Program type definitions

Degree (or Associate Degree) is a curriculum that consists of a series of courses of 60 or more credit hours. Oakton offers several types of degrees:

  • Baccalaureate/transfer degree prepares students for transfer into a baccalaureate program at a four-year college or university;
  • Associate in Applied Science degree prepares students for employment in a specific field;
  • Associate in General Studies is a curriculum that is individually designed to meet the students' educational intent.

Certificate is a curriculum that consists of a series of courses of less than 59 credit hours. Certificate prepares students for employment in a specific field.

Pre-major is a recommended term-by-term sequence of courses that leads to completion of a baccalaureate/transfer degree with a focus on a specific Major that student intends to pursue after transferring to a four-year university.

Pathway is a recommended term-by-term sequence of courses that leads to completion of an Associate in Applied Science degree or a certificate. In Catalog, they can be found on the "Pathway" tab of the A.A.S. degree or certificate pages.

Concentration is a special area of study that offers a student an opportunity to focus on a specific subject, primarily in the liberal arts and science. Successful completion of the concentration requirements is noted on student transcript.