Degrees, Certificates, and Graduation Requirements

Degrees and Certificates

The Associate of Arts (AA), the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) and their related certificates are designed to prepare you for transfer to a four-year institution. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and certificates are designed to prepare you for employment.

 

The requirements shown in this catalog are in effect from the first semester of enrollment and for five years after. To graduate, you may use any catalog in effect during a year in which you were enrolled that is no older than five years.  

 

If you have already earned a degree, you can qualify for a second degree by taking a minimum of 15 hours at Three Rivers beyond the first degree and meeting all of the degree requirements of the second degree. You may only be awarded one AA degree, but you can be awarded an AAT or multiple AAS degrees. 

 

Outcomes Assessment

Three Rivers is committed to maintaining the quality of its educational programs. Three Rivers regularly assesses student achievement, both in general academic skills and abilities and within selected majors. Anyone completing certificates, AA, AAT, and/or AAS degree requirements participates in outcomes assessment. The AA is assessed using the collegewide outcomes assessment process. The AAT and AAS are assessed using both the college-wide outcomes assessment process and a programmatic assessment process. Certificates that are part of a larger degree are assessed as part of the degree and certificates that are not part of a degree are assessed using the programmatic assessment process.

The College-wide outcomes are as follows:

Communication Fluency

The student will effectively communicate ideas that are clear and coherent.

Critical Thinking

The student will analyze evidence and assumptions to formulate informed judgments and solutions.

Cultural Awareness

The student will identify and analyze one’s own culture, the culture of others, and examine the relationship among different cultures.

Information Literacy

The student will access and use information from multiple sources while evaluating their accuracy and credibility.

 

Graduation Upon Program Completion

Once you have completed the requirements for a program, the credential may automatically be awarded. You are encouraged to complete the application for graduation on your myTRCC Self-Service account. Diplomas and certificates will be issued following the Fall, Spring, and Summer semester in which you complete the graduation requirements.

Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony (Commencement) is held at the end of the Spring semester. The ceremony is designed as a celebration of your success, and you are highly encouraged to attend Commencement and celebrate with your fellow learners. For information about graduation and the commencement ceremony go to: www.trcc.edu/academics/graduation.

Graduation Requirements

Associate of Arts Degree

The Associate of Arts (AA) is for transfer to a four-year institution. The graduation requirements for the Associate of Arts degree are as follows:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours of the degree at Three Rivers College.
  • Complete the following coursework:
    • 60 credit hours total minimum.
    • ACAD 101 – Academic Life Strategies (4 credit hours)
    • 42 credit hours minimum of general education (MOTRANSFER).
    • 14 or more credit hours of elective courses.
  • No more than 9 credit hours of career courses (non-transfer) may be used as electives.
  • Pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Examination.
  • Meet all financial obligations to the College.

Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree

The Associate of Arts in Teaching degree (AAT) is a Missouri specific, statewide, specialized degree intended for transfer to approved teacher education programs at Missouri four-year colleges. The graduation requirements for the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree are as follows:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours of the degree at Three Rivers College.
  • Complete ACAD 101 – Academic Life Strategies (4cr)
  • Complete the courses in the Advising Guide. Three Rivers College offers the following guides to the AAT: early childhood education, elementary education, middle school education, secondary education, and music education.
  • Pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Examination.
  • Meet all financial obligations to the College.

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for employment after graduation. The requirements for the degree are as follows:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours at Three Rivers College.
  • Complete ACAD 101 – Academic Life Strategies (4cr).
  • Complete all courses in the program of study.
  • Pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Examination.
  • Meet all financial obligations to the College.

Certificate in General Academic Studies

The Certificate in General Academic Studies is a highly individualized curriculum that will allow you to broaden your education in an area of your choosing. The requirements for this certificate are as follows:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete at least 15 semester hours of credit at Three Rivers College.
  • Complete ACAD 101 – Academic Life Strategies (4cr).
  • Complete the following:
    • 62 credit hours total minimum.
    • 6 hours of college writing.
    • 3 hours of American history (HIST 111 or 112 required).
    • 6 hours of art, music, or literature (credit for music groups will not meet this requirement).
    • 3 hours of social science (PSYC 111 or SOCI 111).
  • Meet all financial obligations to the College.

One Year Certificate

Three Rivers offers curricula leading to one-year certificates upon completion of required courses. The requirements for the certificate are as follows:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Successfully complete at least 15 credit hours at Three Rivers College.
  • Complete all courses in the prescribed certificate.
  • Meet all financial obligations to the College.

The Department of Education requires colleges to disclose information for financial aid eligible programs of study that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. For additional information, please visit trcc.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid/ or contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Short Term Certificate

Three Rivers offers short-term certificates upon completion of required courses. The requirements for the short-term certificates are as follows:

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours at Three Rivers College.
  • Complete all courses in the prescribed certificate.
  • Meet all financial obligations to the College.