The number of semester credit hours in an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science
degree program is 60. (See Section V, 0.1.3)
The degrees consist of a core transfer component of 33 credit hours, 6 additional
general education credit hours, and 21 elective credit hours, for a total of 60. Students
are advised to choose elective credit hours to satisfy additional general education
and pre-major requirements at the transfer institution.
The minimum number of semester credit hours in an Associate in Fine Arts degree program
is 60 (See Section V, 0.1.3).
The degree consists of 24 general education credit hours,18 fine arts core credit
hours, and 18 concentration credit hours, for a total of 60.
The number of semester credit hours in an Associate in Applied Science degree program
is between 60 and 68.
An exception to the total credit hour limit may be made by the KCTCS Board of Regents
if a program has external degree requirements which must be met necessitating an exception
request. Documentation (such as specialized accreditation requirements and/or the
results of a detailed industry validation of a specialized curriculum) must be submitted
to the KCTCS Board of Regents with the request for an exception to the total credit
hour limit.
Exception requests will be within 69-76 total credit hours.
The number of semester credit hours in a Diploma program is between 36 and 60. The
total credit hours for the Diploma program must not exceed those required for a degree
in the same program of study.
The number of semester credit hours in a Certificate program is between 12 and 30.
Exceptions for programs less than 12 credit hours or greater than 30 credit hours
will only be granted when the proposal includes a compelling rationale for either
a shorter or longer program. These programs should:
Have a primary purpose of providing marketable skills that are readily identifiable
by a unique
Qualify students to take external licensure, vendor-based, or skills standards examinations
in the field. If standardized external examinations are not available in the field,
proposals must include compelling evidence that the program prepares students to the
skill level of a job in-demand in the local
Be relevant to the requirements of a Diploma or Associate of Applied Science degree
in the same or a related field of
These guidelines only apply to new certificate programs or programs undergoing modification
after Fall 2014.
