Associate of Arts

Program Overview

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The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program at Gallatin College MSU is a two-year program that provides a foundation in general education studies, with concentrations in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The program is designed for students undecided about their educational goals or who desire a more gradual transition into university-level studies. The program's objective is to provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in further academic pursuits or immediate employment opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The

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Associate of Arts (A.A.)

degree program at Gallatin College MSU is a two-year degree that provides a foundation in general education studies, with concentrations in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This program is designed for students undecided about their educational goals or who desire a more gradual transition into university-level studies. The program's objective is to provide a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in further academic pursuits or immediate employment opportunities.

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Objectives:

• Provide a broad foundation in the arts, humanities, and social sciences
• Enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and cultural awareness
• Prepare students to succeed in baccalaureate programs or directly enter the workforce
• Facilitate the exploration of various academic disciplines and career paths

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

The Associate of Arts program encompasses a sequence of core courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and general education, comprising a total of 60 credit hours. The courses are designed to offer a well-rounded education and develop essential academic competencies. The program can be customized to accommodate individual interests and career aspirations. The program is primarily offered in the evenings at the Gallatin College East campus, catering to the schedules of adult learners.

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Core Courses and Elective Options:

The program's curriculum encompasses a range of disciplines, such as:

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Arts:

Students explore various artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, music, theater, and dance, developing their creative expression, analytical skills, and understanding of art history.

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Humanities:

Courses in literature, philosophy, history, and foreign languages foster critical thinking, analytical reading, writing, and an appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching students with a comprehensive understanding of the human experience.

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Social Sciences:

The program offers a foundation in sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and anthropology, providing insights into human behavior, social structures, global issues, and the complexities of modern society, fostering a critical understanding of their impact on individuals and communities.

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General Education:

Courses in mathematics, natural sciences, and wellness promote scientific literacy, quantitative reasoning skills, and an understanding of the natural world, equipping students with a well-rounded knowledge base. The program also offers elective options, allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest or complement their core coursework with additional skills. Students can tailor their studies by selecting from a variety of courses across disciplines.

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Assessment:

The Associate of Arts program adheres to rigorous assessment practices to evaluate student learning and ensure program quality. Several methods of assessment are employed:

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Exams:

Written examinations, including essays, multiple-choice questions, and problem-solving tasks, are used to assess students' understanding of the subject matter, critical thinking abilities, and analytical skills. Exams play a crucial role in determining the students' comprehension of the course material.

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Projects:

Students undertake various projects that demonstrate their research, problem-solving, communication, and critical analysis capabilities. Projects can include research papers, creative works, case studies, and presentations, fostering practical application of knowledge and allowing students to showcase their skills and abilities.

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Presentations:

Students are often required to present their findings or perspectives in class, either individually or as part of group projects. Presentations assess their ability to effectively communicate information, engage an audience, and demonstrate their understanding of the subject.

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Grading:

Student performance is evaluated based on a grading system that considers their overall achievements throughout the semester. The grading system typically includes letter grades, such as A-F, as well as percentage scores. The final grade reflects the student's consistent performance and progress in meeting the course objectives and assessment criteria.

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Teaching:

The Associate of Arts program at Gallatin College MSU is designed to provide a supportive and interactive learning environment. Faculty members are highly experienced and passionate about teaching, bringing a blend of academic expertise and practical knowledge to the classroom, committed to student success and engagement.

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Personalized Instruction:

Small class sizes foster personalized attention, allowing for active participation, discussions, and individualized feedback. Faculty members prioritize nurturing students' intellectual growth, tailoring their teaching styles to cater to diverse learning needs and preferences.

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Hands-on Experiences:

Students are offered opportunities to participate in experiential learning activities, including internships, field studies, and research projects. These experiences provide practical application of concepts learned in the classroom setting, facilitating a deeper understanding and skill development in their chosen fields.

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Career Resources:

The Associate of Arts program at Gallatin College MSU prepares students for various career opportunities by providing a solid educational foundation and transferable skills that are highly valued in today's job market. Graduates of this program are well-positioned for entry-level roles or further education in various fields, including:

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Arts and Culture Sector:

Graduates can explore careers as artists, performers, writers, designers, curators, or cultural administrators, leveraging their creativity and knowledge of the arts.

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Education:

Graduates may pursue teaching careers in primary or secondary schools, sharing their knowledge and passion for learning with younger students, or work in educational administration roles.

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Human Services:

The program provides a solid foundation for careers in social services, counseling, human resources management, and other related fields, where a deep understanding of human behavior and societal issues is essential for effective service delivery and community engagement.