General Studies
Build your foundation at CCC
Before you choose a General Studies degree, it helps to know what you’re planning to do after CCC. Are you still exploring? Planning to transfer? If so, into what field? The answers to those questions will determine which option is right for you.
If you’re not sure yet, that’s exactly what an academic advisor is for. CCC advisors can help you figure out where you want to go and plan a course sequence that doesn’t waste your time or money.
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Which General Studies Path is right for you?
I want to take college courses but I’m not sure what I want to do yet.
The Associate of General Studies (AGS) is designed for students who want to build their education broadly without committing to a specific major or career direction. You’ll complete at least 25 credit hours of General Education coursework and have significant flexibility to explore courses across disciplines.
This degree is designed as a standalone credential and is not typically recommended for students planning to transfer to a four-year university. If transfer is your goal, one of the options below will serve you better.
- Credential: Associate of General Studies (AGS) | 60 credit hours
- For students who want flexibility and broad exploration
- Minimum 25 credit hours of General Education coursework
- Not recommended for university transfer
- Recognized by the Higher Learning Commission as part of CCC’s accredited degree offerings
I plan to transfer into arts, humanities, social sciences, or a related field.
The Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies is a transfer degree designed for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or most other liberal arts programs. The degree includes the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-A), which transfers to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona, and other Arizona public institutions.
Completing the AGEC-A as part of this degree satisfies lower-division general education requirements at Arizona’s public universities, meaning you can enter a four-year program without repeating coursework you’ve already completed at CCC.
- Credential: Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies | 60 credit hours
- Designed for transfer into arts, humanities, and social sciences programs
- Includes AGEC-A — transferable to all Arizona public universities
- Remaining 25 credit hours are elective courses in your chosen program of study
- All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better
- Courses taken for S/U credit do not count toward this degree
I plan to transfer into math, science, engineering, or a related field.
The Associate of Science (AS) in General Studies is a transfer degree designed for students planning to enter a bachelor’s program with significant math or science requirements, such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or engineering. The degree includes the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC-S) and is built to fulfill lower-division baccalaureate requirements at Arizona’s public universities.
This degree is the right choice if you know you want to pursue a math- or science-intensive major and want to complete your first two years at CCC before transferring.
- Credential: Associate of Science (AS) in General Studies | 60 credit hours
- Designed for transfer into math, science, and engineering programs
- Includes AGEC-S — transferable to all Arizona public universities
- Coursework includes higher-level mathematics, starting at Calculus I
- Transfer preparation for NAU, ASU, U of A, and other institutions
Transfer Options
What will I learn?
General Studies degrees are built around broad academic foundations rather than a single discipline. Depending on your program and elective choices, you may develop skills in:
- Written and oral communication
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning and mathematics
- Scientific inquiry and research methods
- Cultural and historical awareness
- Ethical reasoning and civic values
- Interdisciplinary problem-solving
These are skills that employers recognize and that universities expect students to arrive with. General Studies graduates often describe their education as preparation for learning anything, which makes it a strong foundation for a wide range of careers and advanced study.
What is the AGEC?
There are three forms of the AGEC:
AGEC-A — for students transferring into arts, humanities, and liberal arts majors
AGEC-B — for students transferring into business programs
AGEC-S — for students transferring into science and math programs
Completing the AGEC with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher also guarantees admission to any Arizona public university, though it does not guarantee admission to a specific college or program within that university. An advisor can help you select AGEC courses that also satisfy lower-division requirements for your intended major, reducing the total time needed to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Talk to an academic advisor. Advisors can help you:
Clarify your educational and career goals
Determine which General Studies credential fits your situation
Build a course plan that works with your schedule and financial aid
Explore transfer pathways if you’re considering a four-year university
Identify other CCC programs that might be a better fit if General Studies isn’t the right match
Advising is free and available to all CCC students. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Paying For College FAQS
Can I switch from General Studies to a different program later?
Yes. Many students begin in General Studies while exploring their options and later transition into a specific program. Coursework completed as part of a General Studies degree often counts toward other programs. Speak with an advisor to understand how credits might apply if you decide to change direction.
What is the AGEC and why does it matter?
The Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) is a statewide system that allows your general education credits to transfer as a block to any Arizona public university. Completing the AGEC at CCC means you will not need to repeat general education coursework after you transfer, which saves time and money.
Do I need to know my intended major before choosing General Studies?
You do not need to have everything figured out, but knowing your general direction helps. If you plan to transfer, knowing whether you’re headed toward arts and humanities versus math and science will help you choose between the AA and AS. If you have no transfer plans yet, the AGS may be the right starting point. An advisor can help you sort this out.
