Are you wondering why you need to take courses that seem unrelated to your chosen field at A-B Tech? You’re not alone. Many students question the importance of general education requirements when they’re eager to dive into their major. However, general education is the cornerstone of the A-b Tech Career Pilot Program, designed to equip you with the essential skills for a successful career and a fulfilling life.
General education courses aren’t just filler; they are specifically crafted to help you excel in your major courses, navigate the professional world, and become a well-rounded individual. Imagine confidently communicating with your employer, writing compelling reports in your field, and understanding the financial aspects of your life – these are just some of the practical skills honed through general education. Furthermore, these courses cultivate critical thinking, global awareness, and an appreciation for the human experience, making you a more informed and engaged citizen.
General Education Hour Requirements at A-B Tech
The number of general education hours required depends on your degree program, ensuring that every student receives a foundational education tailored to their academic path.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees
For students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required. These hours are strategically distributed across four key categories:
- Communication (6 hours): Essential for effective workplace interaction and clear articulation of ideas.
- Humanities & Fine Arts (3 hours): Broadens your perspective and enhances creative thinking.
- Social & Behavioral Science (3 hours): Develops understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics.
- Natural Science & Mathematics (3 hours): Fosters scientific literacy and analytical skills.
Your faculty has carefully pre-selected general education courses from the following lists to align with your AAS program:
| Communication | Humanities & Fine Arts | Social & Behavioral Science | Natural Science & Mathematics |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM-110 | ART-111 | ECO-251 | BIO-161 |
| COM-120 | ART-114 | ECO-252 | BIO-163 |
| COM-231 | ART-115 | HIS-111 | BIO-168 |
| ENG-110 | HUM-110 | HIS-112 | MAT-110 |
| ENG-111 | HUM-115 | HIS-131 | MAT-121 |
| ENG-112 | MUS-110 | HIS-132 | MAT-143 |
| ENG-114 | MUS-112 | POL-120 | MAT-152 |
| PHI-215 | PSY-150 | MAT-171 | |
| PHI-240 | SOC-210 | PHY-110/110A | |
| SOC-225 | PHY-121 |
Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), and Associate in Engineering (AE) Degrees
Degrees designed for university transfer require a more comprehensive general education foundation.
- Associate in Arts (AA) & Associate in Science (AS): 45 general education hours, including deeper dives into English Composition, Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, with additional hours for broader exploration.
- Associate in Engineering (AE): 42 general education hours, with a strong emphasis on Mathematics and Natural Sciences alongside English Composition, Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts, and Social & Behavioral Sciences.
Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA)
For students in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts program, 25 general education hours are required, balancing artistic specialization with a solid academic base in English Composition, Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences.
For detailed information on general education requirements for transfer degrees, including specific course options within each category, please consult the current College Catalog.
What You’ll Learn: Skills for Your Career Journey
At A-B Tech, our faculty have meticulously designed the general education core to ensure that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also highly skilled. As part of the Career Pilot Program philosophy, you will develop competencies in:
Critical Evaluation of Information:
- Information Literacy: Master the ability to locate, evaluate, and utilize information effectively – a crucial skill in any profession.
- Critique of Human Expression: Develop a discerning eye and analytical skills by evaluating various forms of human expression, from literature to art.
- Analysis of Scientific Literature: Learn to understand and interpret scientific studies, fostering evidence-based thinking.
Problem Solving:
- Process Identification: Gain the ability to break down complex issues and understand underlying processes.
- Problem Analysis: Sharpen your analytical skills to dissect problems and identify key components.
- Results Interpretation: Learn to draw meaningful conclusions from data and findings.
- Strategic Recommendations: Develop the capacity to propose effective strategies and solutions based on your analysis.
Effective Communication:
- Subject-Appropriate Communication: Tailor your communication style to the specific subject matter, ensuring clarity and precision.
- Audience-Appropriate Communication: Adapt your message to resonate with your intended audience, whether colleagues, clients, or the public.
- Medium-Appropriate Communication: Master communication across various mediums, from written reports to oral presentations, ensuring your message is effectively conveyed in any format.
General education at A-B Tech is not a detour; it’s the runway preparing you for takeoff in your career. It’s the Career Pilot Program in action, providing you with the navigation tools—critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—to soar in your chosen field and beyond.
