East Central College offers students five degree options: the Associate of Arts (AA), the Associate of Applied Science (AAS), the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), and the Associate of Science (AS). Each degree choice affords students a variety of options based on their academic interest and career choices.
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is the institutional transfer degree. Each AA degree is comprised of the general education block (a minimum of 43 credit hours) coupled with elective options in the academic area of choice. Students completing the AA degree who transfer to a public baccalaureate institution in Missouri will enter the transfer institution at the junior level; all lower division general education coursework will be satisfied.
Information on the following AA degree options is included in the catalog:
|
Biology
|
General Studies |
| Business Administration | Health Science |
| Chemistry | History |
| Communications | Hospitality |
| Computer Science | Industrial Technology |
| Criminal Justice | Journalism |
| Engineering Technology | Mathematics |
| English | Medical Science |
| Exercise Science | Physical Science |
| Fine Arts (Art, Theater) | Psychology |
| Fine
Arts, Music
|
Social Science |
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is the career and workforce preparation degree. Each AAS degree is comprised of a block of general education coursework (a minimum of 20 hours) coupled with a minimum of 44 credit hours of program based coursework. While the AAS is a career preparation degree, many institutions may consider the degree in transfer. Certificate Options are also available in many of the career fields offering the AAS degree.
Information on the following AAS degree options is included in the catalog; those with a related certificate are indicated with an asterisk*:
| Accounting | Health Information Technology* |
| Apprenticeship Training | HVAC* |
| Automotive Technology* | Industrial Engineering Technology* |
| Biotechnology | Multimedia* |
| Building Construction Technology* | Nursing |
| Business Management* | Occupational Education |
| Business Technology* | Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Business Management and Technology | Paramedic Technology* |
| Computer Information Systems* | Precision Machining Technology* |
| Culinary Arts* | Radiologic Technology |
| Early Childhood Education | Respiratory Care |
| Fire Technology* | Welding* |
| Graphic Design* |
*Indicates areas with certificate options.
The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is the institutional transfer degree for students preparing to study in teacher education programs. Each AAT degree is comprised of the general education block (a minimum of 43 credit hours), tailored to the specific needs of education majors, coupled with elective options in the area of teacher preparation. Students completing the AAT degree and transfer to a public baccalaureate institution in Missouri offering teacher preparation programs will enter the transfer institution at the junior level; all lower division general education coursework will be satisfied and the core block of teacher education courses will transfer.
The Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree is the institutional fine arts degree. A specifically articulated degree with the University of Missouri – St. Louis, the AFA degree is comprised of a general education core tailored to students interested in study in a Bachelor of Fine Arts program and the necessary coursework to prepare students for that study. Students may choose from a variety of elective coursework appropriate for the specialized areas of studio and graphic arts.
The Associate of Science (AS) degree is the institutional pre-engineering degree. A specifically articulated degree with the Missouri University of Science and Technology, the AS degree is comprised of a general education core and the necessary coursework to prepare students for a course of study in engineering. Students may choose from a variety of elective coursework appropriate for the specialized area of engineering of expressed interest.
