Program Details
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Associate of ArtsMountain Empire Community College
The Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program. The courses in this program are specifically selected for ease of transfer to most four-year colleges and universities. Following the prescribed coursework in this program will result in graduation with the Associate of Arts (AA). Students should consult with their advisors to ensure that they select general electives that best prepare them for the specific requirements of their intended transfer college or university programs of study.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Written Communication: Express themselves effectively in a variety of written forms.
2. Civic Engagement: Demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.
3. Critical Thinking: Locate, evaluate, interpret, and combine information to reach well-reasoned conclusions or solutions.
4. Quantitative Literacy: Calculate, interpret, and use numerical and quantitative information in a variety of setting.
5. Professional Readiness: Demonstrates skills important for successful transition into the workplace and/or pursuit of further education.
6. Scientific Literacy: Recognize and know how to use the scientific method, and to evaluate empirical information.
7. Information Literacy: Ability to determine the nature and extent of the information needed; access needed information effectively and efficiently; evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students must meet the requirements for admission established by the college. Depending on specific circumstances, students may need to complete developmental coursework as they begin this course of study. Students are encouraged to check the mathematics requirements of the four-year college or university to which they plan to transfer to determine the appropriate courses to be taken at MECC, as well as to determine the transferability of electives. MECC strongly recommends consulting with an academic advisor at the college in planning their program and selecting courses. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Requirements of four-year institutions may vary. Students should consult an academic advisor to select courses that will satisfy baccalaureate major requirements. In addition, they should confirm with the college or university to which they plan to transfer that they will receive credit at the four-year institution
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1 |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate in Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Visual Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Art in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Art in Liberal Arts-Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts-Visual Communication Design Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Hybrid |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts - Appalachian Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Art Degree in Liberal Arts Major in Art | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts - Major in Theatre | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Major in Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Richard Bland College | Associate of Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Conflict Analysis and Resolution, BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | Hybrid |
| George Mason University | Art History, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Anthropology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Communication, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Economics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | English, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Foreign Languages, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Global Affairs, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Human Development and Family Science, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| George Mason University | History, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Integrative Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Philosophy, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Psychology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Religious Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Russian and Eurasian Studies, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Sociology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| George Mason University | Creative Writing, BFA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Government and International Politics, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | International Security and Law, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Radford University | BA in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BFA in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Fine Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BBA in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Business Administration | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Foreign Languages | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Foreign Languages | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Media Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Media Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BM in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Music | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Music | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Philosophy and Religious Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Arabic | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in Art | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Classical Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in English in Creative Writing | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in English | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Human Development in Early Childhood Development and Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Human Development | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in English in English | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in English | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Education-Secondary Educ in English Language Arts Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Public & Urban Affairs in Environmental Policy and Planning | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Public and Urban Affairs | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in French | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in German | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in History | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Education-Secondary Educ in History and Social Sciences Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Education in Secondary Education | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BS in Human Development in Human Development | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Human Development | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Religion and Culture in Humanities for Public Service | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Philosophy in Philosophy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Philosophy in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Religion and Culture in Religion and Culture | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Russian | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | BA in Public & Urban Affairs in Smart and Sustainable Cities | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Public and Urban Affairs | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in FL in Spanish | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Bachelor of Arts in English in Technical and Scientific Communication | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts in English | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Elementary Education | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Art History Major, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Major, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: English Major, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: International Studies Major, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Deaf Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Theatre Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts, Communication Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete

