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Colorado College Guide
Higher Education Options
Degrees: Students enroll in higher education for varied reasons. For some, completion of a program of study (either a degree
or certificate) is the goal. For others enrollment in specific courses to update skills or receive new knowledge or training is the objective.
Colorado institutions offer three levels of undergraduate awards: certificate, associate and baccalaureate.
Certificate programs are largely vocational in nature and the credit hour requirements vary according to the program, generally
ranging from one semester to two years. These programs are for students seeking relatively short training programs as preparation
for entry into the workforce.
Associate degrees usually two years in length, fall into two types:
- those with a transfer orientation (e.g., Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of General Studies (AGS).
These programs are designed for students who intend to complete up to two years of general education, often at a two-year college,
and then transfer those credits to a four-year institution as part of a longer-term program. While some transfer associate degrees
are general, others are designed as pre-majors for upper division courses at four-year schools.
- those with a vocational orientation (e.g., Associate for Applied Science (AAS). The AAS combines some general education coursework
with vocational training for a specific career.
Baccalaureate degrees usually involve at least four years of study. Most programs have a general studies/education component,
usually taken during the first two years of study, to complement the specialized curriculum taken in one's major.
Once you have an idea for a major, make an appointment with an advisor in the school's academic program. Among other things, ask
about course requirements and electives, as well as what types of jobs are available for graduates of the program. Select your major
carefully, since specialized coursework outside a major may or may not count toward the credit hours needed for degree completion.
As you plan your enrollment, keep in mind that the program length described above is based on a student carrying a full-time course
load. This time to degree completion will be extended, however, if you enroll part time at any point in your college experience and/or
change majors. Similarly, the time may be shortened if you complete any college-level coursework while you are in high school. For a
limited number of programs, students must start at a specified point in the academic year and enroll full-time. If you have a major in
mind, be sure to read the program details carefully so you are clear about the program's expectations. Finally, you should be aware
that admission to some high demand academic programs is more competitive than others, and admission into a specific program may
be limited to those students with the strongest academic credentials.
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