Academic Programs

The academic programs at Great Falls College MSU offer the following degrees. For specific program information, follow the links to the right in the navigation bar.

Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS)

An award for completion of a program designed for one to two semesters. It is awarded to students demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge against specified performance standards in a specific area or discipline and may lead to a CAS or AAS degree.

Certificate of Applied Science (CAS)

The Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) recognizes a short program of study designed to prepare the student for entry-level employment in a specific technical field. The Certificate of Applied Science is comprised of 30 - 45 credits, with rare exceptions. Students should be able to complete the Certificate program in one calendar year or less if they are academically prepared in math and writing. The general education coursework in a Certificate of Applied Science often has an applied, rather than an academic, focus.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is awarded in specific technical career fields. This degree is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into employment but may be fully or partially transferable to programs at selected four-year institutions.

The Associate of Applied Science degrees must be comprised of at least 60 but no more than 72 credits. For students entering these degrees prepared for the math and writing required, the Associate of Applied Science degree requires at least two academic years to complete. A main difference between this degree and the Certificate of Applied Science is the additional general education coursework required.

Great Falls College MSU offers AAS degrees in both the Business, Trades and Technology and Health Science areas. Specific requirements for each program are listed in the program sections of this catalog.

Associate of Arts (AA)

The Associate of Arts degree is a general transfer degree indicating that the student has completed a course of study equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. This degree does not officially include a major or minor course of study. For example, a student who plans to emphasize history receives the Associate of Arts degree, not an Associate of Arts in History.

Associate of Science (AS)

The Associate of Science degree is a general transfer degree indicating that the student has completed a course of study equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. This degree does not officially include a major or minor course of study. For example, a student who plans to emphasize mathematics receives the Associate of Science degree, not an Associate of Science in Mathematics.

Baccalaureate requirements vary considerably among and within institutions. It is strongly recommended that students pursuing a general program of study for their Associate of Science or Associate of Art degrees carefully select courses that will meet specific institution program requirements for a baccalaureate degree. A current catalog of the selected institution should be consulted. Students should work closely with an academic advisor at the transfer institution.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is a nursing degree program. Associate degree programs in nursing offer liberal arts and science courses similar to what you would take within any associate degree program at a community college or junior college. Added to the associate degree foundation courses are nursing courses and clinical experiences in local hospitals and health care facilities.