An Associates in Occupational Studies degree or an AOS degree is a 2-year associates degrees in the occupational programs. Associates in Occupational Studies degrees fall into the category of Career or Professional degrees (others in this category include: Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Industrial Technology, and Associate in Business Administration degrees). | back to the top
How soon will you start enrolling students into the AOS degree program?
We expect to start an AOS degree as early as October of this year. However that may change so we encourage students not to wait to enroll in the AOS degree. We will be allowing certificate students to transfer into the AOS degree program. | back to the top
Can Certificate Students transfer into the AOS degree program?
Yes, we do allow students to transfer between programs at the school. Court reporting students can transfer into the AOS program if they are maintaining SAP and have successfully completed the current quarter of their enrollment. They will continue exactly where they left off in their occupational studies and start in the first quarter of their general education classes. There will be no increase in time-to-completion for full-time students that transfer before their second year or part-time students that transfer before their 3rd quarter in the second year. | back to the top
How much more will the AOS degree program cost?
We plan to offer the program with approximately the annual tuition cost as the existing Certificate Programs. | back to the top
Are there additional entrance requirements for the AOS degree?
The AOS degree has additional requirements to the Day and Evening programs (due to the online component to the program) and pose no extra requirements for Online students.
In order to be proficient as an AOS degree students, the following is a list of computer skills you should have knowledge of or the ability to learn:
Use a word processing, spreadsheet, or other application software package on my computer;
- If something on my computer does not work, be able to call technical support;
- Adjust the volume control on a computer;
- Format a document using the “Format” drop down list;
- Install a printer on my computer;
- Minimize an active window to the Windows task bar in order to work in another window;
- Use both the left and right click functions of a mouse;
- A computer available to use exclusively on a daily basis for required study time;
- Personal email address; send and receive email with attachments;
- A voice chat account;
- Install and remove software from a computer;
- Ability to set up Internet service or someone available to set it up for you on a computer;
- Use a Web browser;
- Use a computer for research.
If you feel that you can answer yes to most of the items listed above, you should have no problems with the technical issues of completing a course online. Of course, we are available to assist you in these areas throughout your enrollment. So do not let the above list be a discouragement to you. We just want you to be able to work proficiently as a student. | back to the top
What Computer Equipment do I Need for the AOS?
At a minimum, you will need a computer (preferably a laptop) with:
- Pentium 4 (equivalent) processor or higher
- 1 Gigabyte RAM or greater
- Operating system, Windows XP, 2000 or Vista (32-bit version only, not 64-bit)
- Sound Card and Speakers (headphones optional)
- CD-ROM drive
- Adequate hard drive space for courses selected
- Internet access, Java enabled Internet browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher)*
- Personal email address
- Windows compatible word processor software such as Microsoft Word
- High-speed Internet connection such as DSL, Broadband or cable required
Most computers and laptops far exceed the above list, but should be noted if you are using an older computer. | back to the top
