciences
- Analyze human behavior and social structures.
- Use social science knowledge to enhance personal and global understanding.
Communication & Writing
- Engage in ethical and effective communication.
- Read, think critically, and write for academic and professional audiences.
- Evaluate and utilize information responsibly.
Cultural Literacy
- Understand and analyze cultural values, beliefs, and historical perspectives.
How to Complete the AGS Degree
- Meet with an academic advisor to create a customized academic plan.
- Complete all required coursework with a C or higher and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Apply for graduation and request your official transcript be sent to your transfer or employment institution.
Key Considerations
- The AGS is not a traditional transfer degree, so students should check with their intended transfer institution regarding credit acceptance policies.
- Advising is essential to ensure courses align with career and educational goals.
Next Steps
✔ Talk to an academic advisor to determine if the AGS degree is right for you.
✔ Plan your course schedule to stay on track for graduation.
For more information, speak with a UCC academic advisor.