The Board of Governors Associate in Applied Science degree program is a nontraditional, degree completion opportunity at the associate degree level specifically devised for adult learners to meet occupational goals or employment requirements, establish professional credentials, or achieve personal goals. This degree program provides the opportunity for adult learners to utilize credit for prior learning experiences via licenses, certificates, military credit, and other non-collegiate sources while assuring maximum credit transferability.

By completing this degree program, adult students can establish deserved credentials, achieve a personal sense of accomplishment, and position themselves for advancement into a baccalaureate program. The Board of Governors Associate in Applied Science degree increases educational access and degree opportunities for adults who have deferred or interrupted their educational plans. Such a program provides the base of the educational ladder for adults to accomplish the first level of educational advancement as well as develop the self-confidence and incentive to move toward the completion of a baccalaureate degree. The degree program is designed to articulate with the WV Board of Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Curriculum-The Board of Governors A.A.S. requires 60 credit hours that include a general education core of 21 credit hours and 39 credit hours of general electives. An optional capstone experience and an optional defined area of emphasis encompassing a broad range of content areas may be included. The structure of the degree assures flexibility in program design to meet the individual needs of adult students. The required general education courses assure the development of essential skills and competencies necessary for an associate degree level graduate. The general electives, with the opportunity for a defined area of emphasis, allow students to demonstrate and document a defined occupational proficiency. Students are encouraged to explore various options for obtaining credit for prior learning experiences including course articulation, standardized exams, challenge exams, credential validation and portfolio credit. Students who choose to earn credit for college-level learning acquired through professional work experience or other life experiences must complete the portfolio development course and submit a portfolio. The portfolio provides the opportunity for equating documented, college level, experiential learning to college credit. College courses successfully completed at regionally accredited institutions may be transferred into the program and applied toward the 60 credit requirement.

A student may apply any or all methods of extra-institutional credit toward the completion of the Board of Governors A.A.S. degree. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Advising Center or the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Graduation Grade Point Average: 2.0

Residency Requirement: 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited higher education institution. A minimum of 3 credits may be required at the host institution. Petition for exception to the residency requirement may be made to the Chief Academic Officer of the host institution.

Academic Forgiveness: All F’s earned in College courses earned four or more years before admission to program are disregarded from the computation of the graduation grade point average. The “F” grades will not be deleted from the transcript.

Grades and Grading: Grading will follow the institution’s current grading policy.

Admission Requirements: Students are eligible for admission to the program two years after graduation from high school. In case of those passing a high school equivalency examination, admission must be two years after their high school class has graduated.