Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Programs

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College confers the Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Science, and Associate in Fine Arts degrees. A diploma is awarded for completion of one-year applied curricula. Certificates are issued to students who successfully complete designated short-term programs or course sequences. Degrees, diplomas, and certificates are conferred, awarded, or issued by authority of the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges when all requirements for graduation have been satisfied.

At least half of the credit hours in a program of study must be earned at this College (the A.A. Transfer-Ready Diploma and the bridge programs for EMS and Surgical Technology require that 25% of the credit hours must be earned at A-B Tech). Any exception must be approved by the Vice President for Instruction.

Because of rapid changes in workplace technologies, certain technical courses will “time out” after five years and must be repeated for graduation. Exceptions must be approved by the department chairperson.

General Education Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, or Associate in Fine Arts degree requirements, the student will have mastered the following cross-curriculum competencies:

1. Demonstrate effective speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing problems and making logical decisions through locating, evaluating, and using information.
3. Demonstrate proficiency with math skills and/or natural science knowledge by organizing and analyzing information to come to logical conclusions.
4. Demonstrate basic competency in computer 
technology.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural diversity.

Requirements for Graduation

The College holds graduation ceremonies in May each year. To graduate with a diploma or degree, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Declare an academic major and complete the requirements of a College-approved program of study according to the student’s official catalog. The official catalog is determined by the program chair in consultation with the student and should be the catalog that is in effect at the time that the student declares a major. The official catalog may not be a catalog prior to the student’s first date of enrollment and must be a College catalog dated no more than five years prior to the date of graduation (i.e., a student graduating in 2011 cannot use a catalog earlier than 2006-2007). Students should be aware that prerequisites for courses change frequently and that they will be required to meet the prerequisites which are in place at the time a course is taken.
2. Each course in the program of study must be completed by one of the following methods:
   1. Take the course at A-B Tech.
   2. Receive transfer credit.
To be eligible for graduation, at least one-half of the required program hours must be completed at A-B Tech. The following programs require that selected upper-level courses be completed in residency at A-B Tech: Associate Degree Nursing, Basic Law Enforcement Training, Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Science, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Sonography, Phlebotomy, Practical Nursing, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Medical Technology, Real Estate, Cosmetology, Therapeutic Massage. A student who desires to transfer credit into one of these programs should consult with the department chairperson. Exceptions may be approved by the Vice President for Instruction.
   3. Earn Credit-by-Exam.

3. Earn a grade of at least “C” in each course identified in the catalog as a major course and a minimum average of 2.0 (“C”) quality points for the current program. Students completing their program of study with a program grade point average of 4.0 will be graduated with highest honors. Those who have a minimum program GPA of 3.75 will be graduated with high honors and those with a minimum program GPA of 3.50 will be graduated with honors. The student must assume primary responsibility for assuring that all requirements for graduation are met.

4. Apply for graduation in the Bailey Center the semester before completing degree requirements. Purchase caps, gowns, and diplomas in March (Spring Graduation). Students who cannot attend graduation must still pay for the diploma.

5. Be in good standing; fulfill all financial obligations to the College; library clearance is also required.