The Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Social Science prepares students for further study in arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences at a four-year institution. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills in various social science disciplines, including psychology, history, and sociology, and meets the lower-division general education requirements of most Colorado public universities. Graduates are expected to develop proficiency in specialized knowledge, communication fluency, and critical thinking.

Degree Overview:

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a Social Science emphasis within the Liberal Arts major is designed for students who plan to continue their education and obtain a baccalaureate degree. It is appropriate for students pursuing upper division coursework in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences. The AA degree program incorporates the Colorado Statewide General Education Core and meets the lower division general education requirements at most public institutions in Colorado. This emphasis provides students with a broad understanding of various Social Sciences disciplines: Anthropology, History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, and Geography. The program aims to equip graduates with the following skills:

• Analyze social science problems (Specialized Knowledge).
• Communicate clearly in writing or oral presentations (Communication Fluency).
• Think critically to solve problems in social science (Critical Thinking).
• Use program-level mathematical concepts to understand, analyze, and explain social science issues (Quantitative Fluency).

Other:

• All CMU/WCCC associate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy.
• Students must complete a minimum of 15 of the final 30 semester hours of credit at CMU/WCCC.
• A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all Essential Learning courses for transfer under the Colorado Core Transfer Consortium General Education curriculum or gtPathways, Colorado's guaranteed transfer program.
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree.
• Non-traditional credit cannot exceed 15 semester credit hours for an AA degree.
• A maximum of 6 of the 15 non-traditional credits may be for cooperative education, internships, and practica.
• Pre-collegiate courses (usually numbered below 100) cannot be used for graduation.
• The Catalog Year determines which program sheet and degree requirements a student must fulfill in order to graduate.
• Students must review their DegreeWorks audit and create a graduation plan with their advisor.
• Students must submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date.

Colorado Mesa University

Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.