Degrees and Certificates Explained

Career Pathway Certificate (CPC) 

Career Pathway Certificates provide focused skills training in career and technical programs. These certificates range from 12 to 44 credits and are usually completed in three terms or fewer. 

Career Pathway Certificates are stackable, meaning all credits earned apply toward a related one-year certificate or a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. This allows you to enter the workforce quickly while keeping future education options open.

Certificate of Completion 

A Certificate of Completion recognizes collegiate‑level, credit‑bearing coursework that prepares you for entry into a specific job or occupation. These certificates meet established academic and workforce standards, including a clear job entry point. Certificates of Completion focus on practical skills and can help you enter the workforce more quickly while building a strong foundation for continued education. 

Associate of General Studies (AGS) 

The Associate of General Studies degree is a two-year program designed to provide you the opportunity to acquire a broad education rather than pursuing a specific college major or program. The general studies degree may, in addition to general education coursework, include lower-division college transfer and career and technical education courses. Because of the flexibility of this degree, it may not fulfill requirements for transfer to a four-year institution. 

Associate of Science (AS) 

The Associate of Science is a two-year degree based on formal articulation agreements with specific public and private universities. This option is best if you know exactly which university and bachelor’s program you plan to pursue. 

These agreements outline how courses apply toward a designated bachelor’s degree, but transferability may be limited to the institution listed in the agreement. 

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) 

The Associate of Applied Science is a career-focused, two-year degree that prepares you to enter the workforce quickly. AAS programs require a minimum of 90 credits and emphasize hands-on learning in technical and professional fields. 

Rogue Community College offers a wide range of AAS programs designed to align with employer needs and regional workforce opportunities. 

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) 

The Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree is a two-year program designed for students who intend to transfer to an Oregon university. Completion of the degree will satisfy lower division general education requirements and ensures junior standing at a university for registration purposes. Additionally, with careful planning, while attending RCC, you may satisfy many of the lower division courses required for academic majors. 

You should be aware, however, that if you transfer before completing this degree, your courses will be evaluated individually toward the general education requirements of the school of your choice. You are encouraged to work closely with your academic advisors to maximize the benefits of this degree. 

Associate of Science Oregon Transfer (ASOT) Computer Science 

The statewide Associate of Science Oregon Transfer degree in Computer Science is designed for students transferring to baccalaureate degree programs in computer science or software engineering. Those completing the ASOT - Computer Science degree are assured junior level standing for registration purposes and will have met the lower division general education requirements of any institution in the Oregon public university system. You should be aware that if you transfer before completing this degree, courses will be evaluated individually toward the general education requirements of the college of your choice. You should use the ASOT-Computer Science university-specific degree requirements guide for specific transfer requirements for individual schools. 

Associate of Science Oregon Transfer - Business 

The statewide Associate of Science Oregon Transfer degree in Business is designed for students transferring to baccalaureate degree programs as business majors. Those completing the ASOT-Business degree are assured junior level standing for registration purposes and will have met the lower division general education requirements of any Oregon public university. Grade point average requirements for entry into the university’s major are not necessarily satisfied by the ASOT-Business degree. You should be aware that if you transfer before completing this degree, courses will be evaluated individually toward the general education requirements of the college of your choice.   

Major Transfer Map (MTM) 

Major Transfer Maps provide a streamlined path for students who know which bachelor’s degree they want to pursue. These maps outline exactly which courses to take at RCC so you can transfer efficiently to an Oregon public university. 

Using a Major Transfer Map helps reduce extra coursework and keeps you on schedule for degree completion. 

If you are unsure which option fits your goals, connecting with an Academic Advisor can help you explore programs, review Program Maps and choose a path that supports your plans for transfer, career or both at Rogue Community College. 

Oregon Transfer Module (OTM) 

The Oregon Transfer Module provides a one-year curriculum for students who want to transfer to another Oregon community college or public university prior to completing a two-year degree. The module allows students to complete one year of general education courses that will be applied to the general education and academic major requirements of the transfer school. By fulfilling these requirements and meeting the admission standards of the transfer institution, students will qualify for sophomore standing. 

Students choosing this transfer option are advised to work closely with faculty advisors to ensure selection of appropriate courses. Upon transfer, students may be required to complete additional general education and academic major requirements specific to the transfer institution. Students should be aware that if they transfer prior to completing this module, courses will be evaluated individually toward the general education requirements of the school of their choice. 

The courses listed in this module may also be applied to the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree (AAOT), the Associate of Science Oregon Transfer - Business degree (ASOT-Business), and the Associate of Science Oregon Transfer - Computer Science degree (ASOT-Computer Science), thus providing additional options for students who may start on this track and decide to complete a two-year degree. When enrolling, students should identify either the AAOT, ASOT-Business or ASOT-Computer Science major.