Degree & Certificate Information
Central Arizona College (CAC) offers students one- and two-year programs to meet their diverse interests and goals, including a variety of disciplines in nearly 100 degrees and certificates. These may be completed over an extended period to accommodate nontraditional students. Students completing these degrees with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale typically matriculate to an Arizona public university with junior status and only need an additional 56-60 university credits to complete a bachelor’s degree consisting of 120 credits.
Students undecided about their academic program should meet with an academic advisor to explore career and life goals. Selecting a program that fits talents and interests and planning a timeline to achieve academic goals based on course offerings leads to successful degree/certificate completion.
Program Requirements
There are a number of programs at CAC, including the nursing program, that have specific program requirements in order to meet the criteria for their particular accrediting bodies and licensing boards. In the case of these programs, the requirements may differ from the requirements of the college. It is necessary that students meet all program requirements for the individual disciplines according to the policies in place for each specific program. Students using VA Benefits will need to meet CAC Residency for full benefits, regardless of special program requirements. Please contact the School Certifying Official for VA Benefits on Special program requirements.
Transferable Degrees
All of CAC’s transferable degrees conform to one of three degree structures and include at least 35 semester credits of general education studies and transfer directly to the three Arizona public universities: Arizona State University (ASU), Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the University of Arizona (UA). CAC’s three transferable degree structures are:
Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Business (ABus)
Associate of Science (AS)
CAC transferable associate degrees require at least 60 semester credits and share five basic categories in addition to CAC core degree requirements. Specific degree requirements follow within each degree. Visit the CAC Transfer Center for more information!
General Education - Each of CAC’s transferable associate degrees include a block of at least 35 semester credits of lower-division general education requirements known as the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC). This block provides clear and secure transfer pathways from community college to university studies. The three available tracks are the AGEC-Arts (AGEC-A), AGECBusiness (AGEC-B), and AGEC-Science (AGEC-S).
Subject Options - Based on your major, review the specific associate degree requirements in this catalog, consult an academic advisor, and review Transfer Guides at aztransfer.com.
Special Awareness Requirements
Intensive Writing and Critical Inquiry
Cultural Awareness-Ethnic/Race/Gender
Global/International Awareness or Historical Awareness
Electives - Students may need to select additional transferable courses to meet the number of semester credits required for the associate degree as designated by the transfer pathway. Electives must transfer to at least one of the three Arizona public universities as “elective or better.”
Requirements for CAC Degrees
A minimum of 3 earned CAC credits numbered 100 or above;
A grade of “C” or better in each course.
NOTE: Consult information on specific degree and graduation requirements with the assistance of an academic advisor.
Additional Degrees
CAC offers two additional degree options:
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Associate of General Studies (AGS)
The AAS and AGS degrees prepare students to directly enter the workforce of their chosen program. Some state universities permit students with these degrees to transfer most or all of their credits to a university to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree. Based on your major, review the specific associate degree requirements in this catalog, consult an academic advisor, and review Transfer Guides at aztransfer.com.
The Associate of Applied Science degree requires at least 60 semester credits and includes three basic categories:
General Education - The AAS degree requires a minimum of 19 semester credits of lower-division general education coursework. Students electing to transfer to one of the three Arizona public universities should earn an AGEC Certificate, which requires a minimum of 35 semester credits.
Core Requirements and Electives - Students must complete at least 41 semester credits to meet the number required for the degree. Based on your major, refer to the specific AAS degree requirements in this catalog and consult an academic advisor.
Requirements for CAC Degrees
A minimum of 3 earned CAC credits numbered 100 or above;
Earn a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
The Associate of General Studies degree is appropriate for students who do not plan to transfer, requires at least 60 semester credits, and includes three basic categories:
General Education - The AGS degree requires 29-30 semester credits of lower-division general education coursework. Students have the opportunity to transfer to one of the three Arizona public universities by completing requirements for both the AGS degree and an AGEC Certificate.
Electives - Students must complete at least 30 semester credits to meet the number required for the degree. Based on your major, refer to the specific AGS degree requirements in this catalog and consult an academic advisor.
Requirements for CAC Degrees
A minimum of 3 earned CAC credits numbered 100 or above;
Earn a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Bachelor’s Degree Waiver of General Education Requirements
Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and are interested in pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree may use a bachelor's degree to satisfy the general education requirements for most AAS degrees. Exceptions are generally special admissions programs, such as those listed below, due to special accreditation requirements. Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine their eligibility to waive the general education requirements.
Area of Interest-Business & Professional Industries
Business AAS
ECN 200, 201, or 202 for Social/Behavioral Sciences
BUS 101 for Mathematics
Culinary Arts AAS
CUL 142 for Physical & Biological Sciences
BUS 101 for Mathematics
Area of Interest-Computer Technology, Engineering, & Math
Networking Technologies AAS
ECN 200, 201, or 202 for Social/Behavioral Sciences
Specific Math requirements
Software Development AAS
ENG 101 & ENG 102
COM 263
PHI 105
ECN 201 or 202 for Social/Behavioral Sciences
Specific Math requirements
Area of Interest-Industrial Technology & Skilled Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator AAS
AGS 221 or any GLG (Geology) Class for Physical & Biological Science
Area of Interest-Nursing, Health, & Emrgency Careers
Health Information Management AAS
BIO201 and 202 for Physical & Biological Science
Massage Therapy AAS
BIO160 OR BIO201 & 202 for Physical & Biological Science
Medical Laboratory Technician AAS
BIO181 for Physical & Biological Science
Nursing AAS is not eligible (SEE CATALOG/MAP)
Nutrition and Dietetic Technician AAS
Specific CHM/BIO for Physical & Biological Science
Paramedicine
BIO160 or BIO201 & 202 for Physical & Biological Science
Radiologic Technology AAS
BIO201 & 202 for Physical & Biological Science
Area of Interest-Social/Behavioral Science & Public Service
Justice Studies AAS
AJS123 for Arts/Humanities
AJS101 for Social/Behavioral Science
Area of Interest-Visual, Fine, & Performing Arts
Digital Media Arts AAS
Requires 2 courses from ART 100, ART 207, and ART 208
Certificates
Certificate programs prepare students for entry-level employment opportunities and some build toward a state of Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) Certificate or a CAC AAS or AGS Degree. Full-time students can complete most certificate programs in one or two semesters.
In addition to offering advanced training or building foundations for future credentials, many certificates build toward an Associate Degree which may transfer to the state universities and other higher education institutions.
Certificates require the following:
Students must earn a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale;
Students must earn a minimum of 3 earned CAC credits numbered 100 or above;
To view the certificates and degrees available at CAC, consult the Programs Page in this catalog.