ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN GENERAL EDUCATION (A.A.G.E.)
Program Description
The AA in General Education program at our institution is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in general knowledge, critical thinking, and academic skills necessary for future academic and professional success. The 90-unit program, structured within the quarter system, ensures students complete a broad curriculum across essential disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Each course is typically 4 units, allowing students to engage deeply with the subject matter while balancing workload across terms.
A core benefit of our program is its intentional alignment with transfer requirements, enabling students to seamlessly continue their education at four-year universities in California and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes transferable skills, including effective communication, quantitative reasoning, and an understanding of diverse perspectives. Studentsrec eive guidance and support to ensure that, upon completion of the AA degree, they are well-prepared and eligible to transfer, maximizing the applicability of earned credits. Our program draws inspiration from leading AA in General Education models across the state, combining best practices to ensure academic excellence and student success
Program Objectives
- Provide students with a comprehensive foundation in core academic disciplines—including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics—essential for informed citizenship and lifelong learning
- Develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills that empower students to evaluate information and make effective decisions in varied contexts
- Cultivate effective written and oral communication skills to ensure students can express ideas clearly and interact successfully in academic and professional environments
- Enhance quantitative reasoning and scientific literacy, preparing students to interpret data and apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems
- Foster an understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and ethical values to prepare students for engagement in a global and multicultural society
- Align the program curriculum with transfer requirements, facilitating a seamless transition for students wishing to continue their education at four-year universities
- Support personal growth and academic success through structured advising and resources, enabling students to achieve their educational and career goals upon completion of the AA degree
Program Learning Outcomes
1.
Demonstrate foundational knowledge in key academic disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
2.
Apply critical thinking and analytical reasoning to interpret information, solve problems, and make informed decisions across diverse contexts
3.
Communicate effectively using written, oral, and digital formats, expressing ideas clearly and appropriately for various audiences
4.
Employ quantitative reasoning and scientific literacy to analyze data, evaluate evidence, and address real-world challenges
5.
Demonstrate awareness of diverse cultures, values, and perspectives to foster inclusive and ethical engagement in a multicultural society
6.
Utilize academic resources and self-management strategies to support ongoing personal growth, academic achievement, and professional development
Program Information
Degree Required Courses: 90 units
General Education Major Core Curriculum: 58-70 units required
General Education Electives: 20-32 units required
General Education Major Core Curriculum
- Area 1: English Communication – 3 courses, 12 units
- Area 2: Mathematical Concepts & Quantitative Reasoning- Choose 2 courses, 8 units
- Area 3: Arts & Humanities – 3 courses, 12 units
- Area 4: Social & Behavioral Sciences – 3 courses, 12 units
- Area 5: Physical & Biological Science – 3 courses, 10 units
- Area 6: Language Other Than English (for US transfers) ( option, 1 course, 4 units)
- Area 7: CSU American Institutions Requirement (for CSU transfers) (option, 2 courses, 8 units)
- Area 8: Ethnic Studies – 1 course, 4 units
General Education Electives
- UC/CSU Transfer: Complete IGETC certification ensures a smooth transfer
- Private Universities: Comprehensive liberal arts foundation meets most requirements
- Major Preparation: Flexible elective space allows for lower-division major courses
- Unit Efficiency: 90 units provide a transfer advantage while maintaining breadth
Graduation Requirements
- Successfully complete a minimum of 92 quarter units of the A.A. degree in General Education
coursework, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. - Successfully complete all the degree requirements.
- Filed all the necessary graduation forms in accordance with the timetable provided by the
Department of General Education. - Settled all financial obligations to the University
