Associate of Applied Arts A.A.; Associate of Applied Science A.S. (Transfer Degree)

The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are general education transfer degrees and do not officially include a major or minor courses of study, but students may focus on specific areas of emphasis in order to satisfy the degree requirements. To receive an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree, students must successfully complete all the general education requirements as described by Montana Board of Regents policy 301.10 Appendix 1. The minimum grade point average for the 60 credits required for the A.A. or A.S. is 2.0. At least 30 of the 60 required credits must be earned at UM, through either UM Bitterroot, Missoula College or University of Montana-Missoula.

Associate of Applied Science A.A.S. Degree

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs are designed to prepare an individual for employment in a specific career or career pathway. In some instances, particularly in Health Professions, the degree is a prerequisite for taking a licensing examination. The A.A.S. degree is not typically considered a transfer degree, although opportunities do exist at the University of Montana and some other baccalaureate degree-granting institutions for continuing in programs such as the University's Bachelor of Applied Science degree program. A.A.S. degree programs typically take 2 years and include hands-on and experiential learning courses like apprenticeships and clinical's.

Certificate of Applied Science C.A.S.; Certificate of Technical Studies C.T.S.

The Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) and Certificate of Technical Studies (C.T.S.) programs are designed to prepare an individual for employment in a specific career or career pathway. In some instances, particularly in Health Professions, the certificate is a prerequisite for taking a licensing examination. Most certificate programs are completed in one year or less and are stackable toward continuing education in a number of various degree programs.