FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does a student decide between an AA degree and AS degree program?: The Associate in Arts (AA) is a two-year degree with an emphasis on courses such as English, humanities, history, sociology and psychology. The Associate in Science (AS) is a two year degree with an emphasis on courses such as biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. The AA degree is designed for liberal arts majors - Bachelor of Arts degree and the AS degree is designed for science and mathematic majors – Bachelor of Science degree.

2. What can you do with an AA or AS degree?: The North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement allows students who have completed an AA or AS degree at a North Carolina community college (and who meet all other admissions requirements) to enter public four year universities as juniors.

3. What is the General Education Core?: The GenEd core is 44 semester hour courses that demonstrate general intellectual skills, such as critical thinking, writing, speaking and listening, problem solving, quantitative reasoning or analysis and information competency.

4. Can I take classes at RCC while still in high school?: Yes. There are (3) ways high school students can take community college courses for free! Dual Enrollment, Huskins Classes, Learn and Earn Online.

5. When can I transfer?: You can transfer whenever a four year institution grants admittance. This will vary depending on the program you desire, the school of your choice, the courses you have selected and the grades you have earned at RCC. RCC recommends you stay at RCC long enough to complete the 44 semester hour general education core. Ideally, we would prefer you to earn your AA or AS. Upon completion of the 64 or 65 credit hours of the AA or AS degree and upon acceptance.

6. How many credit hours are necessary to be considered a full-time student?: Twelve semester hours is considered full time for financial aid assistance,
veterans benefits and insurance purposes.

7. Will I receive the same credit for an on-line course and does an on-line course transfer the same way as any other course?: Yes! On-line courses have the same credit and are transferable. The method of
instruction is the major difference.

8. What grade must I have to transfer a course?: You must earn a 77/C for a course to transfer.

9. Do I need a “C” in English 111 to take English 112 or English 114?: No. However, you will not be able to transfer the grade for English 111 to another institution.

10. Can I sell my English books after taking courses?: We strongly advise you to keep textbooks for future reference, especially Rules For Writers. This book is a required text for English 111, English 112, English 114, English 131, English 233, and English 243.

11. How many English classes are required for graduation?: Not counting developmental courses, you need English 111, English 112 or English 114, and English 131.

12. As a Cosmetology or HVAC student, why is English 102 a requirement?: English 102 provides communication skills (verbal and written) necessary in the workplace.

13. If I am a Cosmetology or HVAC (diploma programs), do I need to take any developmental English or mathematics classes?: If your scores do not meet the minimum requirement, you will need to take English 080 and Reading 080.

14.What is a prerequisite?: Completed course or courses a student must complete prior to enrolling and taking a class. For example, ENG 111 has a prerequisite of ENG 090/090A and RED 090 or appropriate placement exam scores; MAT 171/171A has a prerequisite of MAT 080 or appropriate placement exam or SAT score.

15.What is a Corequisite?: Two or more classes that may be taken simultaneously. For example, a student may enroll in ENG 131 while being enrolled in ENG 114.

16. Can I take two English classes at the same time?: You may take English 112 or English 114 along with an upper level English class such as English 131, English 233, or English 242.

17. What are developmental courses?: Based upon your placement exam scores, you may have to take remedial courses in mathematics, English and reading. Although these courses lengthen your program of student, they assure College Transfer preparedness in your college transfer courses.