Associate Degree in General Studies Pattern I

About the Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in General Studies Pattern I

This pattern provides an opportunity to earn an Associate in Arts (AA) in General Studies. Each area of emphasis within this pattern covers a broad area of study and is intended for students who may not be planning to transfer to a four-year university or who may need to explore possibilities before committing themselves to a major.

Requirements for the Associate in Arts (AA) Degree in General Studies Pattern I

1. Choose an area of emphasis from one of four Ventura College area-of-emphasis lists below and complete the courses required for that area of emphasis (a minimum of 18 semester units of degree-applicable college credit coursework). Courses for the area of emphasis must be completed with a grade of "C" or better or “P” if the course is taken on a “pass-no pass” basis (Title 5 § 55063). Even though a “P” is allowed, it is recommended that students complete all coursework in the area of emphasis for a letter grade ("A," "B," or "C"). At least 6 units of the 18 units required for the area of emphasis must be completed within a single discipline.
   Note: Universities have limitations on the number of units that may be taken on a “pass-no pass" basis and therefore it is strongly recommended that students take all coursework in the area of emphasis for a letter grade. Most universities also have limitations on the number of general education units that may be completed on a "pass/no pass" basis.
2. Complete Ventura College’s General Education requirements (areas A through F)
   1. Natural Sciences (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • Biological Science: one (1) course
      • Physical Science: one (1) course
   2. Social and Behavioral Sciences (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • American History and Institutions: one (1) course
      • Social and Behavioral Sciences: one (1) course
   3. Humanities (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • Fine Arts / Performing Arts: one (1) course
      • Humanities: one (1) course
   4. Language and Rationality (a minimum of 6 semester units)
      • English Composition: one (1) course
      • Communication and Analytical Thinking: one (1) course
   5. Health and Kinesiology (no unit minimum)
      • Health Education: one (1) course
      • Kinesiology, Intercollegiate Athletics, or Dance activity: one (1) activity course
   6. Ethnic/Gender Studies (a minimum of 3 semester units)
      • Ethnic/Gender Studies: one (1) course
3. Satisfactorily complete at least 60 semester units of degree-applicable college coursework (including general education, area of emphasis, and, if needed, free electives).
4. Demonstrate competency in reading, written expression, and mathematics as defined in Title 5 § 55063 for the appropriate catalog year.
5. Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in degree-applicable college credit coursework.
6. Complete a minimum of 12 semester units in residence at the college granting the degree. Exceptions to the residency requirement can be made by the VCCCD Board of Trustees when injustice or undue hardship would result.
7. Apply for the Associate Degree in the Counseling Office by the published deadline dates. All of the student's official transcripts and test scores (such as AP, IB, or CLEP) must be on file with the Admissions and Records office.

Note: Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are advised that this curriculum may not adequately prepare them for transfer. General Studies Patterns II and III degrees are designed for transfer students.

References: AP 4025 Philosophy and Criteria for Associate Degree and General Education; last reviewed in May 2024. AP 4100 Graduation Requirements for Degrees and Certificates; last reviewed in May 2024.

Areas of Emphasis for Pattern I Offered at Ventura College

At the time of catalog publication, a student may earn the following General Studies AA Pattern I (Area of Emphasis) degrees at Ventura College:

Natural Sciences Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Natural Sciences area of emphasis will examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena. The courses are designed to develop students' appreciation and understanding of the scientific method and encourage an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities.

Social and Behavioral Sciences Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Social and Behavioral Sciences area of emphasis will examine people as members of society. The courses are designed to:

• develop students' awareness of the method of inquiry used by the social and behavioral sciences,
• stimulate critical thinking about the ways people respond to their societies, and
• promote appreciation of how societies and social subgroups operate.

Arts and Humanities Emphasis

The courses that fulfill the Arts and Humanities area of emphasis will examine the cultural activities and artistic expressions of human beings. The courses are designed to develop students' awareness of the ways in which people throughout the ages and in different cultures have responded to themselves and the world around them in artistic and cultural creation and to develop students' aesthetic understanding and ability to make value judgments.