Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree is for students planning to transfer with junior standing to a four-year college or university for a bachelors degree.

This degree allows early choices for those planning a professional life in art, communication, education, history, psychology, social sciences, social work or a related field.

Mission

The mission of the Associate of Arts degree program is to provide the academic knowledge and skills for successful transfer to meet higher education goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

The successful student will:

• Meet the institutional student learning outcomes (1-6).
• Identify, describe and apply information, theories, methodologies and approaches from social sciences, humanities or arts.
• Produce effective projects, papers and reports.
• Integrate knowledge and skills from the study of social sciences, humanities or arts to think critically about and develop solutions to contemporary or enduring problems.
• Be prepared to succeed at a transfer institution.

Bachelor Degree Pathways

WNC has 2+2 partnerships with UNR and many other institutions to make completing your degree at WNC and transferring later as smooth as possible. The Associate of Arts degree is designed so students may tailor it to meet degree requirements for a variety of majors at transfer institutions.

Art
Explore your creative side by studying art history, painting, sculpture, ceramic, photography, print making and digital media. Careers in graphic design, interior design, teaching and more are possible with an art degree.

Criminal Justice
Students can explore and prepare for various career opportunities in criminal justice, law enforcement, parole and probation and more.

Education
Educating Nevadas youth is a rewarding career that is in high demand in our state. Through a partnership with Nevada State College, students who earn an AA at WNC can take classes at WNC and online to earn a bachelors degree without leaving the area. Students can also transfer to UNR or another college to pursue a degree in education.

General Studies
Students who are undecided about their career or feel their interests require an individualized approach can explore a variety of academic disciplines and professional fields.

Graphic Design
Students interested in earning a bachelor degree in Graphic Design can complete an Associate of Arts degree at WNC and then transfer and earn a bachelor degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Courses with an * direct transfer to UNR. Students should work closely with a counselor when planning their schedules.

History
An appreciation for research and historic exploration can open doors to career opportunities that value historical research and writing skills, such as teaching, research analytics, archiving, law, and more.

Human Development & Family Studies
A passion to work with individuals and families can lead to a variety of career options. HDFS grads are in demand in businesses, community settings and organizations because of their knowledge of family and group dynamics and their skills in program development and training.

Journalism
Turn your passion for storytelling into a career in news, advertising, public relations, and other media. The professional world has many opportunities for individuals with an ability use written and oral communication to influence others.

Psychology
Psychology is one of the largest majors at UNR and complements many career fields. Understanding principles of behavior can aid in communication, supervising and many other facets of professional life.

Sociology
If society and social classes interest you, then sociology is your career path. Students with this bachelors degree pursue careers in criminal justice, journalism political science and more.

Social Work WNC/UNR 3+1 Collaborative
As a profession, social work supports the welfare of individuals in a community by tackling problems related to poverty, discrimination, addiction, domestic violence and disabilities. Students can complete nearly 3 years (5 semesters) of a UNR social work bachelor degree at WNC.

Program Requirements

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Liberal Arts
6 units
Choose any transferable course numbered 200 or higher.  (AM 141, 147, 148 are also accepted.)

Transfer Requirements or General Electives
22-27 units
Choose any transferable course.  Students should utilize this area to take courses that meet requirements for their major at their intended transfer school. Those who have not yet selected a major may choose from among any university transferable courses to explore their options. Students planning to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno should obtain a transfer agreement from WNC Counseling Services or the UNR Transfer Center.

Courses designated as non-transferable to Nevada System of Higher Education Universities and courses numbered below 100 (such as ENG 98) are not applicable toward an Associate of Arts degree.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

27-32 Units