General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees

1. First Semester Seminar

The purpose of the First Semester Seminar at CCV is to assist new students in achieving success, understanding academic freedom and responsibilities, and developing core 21st century skills and knowledge for lifelong learning and active participation in a diverse community.

2. Technological Literacy

This competency is satisfied by courses in which students use critical thinking to apply technological tools in the learning process and real-world scenarios. Completion of this requirement prepares students to function in a technologically evolving workplace and global community.

When choosing a Technological Literacy course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

3. Communication

Communication is essential in many aspects of our lives. Courses in this category focus on interpersonal communication skills and the effective verbal expression of ideas. Courses which fulfill this requirement also satisfy the Vermont State Colleges graduation standard in Oral Communication.

When choosing a Communication course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps. 

4. English Composition

The ability to express oneself clearly and accurately in written form, develop a thesis, and support it with evidence drawn from appropriate sources of information are elements of strong writing skills. Through extensive practice, students learn strategies for organizing, evaluating, and revising their work and ultimately demonstrate proficiency in first-year college writing.

5. Mathematics

This competency is satisfied by courses in which the emphasis is on developing general quantitative understanding and using mathematics as a problem-solving tool in business, education, human services and other professional fields, as well as in everyday life. Completion of this requirement prepares students to think critically and apply mathematical problem-solving skills to a variety of real-world problems.

When choosing a Mathematics course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

Note:

The VSC graduation standard will be met by a quantitative reasoning assessment administered outside of college math courses.

6. Research & Writing Intensive

This competency is satisfied by a course that integrates all aspects of research writing within the context of other disciplinary approaches to writing. Students’ work will culminate in a final paper that includes an implied or explicit thesis statement and integrates relevant source material from five or more credible sources using standard MLA or APA form.

When choosing a Research & Writing Intensive course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

1. Scientific Method

Scientific literacy is essential to understanding and evaluating the impact and advances of science now and in the future. This competency is satisfied by courses in which students develop a working knowledge of the scientific method and the vocabulary and foundational theories of one or more fields of science.

When choosing a Scientific Method course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

2. Human Expression

Courses in this area are designed to give students exposure to aspects of the arts and humanities that develop and broaden their perspectives in relation to the ways humans express meaning, possibility, creativity, and philosophical ideas. (Not required for A.A.S.)

When choosing a Human Expression course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

3. Human Behavior

Social sciences and history provide tools for observing, analyzing, and interpreting human behavior. These courses offer an introduction to the major research methods, theories, and core concepts of human interaction. (Not required for A.A.S.)

When choosing a Human Behavior course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

1. Global Perspectives & Sustainability

The ability to address the challenges of an interconnected and global 21st century requires knowledge of interdisciplinary strategies of investigation and an appreciation of cultural differences. This competency is satisfied by courses that promote global awareness and an understanding of the human and natural processes that impact the future of individuals, societies and environments across the globe. (Not required for A.A.S.)

When choosing a Global Perspectives & Sustainability course, students are encouraged to check degree program requirements and courses recommended for transfer in 2+2 course maps.

2. Seminar in Educational Inquiry

Inquiry is the foundation for this interdisciplinary capstone course. It provides a forum for critical thinking about substantive issues, problems, and themes that affect the world, our society, our communities, and ourselves. Throughout the semester, students will be challenged to ask critical questions, evaluate evidence, create connections, and present ideas orally and in writing. Successful completion of SEI satisfies the VSC graduation standards in writing and information literacy.