What kinds of people enroll in the Associate in Arts program?
The AA program attracts many different types of people, especially those who want to take courses to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to major in such areas as business, education, humanities, social sciences, communications, and fine arts. Other students enroll in the AA program for enrichment; there is a broad selection of courses in the liberal arts. Others need an associate degree for job advancement, and they choose the AA program because it suits their interests Back to top
What kinds of people enroll in the Associate in Science program?
The AS program attracts many different types of people, especially those who want to take courses to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to major in such areas as engineering, computer science, mathematics, life sciences or physical sciences, and health-related fields. Other students enroll in the AS program for enrichment; there is a broad selection of courses in the liberal arts and sciences. Others need an associate degree for job advancement, and they choose the AS program because it suits their interests. Back to top
Who will be my advisor?
AA students are assigned to advisors based on their goals: whether they plan to transfer, where they plan to transfer, and what they intend to major in at the four-year institution. You will be assigned to your advisor when you attend orientation. Back to top
Will all my courses transfer to any other college?
Most of the courses in the AA and AS programs transfer to most other colleges in the country, because TTC is an accredited college. If you are transferring to another public college in South Carolina, we can provide you with a list of which TTC courses will transfer to the four-year college you have selected. Regardless of where you plan to transfer, it is important that you consult the catalog of that college in addition to one of our AA or AS advisors so that you can be sure that you select the best transfer courses. Back to top
What is the difference between the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science?
Both degrees are designed to meet requirements for the first two years of a baccalaureate degree, but they are suited to different transfer goals. Students planning to pursue a four-year degree in mathematics, science, engineering, or a medical field should enroll in the AS program because that program requires more math and science and less humanities and social science than the AA program. Back to top
If I am an artist, should I take courses towards an AA degree?
If you want to pursue a career in art, TTC offers two paths to that career. Choose the AA program if your career will require a four-year degree in fine arts. If you want a two-year degree in graphic or commercial arts, TTC offers associate degrees in these programs as well. However, these are terminal degrees and generally do not transfer to four-year institutions Back to top
I only want to get some transfer credit. Why should I complete the AA or AS degree before I transfer?
By completing the AA or AS degree before you transfer, you improve your opportunities for both employment and acceptance by other institutions. Back to top
Can I complete the whole degree at Palmer Campus?
Yes. Palmer Campus is somewhat smaller than Main, so there may be fewer choices, but with careful selection and good advising, you can complete an AA or an AS degree at Palmer. Back to top
Can I complete the whole degree at Berkeley Campus?
Just as with Palmer, this smaller campus may have fewer course selections, but all relevant courses required to complete the AA degree are offered. To complete the AS degree, however, travel to Main Campus will still be necessary in order to fulfill the science requirement. Back to top
What is distance education?
Distance education delivers courses to students in multimedia formats which do not require students to attend formal classes. Students study independently via video, computer (on-line), or a combination, consulting with faculty as they progress. Schedules are designed to be flexible and conform to each individual. Back to top
How many courses can I complete through distance education?
Through a combination of distance education courses, students can complete over half of the requirements for the AA degree and many of the requirements for the AS degree. Additional courses are offered as "televised" to Palmer and Berkeley Campuses for those students who cannot attend Main. Back to top
Can I use credit that I took in high school?
If you took AP or IB courses and have the qualifying scores on the examinations, you will have college credit that you can use toward your AA degree. Also, college courses taught at your high school will most likely be acceptable as credit toward your AA degree. Back to top
Can I use my dual credit at TTC?
Please click here for information on Dual Credit. Back to top
What Grade Point Average do I need to have to transfer to a four-year college?
The answer to that question varies depending on the four-year college and your intended major. In general, course credit will not transfer unless the grade is C or better. Most colleges are looking for an even higher than C average. You should consult an advisor or the catalog at your chosen four-year college to find out what will be required for transfer admission.
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How do I know which courses to choose?
Taking the wrong courses could lead to extra time and money. TTC will provide you with an advisor who will help you select the right courses for the four-year institution. However, it is also helpful for the student to take the responsibility to have a catalog for and a contact at the institution to which he or she plans to transfer. Back to top
How long does it take to complete the AA degree?
Generally, it takes 60 semester credit hours to complete the AA degree. How long it takes depends on how many of those 60 hours are taken each term. A fulltime load is 12 semester hours per term. Some students prefer to take more than that during a semester. Sample timelines to complete the degree in two academic years are below.
|
SAMPLE A |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
|
1ST Year |
12 hours |
12 hours |
6 hours |
|
2nd Year |
12 hours |
12 hours |
6 hours |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SAMPLE B |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
|
1st Year |
15 hours |
15 hours |
|
|
2nd Year |
15 hours |
15 hours |
|
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What if I haven’t decided which four-year college I’m going to transfer to?
The sooner you select your four-year college, the better. TTC advisors can help you select courses that are likely to transfer and count towards degree requirements at most colleges. However, as long as your plans are uncertain, there is a risk that you will take courses at TTC that will not transfer. Back to top
If I go to TTC for two years, will I automatically get an AA degree?
Not necessarily. Once again, working with an advisor can solve problems early so they won’t come back and haunt you later. The AA degree has clear requirements which MUST be met. If courses are missing, no matter how long you attend, you will not receive your degree. Back to top
If I get an AA degree, will I automatically be a junior when I transfer?
If you have not selected your courses with the requirements of the four-year college in mind, you may not be eligible to qualify for junior level status. That is why it is so important to work closely with an AA or AS advisor and stay in touch with appropriate people at your chosen four-year college. Back to top
When should I select the school I want to transfer to?
As soon as possible, preferably before you take your first course at TTC. Back to top
When should I apply to the four-year college?
This depends on the college that you are transferring to. Contact the Admissions Office at that college as soon as possible and request application materials and information about deadlines. Your advisor at TTC can help you sort through this information if needed. Back to top
I didn't take college prep courses in high school. Will I be prepared for college-level science courses?
Be sure to talk to your advisor about the availability of "bridge" courses that are designed to give students additional preparation (if needed) for the rigor of college-level science courses. Back to top
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