Degree Type Definitions
(A.A.) Associate of Arts
Students who complete an Associate of Arts degree may be eligible to transfer to a senior level institution as a junior to complete a baccalaureate degree. Students transferring to a Tennessee Board of Regents university will have satisfied all the general education requirements by completing the Associate of Arts degree at Chattanooga State. Students transferring to any other system (including the University of Tennessee system universities) should consult with the campus where they intend to go for general education requirements for specific majors.
(A.A.S.) Associate of Applied Science
Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in a specialized area or to grow within their career. These degrees are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a traditional baccalaureate degree program.
(A.F.A.) Associate of Fine Arts
The Associate of Fine Arts degree in Music is part of a comprehensive degree preparing students for a career in many facets of music and music education. Our mission is to give students a solid foundation in music while providing them with a range of performance and creative opportunities. The program offers a diverse music theory curriculum that creates a dynamic, rich learning environment for students to pursue their passion for music and performing. Students who complete an Associate of Fine Arts degree may be eligible to transfer to a senior level institution as a junior to complete a baccalaureate degree. Students transferring to a Tennessee Board of Regents university will have satisfied all the general education requirements by completing the associate degree at Chattanooga State. Students transferring to any other system (including the University of Tennessee system universities) should consult with the campus where they intend to go for general education requirements for specific majors.
(A.S.) Associate of Science
Students who complete an Associate of Science degree may be eligible to transfer to a senior level institution as a junior to complete a baccalaureate degree. Students transferring to a Tennessee Board of Regents university will have satisfied all the general education requirements by completing the Associate of Science degree at Chattanooga State. Students transferring to any other system (including the University of Tennessee system universities) should consult with the campus where they intend to go for general education requirements for specific majors.
(A.S.T.) Associate of Science in Teaching
The Associate of Science in Teaching program allows for a seamless transition into any elementary teacher preparation program at any Tennessee Board of Regents University. The AST allows students to complete some of the professional teacher licensing standards at the community college level, which lays the groundwork for becoming a fully certified elementary teacher. The Associate of Science in Teaching degree is transferable to Teacher Preparation programs at any TBR four-year college or university that awards state licensure and certification for teachers.
Embedded Certificate
Embedded Certificates are designed to open career pathways for students. They are awarded as part of and/or as a step toward a related Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum, content and requirements are contained within the greater requirements of an A.A.S. degree program.
Technical Certificate
Technical Certificates of Credit are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in a specialized area or to grow within their career. They are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a traditional baccalaureate degree program. Programs leading to a Technical Certificates of Credit are offered in response to the training needs of area business and industry. Since the credential denotes proficiency in a particular occupation, program standards are determined in consultation with an advisory board of practicing professionals.
TCAT Certificate
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) certificate programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in a specialized area or to grow within their present career. Typically, they are two semesters or less in length. They are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a an associate or baccalaureate degree program. For those programs requiring state licensure to practice their profession, these programs are designed to prepare graduates for such licensure.
TCAT Diploma
Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) diploma programs are designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in a specialized area or to grow within their present career. Typically, they are one year (three continuous semesters) in length. They are designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a an associate or baccalaureate degree program. For those programs requiring state licensure to practice their profession, these programs are designed to prepare graduates for such licensure.
(TTP) Tennessee Transfer Pathway
https://tntransferpathway.org/
Tennessee Transfer Pathways are advising tools designed to help community college students plan for transferring to a Tennessee public university to complete their baccalaureate degree. The Tennessee Transfer Pathways also constitute an agreement between community colleges and universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements. A student who completes all the courses listed on a particular Transfer Pathway will earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree at Chattanooga State. When the student transfers to a Tennessee public university, the transcript will certify that the pathway has been followed. The student is guaranteed that all the community college courses taken will be accepted at the university and the courses will count toward completion of the particular major. If a community college student transfers to another Tennessee community college, he or she is guaranteed that all courses transfer.
