Degrees/Certificates Overview

At Southwestern Michigan College you can choose a curriculum that leads to one of three Associate degrees, a certificate in a specialized field or you may wish to take selected courses only.

The three Associate degrees offered by SMC include two degrees designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. These transfer degrees are the Associate in Arts degree and the Associate in Science degree.

The Associate in Applied Science degree is designed primarily for students in occupational programs that prepare the student for immediate entry into a selected profession. Although some students do successfully transfer into four-year programs with the Associate in Applied Science degree, the degree is designed primarily as a workforce preparation degree.

In addition to Associate degrees, SMC offers Specialty certificates, known as a Career in 4 Months, as well as a one-year certificate option through the college’s Occupational Programs. See Occupational Programs and Certificates.

These four-month programs are designed as “Ladder” Curriculum. Students can start out gaining a basic entry level certificate within four months and progress up the “educational ladder” at their own pace. The SMC Ladder Curriculum was designed to help the student excel at their own pace but also to help employers who are seeking trained and skilled workers quickly.

All students obtaining an Associate degree at SMC must demonstrate mastery of certain core competency skills. Consequently, all Associate degrees at SMC require you to take a core set of courses designed to teach these skills or otherwise demonstrate mastery of these skills. These include two semesters in English composition, speech and wellness, along with proficiency in mathematics and computer use.

Follow the link for Areas of Study for details on subjects offered and links to departmental Web sites.