Requirements for Graduation

Southwest Texas Junior College offers the Associate of Arts in General Studies (A.A.) degree, the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, the Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, and certificates.  The requirements for each degree and certificate are listed with their respective programs.  All students are required to take EDUC 1300 - Learning Framework; however, this course does not count toward degree requirements.  Students entering college for the first time and whose scores in two or more TSI areas fall below the “college-ready” threshold must complete COLS 0300, College Success Skills, instead of EDUC 1300 during their first semester of enrollment.  There is a 10 year limit to the catalog used for graduation requirements.

The following credentials, certificates and degrees can be earned online:

Core Curriculum Completion
Associate of Arts in Teaching
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Associate of Science
Business Administration Field of Study
Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Studies Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Early Childhood Studies
Level one Basic Business Office Technology
Level One Advanced Business Office Technology
Associate of Applied Science Business Office Technology
Level One Basic Business Management
Level One Advanced Business Management
Associate of Applied Science Business Management
Associate of Applied Science Criminal Justice

Note: Some course require work at a field site for completion.

Students failing to graduate at the expected time and completing the remaining requirements at another institution may transfer this work back to SWTJC providing the student meets the degree requirements.

Formal application for graduation can be made by contacting the SWTJC Registrar’s Office.

Students who are eligible to attend the May commencement ceremony each year are those who have completed their degree requirements in December of the previous year or who will complete their degree requirements in May or August of the current year.

Core Curriculum Requirements

Students earning an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts in Teaching degree must complete the Core Curriculum below:

Associate of Arts in General Studies Degree

The Associate of Arts in General Studies (A.A.) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a senior college or university.  This degree includes general education courses such as English, foreign language, history, government, mathematics, and lab science, which are considered to be core requirements for almost all baccalaureate degree programs.  (See a listing of core courses above.)

Students should keep in mind the advantages of completing the requirements of a degree at Southwest Texas Junior College even if they are planning to transfer to another college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree.  An obvious advantage of completing any degree is the fact that this action reflects commitment to a specific educational goal and success in meeting that goal.  Earning an associate degree is evidence of taking one definable step beyond a high school diploma or the high school equivalency examination, and it is the minimum educational requirement for employment in certain positions in area businesses and industries.

Associate of Arts in General Studies Degree Requirements:

1. Satisfy minimum entrance requirements.
2. Complete the Core Curriculum (see Core Curriculum Requirements).
3. Complete additional academic coursework for a total of 60 semester credit hours, not including semester credit hours earned in EDUC 1100 or any developmental course.
4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college level courses.
5. Earn at least twenty-five percent of semester credit hours at SWTJC.
6. Make formal application for graduation.
7. Must satisfy TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirements.
8. Must follow catalog requirements of the academic year when student first enrolled at SWTJC or current catalog. There is a 10 year limit to the catalog used for graduation.

Associate of Science Degree

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a senior college or university and major in science, mathematics, or engineering.  This degree includes general education courses such as English, foreign language, history, government, mathematics, and lab science, which are considered to be core requirements for almost all baccalaureate degree programs.  Also, it includes additional lab science and mathematics courses required in most science, mathematics, and engineering Bachelors of Science degree programs. (See a listing of core courses above.).

Students should keep in mind the advantages of completing the requirements of a degree at Southwest Texas Junior College even if they are planning to transfer to another college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree.  An obvious advantage of completing any degree is the fact that this action reflects commitment to a specific educational goal and success in meeting that goal.  Earning an associate degree is evidence of taking one definable step beyond a high school diploma or the high school equivalency examination, and it is the minimum educational requirement for employment in certain positions in area businesses and industries.

Associate of Science Degree Requirements:

1. Satisfy minimum entrance requirements.
2. Complete the Core Curriculum (see Core Curriculum Requirements).
3. Complete additional academic coursework for a total of 60 semester credit hours and not including semester credit hours earned in EDUC 1300 COLS 0300 or any developmental course. Nine additional hours from a STEM-approved course list; see below:
   
   BIOL 1308 – Biology for Non-Science Majors I – 3 sem. hrs (0-3-0) + BIOL 1108 – Biology for Non-Science Majors I Lab – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   BIOL 1309 – Biology for Non-Science Majors II – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0) + BIOL 1109 – Biology for Non-Science Majors II Lab – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   BIOL 1306 – Biology for Science Majors I = 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0) + BIOL 1106 – Biology for Science Majors I Lab – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   BIOL 1307 – Biology for Science Majors II – 3 sem. hrs (3-0-0) + BIOL 1107 – Biology for Science Majors II Lab – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   BIOL 1411 – General Botany – 4 sem. hrs. (3-3-0)
   BIOL 1413 – General Zoology – 4 sem. hrs. (3-3-0)
   BIOL 2306 – Environmental Biology – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   BIOL 2316 – Genetics – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   BIOL 2401 – Anatomy and Physiology I – 4 sem. hrs. (3-3-0)
   BIOL 2402 – Anatomy and Physiology II – 4 sem. hrs. (3-3-0)
   BIOL 2421 – Microbiology for Science Majors – 4 sem. hrs. (3-3-0)
   CHEM 1311 – General Chemistry I – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0) + CHEM 1111 – General Chemistry I Laboratory – 1 sem. hrs. (0-4-0)
   CHEM 1312 – General Chemistry II – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0) + CHEM 1112 – General Chemistry II Laboratory – 1 sem. hrs. (0-4-0)
   CHEM 2423 – Organic Chemistry I – 4 sem. hrs. (3-4-0)
   CHEM 2425 – Organic Chemistry II – 4 sem. hrs. (3-4-0)
   PHYS 1301 – College Physics I – 3 sem. hrs. (3-3-0) _ PHYS 1101 – College Physics Laboratory I – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   PHYS 1302 – College Physics II – 3 sem. hrs. (3-3-0) + PHYS 1102 – College Physics Laboratory II – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   PHYS 2325 – University Physics I – 3 sem. hrs. (3-00) + PHYS 2125 – University Physics Laboratory I – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   PHYS 2326 – University Physics II – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0) + PHYS 2126 – University Physics Laboratory II – 1 sem. hrs. (0-3-0)
   COSC 1301 – Introduction to Computing (3 sem. hrs. (3-1-0)
   COSC 1336 – Programming Fundamentals I – 3 sem. hrs. (2-3-0)
   COSC 1337 – Programming Fundamentals II – 3 sem. hrs. (2-3-0)
   COSC 1420 – Programming I – 4 sem. hrs. (4-0-0)
   COSC 2325 – Computer Organization and Machine Language – 3 sem. hrs. (2-3-0)
   COSC 2336 – Programming Fundamentals III – 3 sem. hrs. (2-3-0)
   MATH 1314 – College Algebra – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   MATH 1342 – Elementary Statistical Methods – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   MATH 2312 – Pre-Calculus Math – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   MATH 2413 – Calculus I – 4 sem. hrs. (4-0-0)
   MATH 2414 – Calculus II – 4 sem. hrs. (4-0-0)
   MATH 2415 – Calculus III – 4 sem. hrs. (4-0-0)
   MATH 2318 – Linear Algebra – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   MATH 2320 – Differential Equations – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0)
   
   *ENGL 2311 – Technical and Business Writing – 3 sem. hrs. (3-0-0) – Highly recommended Elective
   
   
4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college level courses.
5. Earn at least twenty-five percent of semester credit hours at SWTJC.
6. Make formal application for graduation.
7. Must satisfy TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirements.
8. Must follow catalog requirements of the academic year when student first enrolled at SWTJC or current catalog.  There is a 10 year limit to the catalog limit used for graduation.

Associate of Science in Engineering Science Degree

The Associate of Science in Engineering Science (ASES) degree provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for successful pursuit of a baccalaureate engineering degree.  It also provides students with increased flexibility in selecting an appropriate engineering program at a participating 4-year institution and minimizes the time to completion of the baccalaureate degree for students who choose tis pathway.

Students successfully completing the SWTJC ASES degree will be accepted into selected baccalaureate engineering degree programs at partner universities and follow a specified “completion curriculum” for a baccalaureate degree.

Associate of Science in Engineering Science Degree Requirements:

1. Satisfy minimum entrance requirements.
2. Complete the academic coursework as defined on the ASES degree plan.
3. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college level courses.
4. Earn at least twenty-five percent of semester credit hours at SWTJC.
5. Make formal application for graduation.
6. Must satisfy TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirements.
7. Must follow catalog requirements of the academic year when student first enrolled at SWTJC or current catalog. There is a 10 year limit to the catalog used for graduation.

Students earning the ASES at SWTJC only complete 27 of the 42 hours required for the General Education Core Curriculum.  ASES graduates will be required to complete the remainder of the General Education Core Curriculum at their receiving (transfer) institution in order to be awarded a Bachelor’s degree.

Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree

The Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is a Board-approved collegiate degree program consisting of lower-division courses intended for transfer to baccalaureate programs that lead to initial Texas teacher certification.  There are three AAT options:

1. EC-6
2. 4-8, EC-12 Special Education
3. 8-12, EC-12 Other than Special Education

These three AAT’s can only be offered by Texas public community colleges, Lamar State College-Orange, and Lamar State College-Port Arthur, and are fully transferable to any Texas public university offering baccalaureate degree programs leading to initial teacher certification.

Students who complete the AAT will be required to meet any and all entrance requirements of the receiving university and the educator preparation program, including grade point average and/or testing requirements.  While the degree is designed for transfer purposes, it also meets the “No Child Left Behind” requirements for paraprofessionals.  In addition, completion of the AAT is much like that of an Associate of Arts in General Studies degree in that it may qualify students for work that requires at least an associate’s degree.  Some AAT courses require field experiences in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (P-12) setting.

Because of the various degree options available within the AAT, students are advised to meet with an advisor to discuss specific details of a degree plan.

Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree General Requirements

1. Satisfaction of minimum entrance requirements.
2. Complete the Core Curriculum (see Core Curriculum Requirements).
3. Complete additional academic coursework for 60 semester credit hours, not including semester credit hours earned in EDUC 1100, or any developmental course.
4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college level courses.
5. Earn at least twenty-five percent of semester credit hours at SWTJC.
6. Make formal application for graduation.
7. Must satisfy TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirements.
8. Must follow the current catalog requirements for specific AAT options (See Associate of Associate of Arts in Teaching section). There is a 10 year limit to the catalog used for graduation.

The curricula of the three degree options can be found in the section “Associate of Arts in Teaching Curricula.”

Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates are Board-approved collegiate programs consisting of technical courses and integrated general education courses.  Students choose among a variety of career areas and acquire skills necessary to compete in the job market.

Associate of Applied Science Degree Requirements:

1. Satisfaction of minimum entrance requirements.
2. Completion of specific program and course requirements (see Technical Programs).
3. Computer competencies must be verified by satisfactory completion of ITSC 1301, COSC 1301, or equivalent.
4. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college level courses.
5. Earn at least twenty-five percent of semester credit hours at SWTJC.
6. Make formal application for graduation.
7. Must satisfy TSI (Texas Success Initiative) requirements.
8. Must follow the catalog requirements of the academic year when the student first enrolled in the technical program or the current catalog. There is a 10 year limit to the catalog used for graduation.

Technical Certificates

Technical certificates are included in some Board-approved collegiate programs.  Certificates consist of one year of technical instruction and, in some cases, integrated general education courses.  Students choose among a variety of career areas and acquire skills necessary to compete in the job market.

College Certificate Program Requirements:

1. Satisfaction of minimum entrance requirements.
2. Completion of specific program and course requirements (see Technical Programs).
3. Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for all college level courses.
4. Earn at least twenty-five percent of semester credit hours at SWTJC.
5. Make formal application for graduation.
6. Must follow the catalog requirements of the academic year when the student first enrolled in the technical program or the current catalog. There is a 10 year limit to the catalog used for graduation.

Other Certificates

The Core Curriculum Certificate is awarded to students who complete the Core Curriculum Requirements as outlined above.  The Core Curriculum for Southwest Texas Junior College has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; however, the certificate is an institutional award used to recognize this achievement and encourage continued student success.

The Field of Study Curriculum Certificate is awarded to students who complete the required number of semester credit hours satisfying one of the approved fields of study curricula as listed in the catalog (See Field of Study Curricula).  Field of study certificates have been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; however, the certificate is an institutional award used to recognize this achievement and encourage continued student success.