Abstracts Education

Consistency of associate degree definitions and graduation requirements in the California community colleges : perceptions of community college curricular leaders

by Carolyn Sue Borg

The purpose of this study was to produce data and information that inform California Community College decision-makers of: (a) extent of variance in California's associate degree definitions and graduation requirements, and (b) perceptions of curricular leaders regarding the variances. Associate degree definitions and graduation requirements were compiled and analyzed from the 1997-98 catalogs for the 106 institutions. Degrees offered, number of general education units required, level of English and math required, transfer patterns, and general studies degree patterns were compiled in tables. The interpreted data from the catalog research were confirmed by the articulation officers. Chief Instructional Officers and Curriculum Chairs at each college were surveyed regarding the degree variations and graduation requirements. Were the differences considered problems or issues for the California Community College system? The catalog review findings indicated that a quarter of the colleges define the degrees in terms of purpose (transfer or occupational) while three-quarters define the degree by major or discipline. The minimum number of general education units required to earn an associate degree range from the legal minimum of 18 semester units to as many as 41 units. One-third of the colleges require freshman English composition while others accept a course one level below. Titles used for transfer general education programs are the same titles used for non-transfer or general studies programs at other colleges. The AA in Liberal Arts is comprised of transfer general education on some campuses, while it is a general studies degree on others. A majority of the leaders surveyed agreed that the California Community College system should work toward developing common definitions for associate degrees. The leaders supported offering the Associate of Applied Science degree. The study concluded that Associate degrees vary so significantly among the 106 campuses of the California Community College system that there is no common meaning to the degree. Associate degree definitions in California have no relationship to the definitions set by the American Association of Community Colleges. The study recommended that an Associate Degree Task Force be convened to study the issue and present recommendations to the California Community College Board of Governors.