Associate of Arts - General Transfer

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is a general transfer degree. Completion of this program indicates the student has completed a course of study equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. The Associate of Arts degree does not officially include a major or minor course of study; nevertheless, students do complete a 22-credit program of study option for an A.A. degree.

Students may also accumulate credits to transfer to another college or university. Completion of the Helena College general education core requirements (31+ credits) satisfies the general core requirements of the Montana University System. All Montana University System institutions will accept the Helena College general education core to satisfy their lower division general education requirements.

Length of Program: 4 Semesters
Type of Program: Associate of Arts
Semester of Entry: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Minimum Requirements for A.A. and A.S.

  • Completion of 60 semester credit hours, 15 credits of which are at the 200 level.
  • Completion of 31 Core Course Credits, 4 Degree Specific, 22 - 24 Program of Study, 2/3 credits in a Capstone Project where indicated and 1 – 3 open electives.
  • An overall GPA of 2.25 upon completion of the degree.
  • A grade of “C-” or higher in each course in the program of study.

“D” Indicates the course meets the core diversity requirement (see requirement “F” below).

I. GENERAL EDUCATION CORE
(31+ CREDITS)

The General Education Core of the Helena College University of Montana provides students with the broad foundation of knowledge essential for success at the associate and baccalaureate levels.

All students are prepared for independent, abstract, and critical thinking; responding creatively to problems; applying quantitative and mathematical knowledge; finding information; and communicating both orally and in written forms. This is done to engender life-long learning skills, a foundation of knowledge in a variety of disciplines, and a broadened perspective on our interdependent, changing global community.

A. Natural Science/Mathematics (10+ credits)
Math and Natural Science Outcomes

  • Understand and demonstrate methods used to
  • Understand and demonstrate methods used to gather, test, and interpret scientific data
  • Understand basic principles that explain the natural world
  • Solve quantitative problems and interpret solutions
  • Use inductive and deductive scientific reasoning to solve novel problems

To complete the Science/Math requirement, students must include one natural science with lab and one of these math courses: M115, M121, M133, M151, M171, M172, or STAT216.

Course
Number
Course Title Credits
ASTR110 Introduction to Astronomy 4
BIOB101 Discover Biology 3
BIOB102 Discover Biology Lab 1
BIOB160 Principles of Living Systems w/Lab 4
BIOB170 Principles of Biological Diversity w/Lab 4
BIOB260 Cellular and Molecular Biology w/Lab 4
BIOH104 Basic Human Biology 4
BIOH201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab 4
BIOH211 Human Anatomy &Physiology II w/Lab 4*
BIOM250 Microbiology for Health Sciences 3
BIOM251 Microbiology for Health Sciences Lab 1
CHMY121 Introduction to General Chemistry 3
CHMY122 Introduction to General Chemistry Lab 1
CHMY123 Intro to Organic & Biochemistry 3*
CHMY124 Intro to Organic & Biochemistry Lab 1
CHMY141 College Chemistry I 3
CHMY142 College Chemistry I Lab 1
CHMY143 College Chemistry II 3*
CHMY144 College Chemistry II Lab 1
CHMY221 Organic Chemistry I 3
CHMY222 Organic Chemistry I Lab 1
CHMY223 Organic Chemistry II 3*
CHMY224 Organic Chemistry II Lab 1
ENSC105 Environmental Science 3
ENSC140 Intro to Geographic Info Systems (GIS) 3
ENSC211 Environmental Policy and Laws 3
ENSC220 Surface Water Hydrology 3
ENSC242 Environmental Sampling I 3
ENSC245 Soils 3
ENSC270 Water Quality 3
ENSC272 Water Resources 3
ENST230 Nature and Society 3
EVSC233 Environment and the Economy 3
GEO101 Introduction to Physical Geology 3
GEO102 Introduction to Physical Geology Lab 1
GEO211 Earth History and Evolution 4
GPHY111 Physical Geography with Lab 4
GPHY262 Spacial Sciences Tech and Applications 3
M115 Probability and Linear Mathematics 3
M121 College Algebra 3
M133 Geometry and Geometric Measurement for K-8 Teachers 3
M145 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts 3
M151 Pre-Calculus 4
M171 Calculus I 4
M172 Calculus II 4
NUTR221 Basic Human Nutrition 3
PHSX103 Our Physical World 3
PHSX205 College Physics I 3
PHSX206 College Physics I Lab 1
PHSX207 College Physics II 3*
PHSX208 College Physics II Lab 1
STAT216 Introduction to Statistics 3

B: Written Communication (6 credits)
    Written/Oral Communications Outcomes

  • Demonstrate mastery of engaging, clear, and coherent structures for presenting ideas in a variety of expository and argumentative models.
  • Develop ideas logically, clearly, convincingly, and ethically.
  • Control the effect of voice in achieving specific communication purposes with specific audiences.
  • Control the conventions of language.
  • Understand and apply research skills necessary for academic study.
  • Employ analysis, synthesis, and evaluation in both writing and reading.
  • Exercise proficiency, confidence, and self-reliance in the application of academic activities.
Course Number Course Title Credits
WRIT101 College Writing I 3
WRIT201 College Writing II 3

C: Oral Communication (3 credits)

Course Number Course Title Credits
COMX111 Introduction to Public Speaking 3

D: Social and Psychological Sciences (6+ credits)
    Social and Psychological Science Outcomes

  • Have an awareness of major perspectives in social and individual behavior.
  • Be able to apply social science theories to multicultural perspectives.
  • Understand how historical experiences influence current theories.
  • Be able to apply critical thinking skills.
  • Be able to recognize and practice ethical research techniques.

Course
Number
Course Title Credits
ANTY101 Anthropology & the Human Experience 3(D)
ANTY250 Introduction to Archaeology 3
CJUS200 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
ECNS201 Principles of Microeconomics 3
ECNS202 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ECNS203 Principles of Micro and Macro Economics 3
NASX105 Introduction to Native American Studies 3(D)
PSCI240 Introduction to Public Administration 3
PSCI260 State and Local Government 3
PSYX100 Introduction to Psychology 3
PSYX120 Research Methods I 3
PSYX161 Fund of Organizational Psychology 3
PSYX182 Stress Management 3
PSYX230 Developmental Psychology 3
PSYX233 Fundamentals of Psychology of Aging 3
PSYX240 Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology 3
PSYX250 Fundamentals of Biological Psychology 3
PSYX260 Fundamentals of Social Psychology 3
PSYX270 Fundamentals of Learning 3
PSYX273 Mental Health Professional Practice 3
PSYX292 Independent Study: Psychology 3
PSYX298 Internship: Psychology 3
PSYX299 Capstone: Psychology 3
SOCI101 Introduction to Sociology 3
SOCI201 Social Problems 3
SOCI215 Introduction to Sociology of the Family 3
SOCI220 Race, Gender, and Class 3(D)
SOCI235 Aging and Society 3
SW100 Introduction to Social Welfare 3
SW200 Introduction to Social Welfare Practice 3

E: Humanities/Fine Arts (6+ credits)
    Humanities and Fine Arts Outcomes

  • Identify a variety of artistic styles, movements, schools of thought/expression, and cultures.
  • Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a range of human expressions and values using critical strategies.
  • Engage in imaginative expression.
  • Appreciate a diversity of world-views or perspectives.
Course Number Course Title Credits
ARTH160 Global Visual Culture 3
ARTZ105 Visual Language - Drawing 3
ARTZ106 Visual Language - 2-D Foundations 3
ARTZ221 Painting I 3
COMM132 Interpersonal Communication 1
COMM133 Small Group Communication 1
COMX250 Introduction to Public Relations 3
CRWR212 Introduction to Nonfiction Workshop 3
CRWR240 Introduction to Creative Writing Workshop 3
FRCH101 Elementary French I 4(D)
FRCH102 Elementary French II 4
HONR121 Ways of Knowing 3(D)
HSTA101 American History I 3
HSTA102 American History II 3
HSTA160 Introduction to the American West 3
HSTA215 Post-WW II America 3
HSTA255 Montana History 3
IDSN101 Introduction to Interior Design 3
LIT110 Introduction to Literature 3
LIT211 American Literature II/td> 3(D)
LIT212 American Literature Survey 3
LIT213 Montana Literature 3
LIT223 British Literature I 3
LIT224 British Literature II 3
LIT227 Introduction to Shakespeare 3
LIT228 Introduction to Irish Literature 3(D)
LIT230 World Literature Survey 3(D)
LIT250 The Novel 3
LIT291 Special Topics Variable 3
MUSI101 Enjoyment of Music 3
PHL110 Problems of Good and Evil 3
PHL215 Introduction to Consciousness Studies 3
PSCI210 Introduction to American Government 3
SPNS101 Elementary Spanish I 4
SPNS102 Elementary Spanish II 4
THTR101 Introduction to Theater 3
THTR120 Introduction to Acting I 3

F. Diversity Requirement
Diversity Component Outcomes

  • Students will appreciate diversity across cultures and be able to reflect upon their own cultural values and systems.
  • Students will understand and be able to analyze the complex political, social, and economic relation- ships within and among cultures.
  • Students will appreciate the creative works, values, and ways of life and/or history of a cultural group outside of their own culture.

Within their core of 31+ credits, students must take at least three credits in courses that explore cultural diversity. Such courses are marked “D.” Courses labeled “D” can be counted twice, once for diversity AND once for the core requirement or program of study.

II. ADDITIONAL GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE-SEEKING STUDENTS (4+ CREDITS)

Students seeking an A.A. degree must complete at least 4 credits in a foreign language. Students have the following options for completing the 22-24 credits required for the program of study.

III. ADVISING OPTIONS (22+ CREDITS)

A: Associate of Arts -- Transfer

Students have the following options for completing the 22-24 credits required for the program of study.

Option 1:

Complete 24 credits in one of the following areas:

  • Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Science, Social and Psychological Science
  • A program of study may be supplemented with Math courses by declaring math as part of the program of study.
Option 2:

Complete a planned course of study and a capstone in one of the following areas:

  • Accounting Technology, Business Technology
  • Students planning to transfer are advised to work closely with the receiving four-year institution to ensure applicability of Helena College courses to their intended program of study.

Associate of Arts 4-year degree in Business available at Helena College through partnership with Montana Tech (beginning on page 115).

Accounting Technology - REQUIRED
ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3
ACTG102 Accounting Procedures II 3
ACTG201 Principles of Financial Accounting 3
ACTG202 Principles of Managerial Accounting 3
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3
Choose TWO of the following courses:
ACTG125 QuickBooks 3
ACTG180 Payroll Accounting 3
ACTG205 Computerized Accounting 3
ACTG211 Income Tax Fundamentals 3
ACTG215 Foundations of Governmental
and Not for Profit Accounting
3

Business Technology – REQUIRED
ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3
ACTG201 Principles of Financial Accounting 3
ACTG202 Principles of Managerial Accounting 3
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3
BMKT225 Marketing 3
BMGT235 Management 3
Choose ONE of the following courses:
BFIN205 Personal Finance 3
BFIN265 Introduction to Business Finance 3
BGEN220 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility 3
BGEN235 Business Law I 3
BGEN236 Business Law II 3
BMGT210 Small Business Entrepreneurship 3
BMGT215 Human Resource Management 3
BMGT263 Legal Issues in Human Resources 3
PSCI240 Introduction to Public Administration 3

IV. CAPSTONE (2/3 CREDITS)

Students must officially declare a Program of Study before enrolling in any capstone, and the course must qualify within that Program of Study. Students undertake capstone projects during their sophomore year and are encouraged to do so during their final semester when appropriate. In the case of a dual Program of Study, students should take a capstone from the predominant program.

ACTG299 Capstone: Accounting 3
BGEN299 Capstone: Business 3

V. OPEN ELECTIVE (MAXIMUM OF 3 CREDITS)

Students have the opportunity for exploration by taking one MUS college level course (100 level) from the list of General Education core classes.

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