Are you wondering why you need to take courses that seem unrelated to your chosen major? It’s a common question: “Why do I have to study (course name) when my focus is (my major)?” The answer lies in the crucial role of General Education, which at A-B Tech, we see as your career pilot program, designed to equip you with the essential skills for both academic and professional triumphs.
General Education courses are not just prerequisites; they are foundational building blocks for your future. Think of them as the initial flight training in your A-b Tech Career Pilot Program. They provide you with the practical abilities to communicate effectively with employers, craft compelling academic papers in your field, and even understand everyday financial concepts like car loan interest rates. Beyond career-specific skills, General Education cultivates responsible and informed citizens. It fosters critical thinking, broadens your global perspective, and deepens your appreciation for the human experience – qualities that define a truly well-rounded individual.
General Education Requirements: Tailored to Your Degree Path
The number of General Education hours required depends on your chosen degree program, ensuring that your a-b tech career pilot program is perfectly aligned with your academic and career goals.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees
For students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree, which focuses on direct career entry, a minimum of 15 General Education hours are required. These hours are distributed across four key categories:
- Communication (6 hours): Essential for clear and effective interaction in any professional setting.
- Humanities & Fine Arts (3 hours): Broadening your cultural understanding and fostering creative thinking.
- Social & Behavioral Science (3 hours): Providing insights into human behavior and societal structures.
- Natural Science & Mathematics (3 hours): Developing scientific literacy and quantitative reasoning skills.
Your faculty has carefully pre-selected the following courses to fulfill these General Education requirements for AAS degrees:
| Communication | Humanities & Fine Arts | Social & Behavioral Science | Natural Science & Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM-110 | ART-111 | ECO-251 | BIO-161 |
| COM-120 | ART-114 | ECO-252 | BIO-163 |
| COM-231 | ART-115 | HIS-111 | BIO-168 |
| ENG-110 | HUM-110 | HIS-112 | MAT-110 |
| ENG-111 | HUM-115 | HIS-131 | MAT-121 |
| ENG-112 | MUS-110 | HIS-132 | MAT-143 |
| ENG-114 | MUS-112 | POL-120 | MAT-152 |
| PHI-215 | PSY-150 | MAT-171 | |
| PHI-240 | SOC-210 | PHY-110/110A | |
| SOC-225 | PHY-121 |
Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) Degrees
Degrees designed for university transfer, like the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science, require a more extensive General Education component, totaling 45 hours. This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless transition to a four-year institution after your a-b tech career pilot program at A-B Tech. The categories are:
- English Composition (6 hours): Mastering essential writing skills for academic success.
- Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts (6-9 hours): Enhancing communication abilities and cultural awareness.
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (6-9 hours): Deepening understanding of human societies and behaviors.
- Mathematics (3-8 hours): Building a strong foundation in mathematical principles.
- Natural Sciences (4-8 hours): Exploring the natural world through scientific inquiry.
- Additional General Education Hours (11-14 hours): Providing flexibility to explore further areas of interest.
Associate in Engineering (AE) Degree
The Associate in Engineering degree, a specialized transfer degree, requires 42 hours of General Education, emphasizing a strong foundation in STEM fields, crucial for future engineers in their a-b tech career pilot program:
- English Composition (6 hours): Essential for technical writing and communication.
- Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts (6 hours): Developing broader perspectives and communication skills.
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours): Understanding societal impacts of engineering and teamwork dynamics.
- Mathematics (12 hours): Providing advanced mathematical skills for engineering disciplines.
- Natural Sciences (12 hours): Building a robust scientific understanding for engineering applications.
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA) Degree
For students pursuing the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, 25 General Education hours are required, balancing artistic specialization with a well-rounded education in their a-b tech career pilot program within the arts:
- English Composition (6 hours): Developing written communication skills for artists.
- Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts (6 hours): Enhancing artistic expression and communication through humanities.
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours): Providing context and understanding of societal influences on art.
- Mathematics (3-4 hours): Developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Natural Sciences (4 hours): Broadening scientific literacy and observation skills.
For detailed information regarding General Education for transfer degrees, including specific course options within each category, please consult the current College Catalog. This catalog serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating your a-b tech career pilot program.
What You Will Learn: Core Skills for Success
At A-B Tech, our faculty has meticulously crafted a general education core curriculum to ensure that every graduate gains essential skills applicable to any a-b tech career pilot program and beyond. Through General Education, you will learn to:
Critically Evaluate Information:
- Information Literacy: Develop the ability to locate, evaluate, and utilize information effectively and ethically.
- Critique Human Expression: Learn to analyze and interpret various forms of human expression, from literature to art.
- Analyze Scientific Literature: Gain the skills to understand and critically assess scientific research and findings.
Solve Problems Effectively:
- Identify Processes: Learn to recognize and understand complex processes in various contexts.
- Analyze Problems: Develop analytical skills to break down problems into manageable components.
- Interpret Results: Gain proficiency in interpreting data and drawing meaningful conclusions.
- Recommend Solutions: Learn to propose effective strategies and solutions based on analysis and interpretation.
Communicate Effectively in Diverse Contexts:
- Subject-Appropriate Communication: Communicate clearly and accurately within specific subject areas.
- Audience-Appropriate Communication: Adapt your communication style to suit different audiences.
- Medium-Appropriate Communication: Choose the most effective communication medium for your message.
A-B Tech’s General Education program is more than just a requirement; it’s your a-b tech career pilot program, your initial training that sets you on the path to a successful career and a fulfilling life. By investing in your General Education, you are investing in your future.
