Associate in General Studies
The Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree requires 60-64 semester credits in courses numbered 100 and above. The degree includes the following components:
General Education (minimum of 38* credits):
Core curriculum (requires a grade of C or better)
Distribution courses (require a grade of D or better)
General Electives (enough additional courses numbered 100 or above, passed with a grade of D or better, to bring total credits to at least 60)
The AGS degree is recommended for students whose educational goals require flexibility. The AGS allows students to apply any course numbered 100 or above, including some that are not transferable to a state university, toward the credits required for the degree. Therefore, for students who intend to transfer to another college or university in the future to pursue a bachelor's degree, this degree may be less appropriate than other Associate degrees offered (Associate in Arts; Associate in Arts, Elementary Education; Associate in Arts, Fine Arts; Associate in Business, General Requirements; Associate in Business, Special Requirements; Associate in Science, and all major-specific pathway map versions of these degrees) by the Maricopa Community Colleges.
Details
Degree Type
Associate in General Studies (AGS)
Academic Plan
Associate in General Studies (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
2000
Total credits required
60-64
Effective Term
Fall 2022
FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE (requires a grade of C or better)
Credits: 13-19*
First-Year Composition
Credits: 6*
+ ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) OR
+ ENG107 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
+ ENG102 First-Year Composition (3) OR
+ ENG108 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) 6*
*FYC may be met with fewer than 6 credits (also reducing Core and General Education totals accordingly) if student has transfer credit from ASU, NAU or UAZ for a single course that meets FYC in full.
Mathematics
Credits: 3-6
MAT112 Mathematical Concepts and Applications (3) OR
Select higher MAT course from approved general studies course list for AGS degree.
Computer Usage
Credits: 1
Select courses from approved general studies course list for AGS degree.
Oral Communication
Credits: 3
COM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110 Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225 Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230 Small Group Communication (3)
OR
COM100AA Introduction to Human Communication Part I (1) AND
COM100AB Introduction to Human Communication Part II (1) AND
COM100AC Introduction to Human Communication Part III (1)
OR
COM110AA Interpersonal Communication Part I (1) AND
COM110AB Interpersonal Communication Part II (1) AND
COM110AC Interpersonal Communication Part III (1) 3
Critical Reading
Credits: 0-3
+ CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) 0-3
DISTRIBUTION AREAS (require a grade of D or better)
Credits: 22-29
Humanities, Arts and Design
Credits: 9
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline. Select courses from approved general studies course list for AGS degree.
Social-Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 6-9
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline. Select courses from approved general studies course list for AGS degree.
Social-Behavioral Sciences requirements may be met with 6 credits only if COM100, COM110, or COM230 is shared between Core and Distribution Areas. The credits are only counted once, but may be applied to meet Oral Communication and Social-Behavioral Science requirements.
Natural Sciences
Credits: 7-8
Two lecture courses and one corresponding laboratory course are to be selected. Credits for lecture and lab components may be combined or each may carry separate credit. Select courses from approved general studies course list for AGS degree.
Literacy and Critical Inquiry
Credits: 0-3
Select courses from approved general studies course list for AGS degree.
May be met with 0 credits only if COM225 or CRE101 is shared between Core and Distribution. The credits are only counted once, but may be applied to meet [Oral Communication and Literacy] or [Critical Reading and Literacy and Critical Inquiry] requirements.
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Read the official description