Degree and Certificate Criteria
Associate of Arts Degrees, AA
Associate of Science Degrees, AS
- AA/AS Degrees with Designation - A Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement, known as a Degree with Designation (DwD) in the Colorado community college system, is an agreement among Colorado community colleges and four-year colleges/universities. These agreements allow you to graduate from a community college with a 60 credit Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree with designation, such as an Associate of Arts in Business; enroll with junior status at a university; and complete the bachelor’s degree in no more than an additional 60 credits (for a total of 120 credits) unless the Colorado Commission on Higher Education has approved an exception. If you attend full-time (15 credits per semester), do not need developmental courses, and follow the structured schedule, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in four years.
- AA/AS Without Designation – These are the following degree programs that are not included under the state articulation agreements. When you finish these programs, the degree will read Associate of Arts/Science without the “in a discipline” designation. These degrees are still covered under institutional agreements between a community college and a four-year college/university. However, check with your academic or faculty advisor discuss the transfer options. Disciplines without degrees with designation include: Computer Science, Dance, Environmental Studies, Foreign Language, Humanities, Journalism, Professional Writing, Social Work Transfer.
Associate of General Studies Degree, AGS allows maximum flexibility to mix career and transfer courses with options for possible transferability. Some credits may not transfer and is not approved for 60/60 articulation.
Associate of Applied Science Degrees AAS and Certificates programs are designed for entry to the workforce. These also include Career and Technical Education.
Bachelor Applied Science Degree (BAS) is the designated degree for flexible baccalaureate programs that are designed to accommodate the unique demands for entry and advancement within specific workforce sectors. BAS programs provide degree completion opportunities for students from a variety of educational backgrounds, but primarily those with Associate of Applied Science Degrees AAS and Certificates or the equivalent.
BAS degrees typically build on the curriculum requirements for an AAS degree. As such, BAS degrees are often considered to be stackable degrees, meaning that all of the requirements for the AAS degree are either included in, or receive full recognition and credit within the BAS program requirements. Consequently, both the technical and general education courses completed in an AAS degree count fully toward BAS degree requirements.
Because the general education requirements often vary considerably for AAS degrees due to the targeted focus of their career and technical fields, PPCC provides great flexibility to faculty in structuring AAS degree general education requirements. It is the intent of the general education philosophy for BAS degrees that all general education courses successfully completed by students in their AAS degrees count fully toward the overall BAS general education requirements.
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is designed to provide a four-year degree in a true 2+2 manner for students who already have an Associate of Applied Science degree and are ready to take on more technical responsibility. This is a popular option for workforce development and advancement. This degree provides students with an academic training to further their careers.
Each BAS completion degree will have 120 credit hours. Thirty of these credits must be taken in residence at PPCC per the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation requirements. Admission criteria may change depending on the degree and academic advising is key to understanding the requirements for admission.
Prerequisites: Completion of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in the appropriate field of study.
GT Pathways courses, in which the student earns a C- or higher, will always transfer and apply to GT Pathways requirements in AA, AS and most bachelor’s degrees at every public Colorado college and university. GT Pathways does not apply to some degrees. You should always seek advising from the appropriate advisor at the college or university you plan to attend to ensure you are selecting the appropriate coursework for your degree and that it will apply to those degree requirements.
Degree Eligibility
Students who receive an AGS degree may subsequently pursue an AA, AS or AAS degree. If they have received an AAS degree, they may pursue an AA, AS or AGS degree. However, students who have completed the degree requirements for an AA or AS degree from PPCC may not then also apply for an AGS degree.
PPCC will accept 45 applicable credits toward a second degree or certificate.
Having earned an associate or higher academic degree from an accredited school generally disqualifies students from receiving an associate degree from PPCC in an identical or closely related program. However, the Vice President for Instructional Services may waive this restriction.
College Preparatory Programs
Purpose and Goals
In order to maximize student success, PPCC provides placement testing and college prep courses so students can be assured they are prepared to begin their course of study. Students enroll in college prep courses in mathematics, English, and study skills (Advancing Academic Achievement courses) as prerequisites for college courses as well as for personal enrichment. Research indicates that students who need and take these courses do better in their college-level courses than they would have without them. Refer to the Basic Skills Assessment Matrix.
Students who place into college prep courses in mathematics and/or English must complete college prep courses within the first 30 semester credit hours. Students who have not completed college prep courses and have completed 30 or more semester credit hours must meet with an academic advisor before registering for additional coursework. Refer to Getting Started / Career Planning and Advising to speak with an academic advisor.
Advancing Academic Achievement
For students who have concerns about meeting the challenges of college academic requirements or for students who want to improve the study skills they may have learned in previous educational settings, Pikes Peak Community College provides the Academic Achievement Program. Courses in this program are designed to help students develop personalized learning strategies in the areas of time management, goal setting, notetaking, test-taking, textbook reading, memory development, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to enroll in the
appropriate study skills course prior to starting their degree or certificate programs.
AAA 109 - Advanced Academic Achievement
For further information about the AAA 109 , please call 502-3600.
Online Learning/eLearning Options
PPCC offers a variety of non-traditional learning options for students who cannot or do not wish to take courses in a traditional classroom setting. The eLearning alternatives include a wide variety of fully online and hybrid (part online/part classroom) classes. Go to www.ppcc.edu/academics/eLearning to review the options for online learning from home or work. All PPCC online courses are conducted within normal term dates, with fixed deadlines for assignments and tests.
PPCC Hybrid Classes (Sections 1H1, 2H1, 3H1, etc.)
Hybrid, or blended, classes combine on-campus class sessions with Internet-based course work. In most cases students will meet once a week for lecture, hands-on learning, and face-to-face group activities. Remaining assignments will be completed online. Students can access online activities and assignments from any computer connected to the Internet, including those in campus computer labs.
PPCC Online Campus (Sections 1N1, 2N1, 3N1, etc.)
Courses may be taken using home computers to communicate electronically with faculty and other students online in the “virtual classroom.” Students may also use the computers at PPCC in the instructional computer labs to connect to the Internet for online courses.
CCCOnline (Sections C11, C21)
Courses are offered through a consortium of 13 community colleges in Colorado. Students will register as a PPCC student, but an instructor may teach the classes from any of the 13 schools. Check the website for complete information. Students may also apply appropriate CCCOnline classes toward degrees at PPCC. For more information go to www.ccconline.org.
Online and alternative delivery classes meet the same course outcomes as their traditional counterparts and are subject to the same transfer agreements. In addition, there are transfer agreements with colleges both in-state and out-of-state that offer Baccalaureate completion programs using distance/electronic technology.
For more information, please call 502-3555 or (800) 456-6847 or e-mail to eLearning@ppcc.edu.
Students on active military duty, please call 502-4100 or e-mail mvp@ppcc.edu.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Students may earn credit for learning outside the classroom. Prior Learning Assessment must apply to a degree or certificate goal. Credit is given for the following:
- portfolio: learning through experiences such as reading and study, work, and on-the-job training or special classes
- standardized testing: a satisfactory score on nationally accepted tests such as CLEP and DANTES
- published guide: learning given in a nontraditional setting such as a military or industry classroom which must be evaluated in a published guide by a nationally known organization such as the American Council on Education (ACE)
PPCC evaluates prior learning through the Prior Learning Assessment program (PLA). Students may receive up to 75 percent of their total credits for all types of prior learning. For more information, stop by the Student Services Center at the Centennial Campus, or call 502-3000. Military and Veteran students, contact Department of Military & Veterans Programs at 502-4100.
Students who wish to receive credit for prior learning and plan to transfer to another college or university should verify these credits will transfer. Policies on awarding transfer credit vary from school to school.
Independent Study Courses
Extended learning options may be offered for students who cannot come to the PPCC campus or cannot attend courses that are scheduled for a standard semester. Learning options available for both regular curriculum and special contract programs include independent study.
College credit is awarded for these courses.
Students receiving financial aid are cautioned to contact the Student Services Centers when registering for independent study courses.
Military & Veterans Programs
Pikes Peak Community College is dedicated to serving the needs of active duty military and their family members, veterans and their family members. We are a military friendly institution that delivers high quality education in a wide variety of career, technical and academic areas.
A comprehensive career education program is offered off campus to military personnel for resident credit. Evaluation of previous military education and training, federal government training, and work experience for the possible awarding of credit is available.
PPCC also has been selected by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) as an approved college and is listed in the DANTES Guide to External Degree Programs. The Associate of General Studies (AGS) degree is offered in conjunction with the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program.
Courses for resident credit are offered at the following military installations:
Fort Carson, Colorado
Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Veterans may be certified for educational benefits at the Centennial Campus, room C-222.
Students on active military duty should call either the Ft. Carson office (Army) at 502-4200 or the Peterson AFB office (all other branches) at 502-4300. Please see our website at www.ppcc.edu/military for more information.
Service Learning Program
Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with course content and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach social and civic responsibility and strengthen communities. Service learning is fully integrated into the formal academic course. For additional information and to see a current list of classes offered, visit www.ppcc.edu/service-learning.
Weekend College
It is possible to earn an Associate of Arts degree at Pikes Peak Community College in two years by attending college only on the weekends. PPCC Weekend College at the Downtown Studio Campus offers a variety of classes for the student who wants to earn a degree but can only attend on the weekends or for the student who just wants to pick up an extra class or two. Classes are offered Fridays in the afternoon and evening, and Saturdays throughout the day. The Weekend College experience can also be enhanced with online classes. Internet and Hybrid offerings, blended classes that allow you the flexibility of combining a traditional classroom experience with at-home Internet learning, are a perfect complement to Weekend College. For more information, call 502-3000.
Options for Current High School Students
Centennial Campus • A-220 • 502-3111
Career Start
High school students may enroll in PPCC Career Start, which provides career and technical training in the program areas listed below. This concurrent enrollment cohort program enrolls students into PPCC courses applicable to career pathway for college and high school credit.
Occupational Programs Available
- Auto Collision Technology
- Automotive Service Technology
- Construction
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary Arts
- Cyber Security
- Diesel Power Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Fire Science Technology
- Health Career Exploration
- Health Science Technology
- Interior Design
- Multimedia Graphic Design
- Radio and Television
- Welding
- Zoo Keeping
Students enroll in the Career Start as part of their daily high school schedule. School districts under contract pay the costs of this program. The Career Start Program delivers career and technical education that provides each student with the concepts, academic and technical competencies, career skills, attitudes, and work habits essential to gain entry-level employment following high school graduation.
Instruction is provided in a two hour and forty minute day, five-day-a-week schedule throughout the school year. Instruction is provided in classrooms, laboratories, and community settings that use equipment similar to that used in business and industry.
Enrollment in Career Start is completed at the high school. Contact your high school counselor or call PPCC High School Programs at 502-3111 for more information.
Articulation Agreements
High school students may earn college credits by successfully earning an A or B grade in approved career-technical education courses at their high school. Pikes Peak Community College has articulation agreements with most local school districts. A transcription fee of $10 per PPCC course is applicable. Articulated courses can apply toward corresponding degrees and certificates at Pikes Peak Community College but are not designated as transfer courses to four-year colleges and universities. For more information, call PPCC High School Programs at 502-3111.
Concurrent Enrollment
Concurrent Enrollment (CE) enables high school students to take college classes at PPCC and earn high school and/or college credit. Students have the opportunity to enroll in any courses for which they meet the prerequisites and applicable to students’ future career and academic goals. In general, high schools will not pay for developmental courses.
To participate in CE, students must obtain permission from a parent or guardian, high school counselor and/or district administrator and must apply for the College Opportunity Fund (COF). Many school districts have a cooperative agreement with PPCC and may pay for the tuition as well as fees and/or books for qualifying courses. Contact your high school counselor for more specific information. Home-schooled students are also welcome to participate. Contact the High School Programs Office at 502- 3111 for more information.
High School Student Records
All students attending courses at PPCC are assumed to be independent, and therefore, information is not provided to parents. Students may authorize the release of any data to any person or agency by completing the “Release of Non-Directory Information” form. For additional information on options available for current high school students, visit www.ppcc.edu/hsp.
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