Degree Requirements

General Education Statement

General Education is a key part of your college experience at TBCC. These courses are designed to help you build skills you’ll use in your career, your community, and your everyday life.

Through General Education, you will:

• Learn how to think critically and solve problems
• Improve your communication skills
• Understand different cultures, perspectives, and histories
• Build confidence working with numbers, science, and technology
• Explore creative and artistic ideas
• Develop a stronger understanding of yourself and the world around you

Already Have a Degree?

If you already earned a degree (AA, AS, BS, or higher) from a regionally accredited college or university, your General Education requirements may be waived.

• Some programs (especially applied science degrees or certificates) may still require specific courses
• A Success Coach can help you understand what still applies to your program

3-Credit vs. 4-Credit Courses

In many cases, if your program requires a specific lower-division course, a 3-credit version of that course may count in place of a 4-credit version.

If you’re unsure, check with your advisor or Success Coach.

Experimental Courses

Courses numbered 99, 199, or 299 are considered experimental.

• These may count toward graduation at TBCC
• They may not transfer to other colleges or universities

Prerequisites (Before You Take a Course)

Some courses require you to complete another course or have certain skills before enrolling. These are called prerequisites.

If a course has a prerequisite, it will be clearly listed:

• In the course description, and/or
• In your degree or certificate map

What This Means for You

• Not every course has prerequisites
• If one is required, you’ll need to complete it (or an equivalent) before enrolling
• In some cases, instructors may allow exceptions

If you’re unsure whether you meet a prerequisite, your Success Coach or advisor can help you figure it out and plan your next steps.

Degrees & Majors

You’ll choose a major when you apply to TBCC—but it’s okay if that changes.

• You can update your major during registration before each term
• Your major can affect financial aid and graduation requirements
• You can change your program in your student portal (MyTBCC)

We recommend meeting with a Success Coach or advisor if you’re unsure or thinking about changing your path.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an associate degree:

• You must complete at least 90 credits
• Courses must be numbered 100 or higher
• At least 30 credits must be completed at TBCC

Catalog (Why the Year Matters)

TBCC updates its catalog every academic year (summer through spring).

The catalog from the year you start is called your catalog rights—it determines your degree requirements.

Important Things to Know

• If you stay continuously enrolled, you can follow your original catalog
• If you take time off, you may need to follow a newer catalog
• If you change your major, your catalog updates to the current year

Catalogs are generally valid for six years, though some programs may have shorter limits.

Graduating & Final Steps

To graduate:

1. Complete all your program requirements
2. Apply for graduation
3. Make sure any outstanding balances are paid

Graduation Ceremony

• Held at the end of Spring term
• Students graduating during the academic year can participate

Diplomas

• Mailed 8–10 weeks after your degree is awarded
• Sent to your address on file

Career Pathway Certificates

Some programs offer Career Pathway Certificates along the way to a degree.

• Typically 12–44 credits
• Require at least a 2.0 GPA
• Can count toward an Associate of Applied Science degree

One-Year Certificates

To earn a one-year certificate:

• Complete at least 12 credits at TBCC
• At least 9 credits must apply to your certificate
• Up to 12 credits of Pass (P) may count
• Up to 12 credits of Cooperative Education may count
• Up to 9 credits of experimental courses (199/299) may count

Use your degree or certificate map to plan your courses, and meet with a Success Coach to stay on track and aligned with your goals