Associates Degree Requirements

Students may graduate from College of the Desert with an Associate of Arts or Science degree upon meeting the following District requirements:

A. General Education (GE) Requirements

Students must satisfy general education requirements by completing at least 21 semester units or 28 quarter units. General education includes a minimum of work in (1a) English Composition, (1b) Oral Communication or Critical Thinking, (2) Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning, (3) Arts, Humanities, and Culture (4) Social and Behavioral Sciences, (5) Natural Sciences, (6) Ethnic Studies, and (7) Personal Growth and Development, Health, Activity and Wellness. 

A single course, even though listed in more than one area, can only be used to satisfy one GE requirement. Courses for the major may also be used to satisfy general education requirements- units will only be counted once for the degree.  Students should confer with a Counselor.

B. Major Requirements

Complete one of the degree programs listed in the Certificate and Degree Programs section of this catalog. Each course in the major or area of emphasis must be completed with a grade of "C" or better or "P" if the course is taken on a "Pass/No Pass" basis.

College authorities may approve or require substitutions for discontinued courses or for courses not offered. College of the Desert requires that students declaring or changing a major program of study must complete the major requirements in effect at the time of the declaration of change. For programs of study requiring special selection procedures, students are required to complete major requirements in effect at the time of entrance to the program.

C. Unit and GPA Requirement

A minimum of sixty (60) degree-applicable units with a cumulative 2.0 ("C") Grade Point Average (GPA). Basic skills courses do not apply toward the degree. Grades earned in non-degree credit courses are not included in the calculation of the degree-applicable GPA.  

Completion of twelve (12) units in residence at College of the Desert.