July 8-9, 1999
ITEM 104-105-R0799 Approval of Proposed Policy 301.12
301.12 Undergraduate Degree Requirements: Associate Degrees
Effective July 11, 1997; revised July 9, 1998
1. Units of the Montana University System and the publicly-funded community colleges may offer the associate of arts, the associate of science, and the associate of applied sciences degrees and certificates of completion in those academic and occupational areas approved by the Board of Regents.
2. Requirements for associate degrees offered by units of the Montana University System and the community colleges are differentiated by type of degree, as follows:
a. The associate of arts or the associate of science degree is normally limited to 60 semester credits. The program of study is designed for transfer to a four-year institution and includes an approved general education core. The degree title carries no designation of field of study except as provided in item 3 below. Similarly, a program may exceed the 60-semester hour limit as provided in item 3 below.
b. The associate of applied science degree must comprise a minimum of 60 semester credits and is limited to a maximum of 72 semester credits. The program of study is designed to prepare individuals for employment and contains sufficient general education or related education courses to satisfy regional accreditation association requirements. The degree title always carries a designation of the field of study.
3. In rare cases, there may be reason to permit more that 60 semester credit hours and/or designation of field of study with the associate of arts or associate of science degree title. The unit requesting modification of degree requirements, should address its request through the Deputy Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs. Upon receipt of such a request, the Deputy Commissioner shall refer it to the Two-Year Committee for review and may take it to the Academic and Student Affairs Sub-committee of the Board of Regents for final disposition.
a. If a unit of the Montana University System or one of the community colleges can demonstrate that external specialized accreditation requirements call for more than 60 semester hours of credit for the associate of arts or science degree, it may request modification of degree hours as outlined above.
b. If a unit of the Montana University System or one of the community colleges can demonstrate compelling, externally imposed requirements for the designation of field of study, it may request modification of degree title as outlined above.
Action of the Board of Regents to adopt Two-Year Committee recommendations, July 11, 1997; amended by action of the Board of Regents July 9, 1998.