Piedmont Virginia Community College offers two-year associate degrees, one-year certificates, and short career studies certificates. The requirements for these awards for completion of curricula are determined by the college faculty and are intended to meet the requirements specified by the Common-wealth of Virginia, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and certain specialized accrediting agencies.
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
Awarded for completion of two-year curricula that are designed to prepare the student for employment in a technical field immediately following graduation. In some AAS degree programs one or more summer terms may be required. These curricula are not designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. However, in some limited cases, occupational courses may transfer, and there may be articulation arrangements with four-year colleges as part of a special program.
Associate of Arts Degree (AA)
Awarded for the completion of two-year curricula in fine arts, liberal arts, and music. The AA degree is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year, degree-granting institution for the completion of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
Associate of Science Degree (AS)
Awarded for the completion of two-year curricula in a variety of preprofessional programs. The AS degree is designed for those who plan to transfer to a four-year, degree-granting institution for the completion of a Bachelor of Science degree.
Certificate (C)
Awarded for the completion of one-year career/technical curricula totaling between 30 and 59 credits. Most certificates prepare the student for a specific job or aspect of a job. These curricula are not designed for transfer to a four-year college or university.
Career Studies Certificate (CSC)
Awarded for a specific group of career-related courses totaling between nine (9) and 29 credits. The career studies programs are designed for enhancement of job/life skills, retraining for career change, and/or investigating new career possibilities.
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