Centralia College offers different degrees to meet varied student needs. All associate degrees require a minimum of 90 units. To be eligible for a degree or certificate from Centralia College, students must earn at least 15 units or 25 percent (whichever is lower) of the units being applied towards the degree or certificate from Centralia College to be eligible for a degree from Centralia College. It is possible to earn a second degree if a student satisfies all the requirements of both degrees.
Student Learning Competencies
Student learning is central to the college’s mission. All degrees offered by Centralia College are designed to provide experiences that lead to the attainment of general education outcomes as embodied in the following student learning competencies:
Critical Analysis: the student effectively evaluates information and creates solutions through observation, reflection, reasoning, and experience.
Communication: the student effectively conveys information and ideas by adapting their communication style to different situations and audiences when speaking, writing, and listening to others.
Global Awareness & Cultural Competency: the student effectively engages with the multi-cultural world by studying the practices and perspectives of varying communities and cultures.
Information Literacy: the student effectively engages in a reflective process of inquiry to find, evaluate, use, and ethically create content
Student Success
All degree-seeking and certificate of proficiency (greater than 45 units) students will complete a designated college & career success course within their first two terms, regardless of full- or part-time status. Courses that meet this requirement are COLL 100, BUS 100, TRDS 101, or SCIE 100. This requirement applies to all students categorized above except those who:
- Have passed an equivalent college success course from another institution
- Are enrolled in career and technical degree programs with specific accreditation requirements beyond the college (nursing)
- Are enrolled in any major ready pathway (MRP) that does not carry an option for non-academic electives (Associate in Biology, Pre-Nursing, Business, Construction, Math Education)
- Have earned a minimum of 30 units with a GPA of 2.0 or better from a regionally accredited institution
- Have earned an Associate’s degree or higher from any regionally accredited institution
Program Outcomes
Distribution Area Outcomes, found at the end of this section, define the program outcomes for degrees based on the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) and Associate in Science. In addition to the general outcomes, individual transfer programs have content designed to prepare students for success in that field.
Each Career and Technical Education degree or certificate includes courses that enable students to achieve profession-specific program outcomes. These program outcomes are listed on the program pages on the college website.
General Transfer Degrees
Associate In Arts Degree
In addition to the general requirements listed below, derivative programs may have additional requirements as listed in the programs of study in the next section. The Associate in Arts degree represents the broad knowledge generally acquired in the first two years of a four-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. When students earn the AA, they may transfer to a baccalaureate institution within the state of Washington with assurance that they have satisfied all or most of the basic requirements (General University Requirements/ Distribution Requirements). This means, generally, that AA transfer students can begin work on their specialized, major-area course work as soon as they transfer.
Degree Requirements:
To qualify for an Associate in Arts degree, students must complete a minimum of 90 units in courses numbered 100 or above, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (“C” average).The 90 units must include the following: Communication Skills 10 units
Quantitative Skills 5 units
Humanities - 15 units
Select from at least three of the disciplines listed on the distribution list. No more than 5 units in foreign language at the 100 level may apply. Social Sciences - 15 units
Select from at least three disciplines listed on the distribution list. Natural Sciences - 15 units
Select from at least two disciplines on the distribution list. Include at least one laboratory course. Health and Fitness - 3 units
Selected from either discipline listed on the distribution list. Diversity - 3 units
A 3 to 5 credit course listed as a Diversity (D) course. Diversity courses may also meet other Distribution Requirements. Academic Electives - 27 units
A minimum of 27 elective units are required. Elective courses may be selected to satisfy major emphasis requirements (see program summaries section), or to satisfy department requirements of the college/university chosen for transfer. If desired, students may include up to a maximum of 12 units from courses numbered 100 and above that are not included on the ICRC approved electives list. A maximum of three (3) PE units may be included in the AA degree. Associate In Science Degree
The Associate in Science degree represents attainments generally required by four-year colleges and universities for pre- professional programs in scientific disciplines. The need for early concentration on coursework in the chosen scientific major diminishes the general educational experience demonstrated by the Associate in Arts degree.
By working with an advisor in the completion of one of the two Associate in Science tracks, students can transfer to one of the Washington baccalaureate institutions with reasonable assurance they have completed all or most of the prerequisite courses for the targeted science major.
Degree Requirements:
- A minimum of 90 units is required for the degree.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (“C” average) is required for the degree.
- Students completing this Associate in Science degree will receive the same priority consideration for admission to most Washington state baccalaureate institutions as they would for completing the direct transfer Associate in Arts degree and will be given junior status by the receiving institution.
- Additional general education requirements, cultural diversity requirements, and foreign language requirements, as required by the transfer institution, must be met prior to the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
- Students are responsible for checking specific major requirements of baccalaureate institutions in the year prior to transferring.
Courses for programs of study fall into two tracks that are listed in the program section of this catalog. These programs are designed to match specific major requirements and also to meet the general distribution requirements listed below Communication Skills 5 units
Quantitative Skills 10 units
Humanities & Social Sciences - 15 units
Select from at least three disciplines listed on the distribution list with at least 5 units from humanities (H) and 5 units from social sciences (SS). The remaining 5 units can be from either category. Health and Fitness - 3 units
Select three (3) units from the list of courses approved for health and fitness (HF) distribution. Diversity - 3-5 units
A 3 to 5 unit course listed as a Diversity (D) course. Diversity courses may carry another distribution designation that can be counted toward both distribution requirements. Track I - Biological Sciences, Environmental/Resource Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, Earth Science Core Requirements: - 48-56 units
B.
Students should work with an advisor to determine the best class based upon the specific discipline at the baccalaureate institution the student selects to attend. D.
An additional 10-18 units in physics, geology, organic chemistry, biology, or mathematics, consisting of courses generally taken for science majors. Preferably in a 2-3 quarter sequence. Biology majors should select: Remaining Units: 1-9 units
Sufficient additional college-level units so that the total units earned are at least 90-quarter units. These remaining units may include prerequisites for major courses, additional pre-major coursework, or specific general education or other university requirements, as approved by the advisor.
No more than two units of non-academic electives. A list of classes that should be considered for the units: Track II - Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics
Remaining Units: - 31 units
SCIE 100 College & Career Success 3 Unit(s). The remaining 31 units should be planned with the help of an advisor based on the requirements of the specific discipline at the baccalaureate institution the student selects to attend. Electives up to a maximum of 5 units from courses numbered 100 or above that are not included on the ICRC approved electives list should be planned with the help of an advisor, based on the requirements of the specific discipline at the baccalaureate institution and using the programs listed later in this catalog. Major Related Programs
In addition to the transfer degrees listed above, the college offers degrees derived from both the Associate in Arts degree (AA) and the Associate in Science degree (AS). These degrees have been developed through collaboration between the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and the public colleges and universities in Washington.
These degrees may have specific requirements beyond those required by the AA or AS as listed in the program plan.
Limited Transfer Degrees
Associate In Applied Science-Transfer
The Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degree is for transfer to schools offering baccalaureates in applied science. This degree combines the technical focus of the Associate in Technical Arts with a minimum of 20 units of transferable academic courses.
This degree is not generally transferable. Students intending to transfer should work with an advisor to make sure this is the right degree.
Degree Requirements:
To qualify for the degree, students must complete a minimum of 90 units in subjects numbered 100 or above. Students must also achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.0 (“C” average). Courses must be selected in accordance with a college program of study. Check with an advisor for a current list of programs. These programs are designed to incorporate specific and major requirements as well as meet general education and related instruction requirements. The program must include: Quantitative Reasoning
- (see distribution list) - 5 units
Humanities & Social Science
- (see distribution list) - 10 units
Health & Fitness
- (see distribution list) - 3 units
College & Career Success 3 Unit(s)
Career and Technical Degrees
Associate In Applied Science Degree
Students whose plan is to prepare to compete for employment in an occupational field may choose to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. Since this degree concentrates on a particular trade or skill, it does not have broad general education requirements.
Whether a technical course will transfer or count as a degree requirement for a baccalaureate degree is at the discretion of the transfer college or university.
The 90 units must include the following related instruction minimum requirements:
- Written Communication Skills - 5 units
- Health and Fitness - 3 units from list of approved health or PE courses in Health and Fitness distribution (HF)
- Computation Skills - 5 units
- College & Career Success - 3 units
Programs vary in total units necessary to obtain a degree, although the minimum requirement is 90 units. Core program units are designed to meet occupational skills standards.
Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees
A traditional bachelor degree requires general education classes from many disciplines and is designed to provide students a wide base of knowledge, allowing them to concentrate their education in the third or fourth year of their education. A BAS degree gives students the chance to focus their education on their specific educational and career goals early within their education and incorporates more practical and concentrated hands-on learning in a specific industry or the career of their choice.
Associate in General Studies Degree
The Associate in General Studies degree is designed for students who do not plan to transfer to a four-year college or pursue an Associate in Technical Arts degree in a specific occupational area. It is a terminal degree with emphasis on improvement of basic skills, general knowledge in the areas of humanities, natural science and social science, and some specialty of choice. This degree is designed to prepare the student to lead a full and useful life.
To qualify for the Associate in General Studies degree, students must complete 90 units in courses numbered 100 or above, with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.0 (“C” average).
The 90 units must include the following:
Forty-three (43) units taken in communication skills, humanities, math/natural sciences, social sciences, and health and fitness consisting of the following:
- A minimum of ten (10) units in communication skills ENGL& 101 , ENGL& 102 , or ENGL& 235 .
- A minimum of ten (10) units in each of the three general areas of knowledge (humanities, math/natural sciences, and social sciences). See the AA distribution list.
- Three (3) units from the list of courses approved for Health and Fitness distribution.
An additional 47 units of the student’s choosing to satisfy their own educational plans or interests. Choices can be occupational, personal enjoyment, physical education, or academic courses.
Certificates and Programs
Certificates Of Completion
Students may be awarded a certificate of completion by successfully completing a set group of courses from a professional/technical program. These certificates are less than 45 units. The courses tend to concentrate on one set of skills.
Certificates Of Proficiency
Students may earn a Certificate of Proficiency by completing a professional/technical program which typically requires a minimum of 45 units, includes related instruction, and a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (“C”). At times, the State Board of Community Colleges (SBCTC), will approve a certificate of proficiency between 40-44 units based on strong evidence provided by the college during the program approval process. Certificates of Proficiency are awarded in these programs:
- Accounting Clerk
- Criminal Investigation
- Industrial Trades
- Medical Office Assistant / Medical Scribe
- Office Applications / Office Assistant
- Phlebotomy
- Retail Management
- State Early Childhood Education Certificate
- Welding
Transitional Studies Programs
Transitional Studies help you learn English, earn a high school diploma or GED, or prepare for college and job training. Classes are offered in the morning and evening. In-person and hybrid classes are available. The cost is $25 per quarter and financial assistance is available. Most programs are open to students age 16 years and older. Any student younger than 19 must provide a high school release form. Contact Transitional Studies at 360-623-8957 or BEdA@centralia.edu.
College in the High School
College in the High School is a cooperative program between local school districts and Centralia College. It allows high school students to earn Centralia College units while simultaneously earning their high school credit for approved courses. College in the High School increases the educational options for highly motivated high school students who wish to earn college credit for courses deemed equivalent in rigor and content to Centralia College courses. For mor information, please call 360-623-8365 or email cihs@centralia.edu.
English Language Acquisition (ELA)
Non-native English students learn to listen, speak, read, and write English. Throughout their coursework, students learn basic computer skills and prepare for academic, career, and technical classes. Students will thrive in the community and at work.
High School+ (HS+)
High School+ is a competency-based high school diploma program for adult learners aged 18 and older who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent. Please submit your high school transcript to the Transitional Studies office prior to advising. High school transcripts can be unofficial. Transcripts can be submitted directly to Transitional Studies (downstairs in the Transitional Services Building, suite 003), emailed to beda@centralia.edu, or mailed to: Transitional Studies, 600 Centralia College Blvd., Centralia, WA 98531-4099. For more information and to begin the enrollment process, please contact Transitional Studies at 360-623-8957 or email beda@centralia.edu.
Open Doors
Open Doors is a reengagement program for older youth, ages 16-21, who have dropped out of high school or who are not expected to graduate. Open Doors is a partnership between Centralia College and certain local school districts, providing students who have not earned a high school diploma with a variety of ways to reach their educational goals. The steps to enroll differ depending on a student’s situation. For more information and to begin the enrollment process, please contact Transitional Studies at 360-623-8957 or email beda@centralia.edu.
GED
The GED program, designed for students aged 16 and older, helps students prepare to pass all four sections of the official GED test; Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. For more information and to begin the enrollment process, please contact Transitional Studies at 360-623-8957 or email beda@centralia.edu.
Career and College Preparation
All students, including those with a high school diploma or GED, brush up on their reading, writing, and math for college level classes, to prepare for job training or for entering the job market. Students enrolled in college preparation classes can take other college classes at the same time. For more information and to begin the enrollment process, please contact Transitional Studies at 360-623-8957 or email beda@centralia.edu.
Distribution Area Outcomes & Courses
In this catalog, courses that satisfy distribution requirements are identified by a capital letter at the end of the course title. Use the following guide to identify the distribution categories:
C - Communication
H - Humanities
M - Mathematics/Quantitative Skills
SS - Social Science
NS - Natural Science
HF - Health and Fitness
D - Diversity
Distribution Requirements (also known as General University Requirements or GURs) are part of each transfer degree. Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements meet specific criteria listed below:
Communication Skills (C)
- The course carries three or more units.
- The course objectives address three or more of the following outcomes. Upon successful completion of designated courses, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Recognize structures and modes of development that are used to inform, persuade, or entertain (Competencies: Communication and Global Awareness & Cultural Competency).
- Apply analytical thinking to reading, writing, revising, and discussion activities (Competencies: Critical Analysis, Communication, Global Awareness & Cultural Competency).
- Prepare clearly organized and well-supported written works, including specific documentation formats, which meet the conventions of assignments (Competencies: Critical Analysis and Communication).
- Collaborate with others respectfully and with attention to guidelines given for various projects (Competencies: Global Awareness & Cultural Competency)
- Discuss and respond to writings drawn from diverse traditions, ethnicities, cultures, classes, and genders (Competencies: Global Awareness & Cultural Competency)
- Access and utilize appropriate technologies and library resources in the preparation of written and oral projects (Competencies: Communication, Information Literacy, and Global Awareness & Cultural Competency).
Quantitative Skills (M)
- The prerequisite for the course is Stem Algebraic Literacy (MATH 99 or equivalent).
- The course objectives address the following outcomes. Upon successful completion of designated courses, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Recognize and then apply mathematical concepts to personal, professional and scientific situations. (Competencies: Critical Analysis).
- Communicate ideas through mathematics graphically, symbolically, numerically and verbally with clarity and accuracy. (Competencies: Communication).
- Utilize technology as a tool in the application of mathematical concepts. (Competencies: Information Literacy).
Note:
*Although this class offers distribution, it is only available to students in specific BAS programs. Humanities (H)
- The course carries three or more units.
- The course objectives address three or more of the following outcomes:
- Students should be able to:
- Articulate the roles, purposes, and functions of the Humanities using discipline-specific vocabulary. (Competencies: Critical Analysis and Communication).
- Recognize and apply the discipline-specific structures used to communicate critically and/or creatively. (Competencies: Critical Analysis and Communication).
- Access and utilize appropriate technologies to research, experience, and respond to the Humanities (Competencies: Critical Analysis, Communication and Information Literacy).
- Explore and assess how language, philosophy, and/or the arts represent and record individuals’ and communities’ engagement with social issues. (Competencies: Global Awareness and Cultural Competency)
- Demonstrate an understanding of, and appreciation for, how these humanities influence, and are influenced by, their cultural contexts. (Competencies: Critical Analysis, Global Awareness and Cultural Competency).
Note:
* No more than five units allowed for distribution in performance/skills courses. ** No more than five units in a foreign language at the 100 level allowed for distribution. *** Although this class offers distribution, it is only available to students in specific BAS programs. Social Science (SS)
- The course carries three or more units.
- The course objectives address at least 2 of the following outcomes. Upon successful completion of designated courses, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Describe social, political, economic, linguistic, cultural, historical, and religious factors that explain human behavior and mental processes at micro and macro levels (Competencies: Communication and Global Awareness and Cultural Competency).
- Identify and apply terminology, concepts, theories, data, and principles used by the various social science disciplines (Competencies: Critical Analysis and Infromation Literacy).
- Develop an informed sense of self that demonstrates recognition and respect for diverse perspectives (Competencies: Global Awareness and Cultural Competency).
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills through formulating questions, analyzing data, and distinguishing between objective fact and subjective interpretation (Competencies: Critical Analysis and Information Literacy).
Note:
*Although this class carries distribution, it is only available to students in specific BAS programs. Natural Science (NS)
- The course is broad in scope, covering major concepts.
- The course objectives address all of the following outcomes. Upon successful completion of designated courses, students will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate key scientific concepts in oral, written, and/or visual format using the language of science. (Competencies: Communication).
- Apply the scientific method to solve problems, conduct experiments, evaluate data, and test hypotheses. (Competencies: Critical Analysis, Communication, Global Awareness & Cultural Competency).
- Critically evaluate scientific information and its sources (Competencies: Critical Analysis, Global Awareness & Cultural Competency).
Note:
* Although this class offers distribution, it is only available to students in specific BAS programs. Health and Fitness (HF)
The course provides the student with knowledge and skills that enable them to achieve and maintain optimal health over a lifetime. Health and Physical Education courses are non-academic electives. Physical Education
(No more than 3 units may be counted toward a transfer degree) Diversity (D)
Diversity designated courses at CC provide students opportunities to develop awareness of
their own social and cultural identities, seek understanding of others, and cultivate skills to
communicate across cultures and differences. A Diversity “D” designated course would minimally include at least three of the following
learning outcomes: - Evaluate perspectives on human diversity through theoretical and/or disciplinary frameworks.
- Use diverse cultural perspectives to address complex challenges.
- Analyze how a person’s culture and socialization influences or impacts power, privilege and marginalization within society.
- Analyze how individual and structural factors contribute to inequity.
- Perform interpersonal and intercultural skills necessary to communicate and collaborate across differences.
- Identify the historical and contemporary contributions made by marginalized individuals, groups, and movements.
- Evaluate their own positions of marginalization and privilege within a complex social framework.
- Evaluate claims or information about power, privilege, representation, and/or marginalization based on the sources and the methods used to generate it
Intercollege Relations Commission (Icrc) Approved Academic Electives
For additional information and current transfer policies, please refer to the Intercollege Relations Commission (ICRC) Handbook at https://www.wa-council.org/icrc/ | Accounting | 201, 202, 203 | | Anthropology | all courses numbered 100 and above | | American Sign Language | 121, 122, 123 | | Art | 100, 102, 111, 130, 160, 174, 200, 201, 202, 203, 210, 211 | | Astronomy | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Biology | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Botany | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Business Administration | 101, 201 | | Chemistry | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Communication Studies | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Criminal Justice | 101, 104, 105, 106, 110, 240 | | Drama | all courses numbered 101 and above | | Early Childhood Education | 105 | | Economics | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Education | 115, 201, 205 | | English | all courses numbered 101 and above | | Environmental Science | all courses numbered 100 and above | | General Engineering | all courses numbered 111 and above | | Geography | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Geology | all courses numbered 100 and above | | History | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Humanities | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Information Technology | CS& 131 , CS& 141 , I T 101 | | Mathematics | all courses numbered 107 and above (except 110 and 116) | | Music | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Nutrition | 101, 103, 202, 203 | | Oceanography | 101 | | Philosophy | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Physics | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Political Science | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Psychology | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Science | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Sociology | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Spanish | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Speech | all courses numbered 100 and above | | Substance Use Disorder Professional | 100 | |
