Academics

Northwest-Shoals Community College is authorized to award Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in Occupational Technology degrees as well as certificates in occupationally specific areas. These degrees and certificates are obtained by students successfully completing a series of courses called a program of study.

University Parallel/Academic Transfer Programs

Programs leading to the Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degrees are referred to as university parallel programs because they are designed to prepare the student to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a baccalaureate degree (bachelor of arts or bachelor of science).

Career, Technical & Occupational (Applied Technology) Programs

Programs leading to the Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Occupational Technology degrees are college-level programs of study designed to prepare students to enter occupational, semi-professional or para-professional employment. Though many of the courses in these programs transfer to four-year colleges and universities, the primary intent of the programs is to prepare students for immediate employment after successful completion of a two-year program of courses.

Certificates are awarded to students who successfully complete the requirements of specific technical or occupational programs. These programs vary in length from one semester to two years. Selected programs do not require a high school diploma for admission.

Please see the Programs of Study linked to this page.