An Associate Degree is an undergraduate academic degree consisting of a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units including general education requirements, major or emphasis requirements, and electives. Associate degrees may be earned in career technical areas or in the arts, mathematics, sciences, and humanities.

1. Units: Satisfactorily complete at least 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units of degree-applicable lower division credit coursework (as defined in section 55002(a)).

2. Major/Area of Emphasis: Complete at least 18 semester (or 27 quarter) units of focused study in a major or area of emphasis listed in the College’s catalog. Choose from these two options and complete Major or Area of Emphasis requirements (18 units minimum):

   • ​​​Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree in a specific major.

   • Associate in Arts (AA) degree in General Studies (also known as an "area of emphasis degree"), Pattern I or Patterns II & III.

3. Grades: Each course counted toward the major or area of emphasis requirement 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, Section 55062). Even though a grade of "P" is allowed, it is highly recommended that students complete all their major or area of emphasis coursework for a letter grade ("A," "B," or "C").

Note: Universities have limitations on the number of units that may be taken "pass-no-pass" and therefore it is strongly recommended that students take all major coursework 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.

4. General Education: Complete the required specified subjects and units in VC’s general education (Areas 1-7) as defined in AP 4025 or an approved intersegmental lower-division general education pattern used for transfer to the University of California or the California State University.
   • If using the Cal-GETC as the general education pattern, all courses for Cal-GETC must be completed with a C or better.
5. GPA: Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in degree-applicable courses.
6. Residency: Satisfactorily complete at least 12 semester (or 18 quarter) units in residence within the college district. The Board may excuse the residence requirement to alleviate injustice or undue hardship.

References: AP 4025 Philosophy and Criteria for Associate Degree and General Education; last reviewed in November 2024. AP 4100 Graduation Requirements for Degrees and Certificates; last reviewed in May 2025.