Associate of General Studies

The Associate of General Studies is intended as an exploratory and terminal degree, not to be used as a transfer degree; however, credits earned under the degree may transfer to 4-year institutions. It is recommended that anyone planning to apply these credits for transfer consult their intended transfer institution for appropriate curriculum planning.

A maximum of six units of special topics classes in one subject area may apply toward any WNC degree. In some cases, courses may not transfer to other Nevada community colleges and Nevada State College or other colleges and universities. See a WNC counselor for the latest transfer information. Courses with a number under 100 (such as ENG 95) are not applicable toward an Associate of General Studies degree.

This degree provides academic exploration for those seeking personal growth or professional advancement. Military credits can qualify for up to 45 units toward this degree.

The purpose of the Associate of General Studies degree is to provide academic knowledge and skills for personal growth, and/or professional advancement.

The successful student will:

  • Meet the general education student learning outcomes.
  • Succeed at the professional, academic and personal goals the AGS degree serves.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter appropriate to their fields of study.

Program Requirements


General Electives: 36-39 Units
Students may choose from any occupational or general education courses to be used as electives for this degree. Some non-traditional credit approved by Admissions and Records may be applicable to satisfy course requirements for occupational degrees, while other such units may be used as electives for the AGS and AAS degrees only. Students planning to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno should use the UNR core curriculum guide to satisfy general education requirements.

Any 200 level courses from any area: 6 Units
200 level courses used for this requirement may also be used to fulfill general education or general elective requirements.

General Education Requirements

A minimum of 60 total units chosen from the following:

English/Communications
6 units

Must include a three-credit writing course.
Business: 107, 108
Communication: 101, 102, 113, 215
Criminal Justice: 103
English
Journalism: 201
Reading
Writing Course (Business 108, English 100, 101, 102, 107 or any other 200 level English class)

Fine Arts & Humanities
3 units

American Sign Language
Art
Core Humanities: 201, 202
Crafts
English: 190, 200, 223, 243, 250, 252, 261, 267, 271, 282, 297
Foreign Languages
Graphic Design
History: 105, 106, 207, 208, 209, 247
Humanities: 101
Music
Philosophy (except for PHIL 102, 114)
Theatre: 100, 105, 180

Mathematics
3 units

Business: 115
Economics: 261, 262
Mathematics
Sociology: 210
Statistics: 152

Science
3 units

Anthropology: 102, 110L
Astronomy: 109, 110, 120
Atmospheric Sciences: 117
Biology (except for BIOL 208, 223, 224, 251)
Chemistry (except for CHEM 220, 241, 241L, 242, 242L)
Emergency Medical Services: 205
Environmental Studies
Geography: 103, 104, 116, 121
Geology: (except for GEOL 111, 112, 113, 229)
Nutrition: 121
Physics (except for PHYS 293)

Social Sciences
3 units

Anthropology: 101, 201, 202, 210, 212, 215
Core Humanities: 203
Criminal Justice
Economics: 100, 102, 103
Geography: 106, 200
History: 101, 102, 111, 217, 295
Journalism: 103
Political Science
Psychology (except for PSY 210)
Sociology (except for SOC 210)

U.S. & Nevada Constitution
3-6 units

Must meet both requirements. Choose from:
Core Humanities: 203
History: 111
History: 101 and one of the following:
HIST 102, HIST 217, PSC 100, PSC 208
Political Science: 101, 103
History and Political Science
Combination (History 101 and Political Science 208)