Program Information
The Arts and Sciences Division is comprised of six departments: Comprehensive Studies, English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences. Two associate degrees are offered: Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS). In addition, a General Studies Certificate and a University Studies Certificate are offered.
Transfer to Other Colleges
Entrance requirements for transfer students vary widely among senior colleges. Many colleges require a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 at the two-year college. They prefer students whose records reflect work toward a major and are free of grades of W or F (see Grade Definitions). Students have the responsibility, with the assistance of their academic advisor, to plan their program of study to meet the requirements of the college to which they expect to transfer. Transfer bulletins showing equivalent courses are available in the Arts and Sciences Division Office in Oconee Hall on the Pendleton Campus. Courses similar to those offered at public and private senior colleges are usually transferable if a student makes a grade of “C” or higher. Generally, courses taken at Tri-County Technical College will not substitute for 300- or 400-level courses required for a major at a senior college.
Scheduling and Entry Options
Day, evening, online, and hybrid classes are available. Students may enter any term. Full-time day students usually complete degree requirements in four semesters. Part-time students, day or evening, should allow at least eight consecutive terms to earn a degree. Certificate students can complete their requirements in less time depending on how many courses are taken each term. The sequence of courses students take will vary depending upon the college to which they plan to transfer and their major.
Some general guidelines for students include:
- New students should take any preparatory courses during the first term;
- First year students should enroll in College Skills (COL 103), an introduction to college and college survival skills;
- Students should begin basic courses such as English, mathematics, and science as soon as possible;
- Students should delay taking a foreign language until the second year unless they have taken a foreign language in high school;
- Employed students should consider taking a reduced load.
Associate in Arts
Associate in Science
Certificate
Comprehensive Studies Department
The Comprehensive Studies Department offers courses in Developmental Mathematics, Developmental English, Developmental Reading, and College Skills. The Department also offers Jumpstart courses in math. Jumpstart courses are intensive one-week review courses offered just before each semester and summer term. All of the courses are designed to effectively and efficiently improve students’ ability to succeed in their courses.
Students may be recommended to take Comprehensive Studies Department courses depending on their COMPASS or ASSET placement test scores; or, they may elect to take one or more courses on their own. (Students may or may not need all areas of study.) Developmental courses are offered in both lecture and independent study formats. Developmental courses do not earn credit hours and cannot be used to fulfill graduation requirements. College Skills (COL 103 ) and Freshman Seminar (COL 105 ) may be used for elective credit with approval of the academic advisor. Students may not receive credit for both COL 103 and COL 105 . Many students take the College Skills course because it teaches study and time management skills.
Eligible veterans may receive VA educational benefits for two semesters of developmental course work. Students receiving Pell Grants may enroll for a maximum of 24 hours (equivalent of two terms) of developmental courses.
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NOTE: Developmental courses (those numbered less than 100) generate no credit hours, do not affect the GPA, and do not count toward graduation. Effective Summer Term 2000, courses numbered 100 generate credit hours and affect the GPA, but do not count toward graduation in any degree, diploma, or certificate program.
Standards of Progress for Comprehensive Studies Students
When students enroll in the Comprehensive Studies program, their skills are evaluated and study programs are planned for them. Students may take from four months to a year or more to complete their basic skills improvement.
- Reasonable progress is determined by the completion of one 0-level course within a maximum of three (3) terms and entry into a higher course level in Comprehensive Studies (i.e., Developmental English is a first course and Basic Writing is a second course; Developmental Math (Basic) is a first course and Developmental Math (Pre-Algebra) is a second course; Developmental Reading is a first course, and Critical Reading is a second course).
- The total number of credits in which students may enroll in Comprehensive Studies may not exceed 30 semester hours.
- If students enroll late or withdraw from 0-level courses and the enrollment time is less than, but not including, 50% of the term, the term will not be counted as one of the three allowed to complete a 0-level course. If students enroll late or withdraw from 0-level courses and the enrollment time is 50% or more, the term will be counted as one of the three allowed to complete a 0-level course.
- Any exceptions to these guidelines must be evaluated by the Comprehensive Studies Department Head and approved by the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Provost.
