Program Requirements & Graduation

Course Substitutions

On a limited basis, students may request course substitutions in their programs of study. Course substitution is defined as “the replacement of one course with another.” Courses considered to be a higher level course in the subject matter as detemined by the program chair will not be considered a course substitution and will not be counted toward credit substitution maximum. Course substitutions will be allowed only:

• In clearly warranted situations, such as a scheduling conflict beyond the student’s control.
• When the student clearly demonstrates knowledge/competency in the subject area for which the substitution is requested and when such knowledge/competency is accurately assessed through measures such as testing, documentation of prior coursework, or certification.
• When the substituted course reflects similar or complementary content/skills.
• As a reasonable accommodation for a student with a disability. (See the procedure titled Reasonable Accommodations for Applicants for Admission and Students with Disabilities .)

Noncore courses may not be substituted for courses designated as core requirements for a particular academic award. Adjunct courses may not be used to meet degree requirements other than electives. In programs equal to or exceeding 24 semester credit hours, no more than one-sixth (1/6) of the total number of credits required for graduation may be substituted. In programs of fewer than 24 semester credit hours, only one course of up to four semester credit hours may be substituted.

Students who wish to request a course substitution should contact the program chairperson in their area of study.

Degrees Awarded

DMACC awards the Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Applied Science (AAS) and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees plus Diplomas, an Advanced Standing Diploma and Certificates of Specialization. Course availability varies by campus.

Degrees

The requirements for the AA, AS, AAS, AGS degree, the Diploma, the Advanced Standing Diploma and the Certificate listed below represent the minimum content and grade point averages required in any program offering these degrees at Des Moines Area Community College. Specific programs may and often do require additional coursework. Students must refer to the programs of study, which are approved by the State Department of Education and published in this college catalog. For specific programs, see the program section  for course and grade point average requirements.

Associate in Arts Degree (AA) 

To receive an AA degree , students must:

1. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average on all work applicable for the AA degree.
2. Earn at Des Moines Area Community College a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the degree being pursued. No more than 43 transfer semester credit hours may be applied toward the degree.
3. Complete a minimum of 64 semester credit hours.
4. Include at least 46 semester credit hours of core courses.

*Courses with a grade of “C” or better, taken to fulfill the Diversity Requirement, may be “double counted” in any of the categories above.

5. Include at least 18 semester credit hours of elective credit.
   1. Students may include no more than 16 semester credit hours of vocational/ technical credit.
   2. Students may have up to 8 semester credit hours of independent study courses; a limit of 4 semester credit hours of independent study may be earned in any single semester.

For specific programs, see program section  for program requirements and course listing.

Associate in Science Degree (AS) 

To receive an AS degree , students must:

1. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average on all work applicable for the AS degree.
2. Earn at Des Moines Area Community College a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the degree being pursued. No more than 43 transfer semester credit hours may be applied toward the degree.
3. Complete a minimum of 64 semester credit hours.
4. Include at least 48 semester credit hours of core courses.

*Courses with a grade of “C” or better, taken to fulfill the Diversity Requirement, may be “double counted” in any of the categories above.

5. Include at least 16 semester credit hours of elective credit.
   1. Students may include no more than 16 semester credit hours of vocational/ technical credit.
   2. Students may have up to 8 semester credit hours of independent study courses; up to 4 semester credit hours of independent study may be earned in any single semester.

For specific programs, see program section  for program requirements and course listing.

Associate in General Studies Degree (AGS)

To receive an AGS degree, students must:

1. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average on all work applicable for the AGS degree.
2. Earn at Des Moines Area Community College a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the degree being pursued at DMACC. No more than 43 transfer semester credit hours may be applied toward the degree.
3. Complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours at DMACC after the effective date of the AGS degree (January 1, 1992).
4. Complete a minimum of 64 semester credit hours.
5. Complete the following AGS degree requirements:

6. Electives - 51 credits

Students may include no more than 8 semester credit hours of Independent Study courses; no more than 4 semester credits of Independent Study may be earned in any single semester.

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)  

Programs of study that lead to an Associate in Applied Science degree include specific courses required for the degree in addition to the AAS degree education requirements listed below. Refer to individual AAS programs of study in this catalog to learn the courses required in addition to these general requirements. Students must complete a specific program in order to receive the AAS degree.

To receive an AAS degree , students must:

1. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average on all work applicable for the AAS degree.
2. Earn at Des Moines Area Community College a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the degree being pursued at DMACC. No more than 43 transfer semester credit hours may be applied toward the degree.
3. Complete all required courses in a particular program of study. (Minimum of 64 semester credit hours.)
4. Satisfy the following AAS degree requirements:

Diploma

To receive a diploma, students must:

1. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average on all work applicable for the diploma.
2. Earn at DMACC a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the degree being pursued.
3. Complete all required courses in a particular program of study. (Minimum of 30 semester credit hours.)
4. Complete the following general requirements:
   • One Communications course
   • One Social & Behavioral Science or Humanities course
   • One Math or Science course

Course options for the above general requirements are listed in specific programs of study.

Advanced Standing Diploma

To receive an advanced standing diploma, students must:

1. Prior to entry into the program, complete
   • An associate degree or at least 64 semester credits of college-level coursework from an accredited institution of higher education.
   • One Communications Core course
   • One Social & Behavioral Science or Humanities Core course
   • One Math or Science Core course
2. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average in all work applicable to the advanced standing diploma.
3. Earn at DMACC a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the advanced standing diploma being pursued.
4. Complete a minimum of one general education course as part of the program of study.
5. Complete all required courses in the particular program of study, which will include a minimum of 30 semester credit hours.

Certificate of Specialization

To receive a certificate, students must:

1. Maintain a 2.00 grade point average on all work applicable for the certificate.
2. Earn at DMACC a minimum of 1/3 of the semester credit hours applicable to the certificate being pursued.
3. Complete the number of semester credit hours required in a particular program of study.
4. Complete all required courses in a particular program of study.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of completion is issued to signify that a student has satisfactorily completed a program of instruction other than those listed above. Certificates are normally issued to students at the completion of a specific short-semester program of study offered through the Continuing Education Department or the Transportation Institute.

Programs of Study

Instruction is offered in a variety of courses and programs to meet the diverse needs of DMACC students. Students may engage in areas of study that emphasize:

Liberal Arts

• General Education curriculum is designed for students intending to transfer to a four-year institution. Students may also take these courses for enrichment or with the intent of concluding their education with an associate degree.
• Paraprofessional curriculum prepares students for employment in a variety of public service fields. Students may also transfer to a four-year institution.
• Preprofessional curriculum provides the recommended courses for the first two years of study in various professions.

Vocational Career Education

• Vocational/Technical programs are designed to teach the essential skills and operational theory needed to ensure occupational competency. Vocational/ Technical programs are designed to fulfill the employment needs of the community.

Continuing Education

• Continuing Education is designed for vocational training, professional advancement, personal enrichment, or just the pleasure of learning. Classes, workshops and seminars are designed for those to whom academic credit is not required.

Pre-College Programs of Study

• College Preparatory courses are designed to aid students whose educational background requires strengthening to achieve success in regular college-level courses.
• Adult Basic Education (ABE) is designed to provide individualized instruction to adults who need development or review of basic reading, language or mathematical skills. ABE services are provided to adults who are seeking high school completion, vocational advancement, further training, English as a Second Language and general improvement of everyday living skills. Classes are offered in many locations throughout the College District.
• The Adult High School Diploma program is designed for adult students seeking a high school diploma. Courses required of all students enrolled in the program are:
  • Two credits in American History
  • One credit in American Government
  • Three credits in Mathematics
  • Two credits in Science
  • Six credits in English
  • 18 credits of elective courses to meet the minimum requirement of 32 credits.
  • Iowa High School Equivalency diploma is awarded by the State of Iowa through the Iowa Department of Education. Eligible adults may earn this Diploma by achieving passing scores on the High School Equivalency test (HiSET) administered by the College.

DMACC Collegewide Outcomes.

To prepare students for 21st century challenges, the college commits to teaching and assessing the following outcomes:

Essential Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1: Discipline Knowledge

Students will be able to understand and apply discipline knowledge foundational to study within a single course or an entire program.

Outcome 2: Critical Thinking

Students will be able to analyze complex information, support arguments with credible evidence, and reach well-reasoned conclusions.

Outcome 3: Communication Skills

Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within the appropriate context.  

Outcome 4: Problem-Solving

Students will be able to define, identify, and analyze problems before applying a successful solution.

Outcome 5: Collaboration

Students will be able to apply the skills and attitudes necessary for effective teamwork, including interpersonal communication, project management, and leadership.

Essential Development Outcomes

Outcome 6: Personal Development

Students will understand and develop an integrated personal identity, sense of self, and code of ethics and values.

Outcome 7: Interpersonal Competence

Students will engage in positive group interactions and relationships as well as demonstrate an understanding of leadership principles.

Outcome 8: Humanitarianism and Civic Engagement

Students will demonstrate a commitment to supporting community, global, and social responsibilities that create safe, equitable, and thriving environments.

Outcome 9: Practical Competence

Students will understand and perform cognitive and practical skills that will enable healthy, productive, and purposeful lives.

Graduation Honors

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is a national scholastic honor society for students at two-year colleges. There are chapters on all DMACC campuses. Membership may be conferred upon students who have completed at least 12 semester hours of coursework with a 3.50 grade point average in courses that apply toward a two-year associate degree program. In addition, potential members must have high moral character and desirable qualities of citizenship and leadership. Interested students should contact the Phi Theta Kappa advisor at their campus for details about their campus chapter.

Graduation with Program Honors

Candidates for graduation who earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 in coursework applicable to their program of study will graduate with program honors.

Graduation Requirements

Students must satisfy the requirements in effect at time of enrollment in their program or the requirements in effect at the time of graduation.

If program requirements are not satisfied within five years of the first semester of enrollment in their program of study, students can no longer use those requirements and must instead complete the program requirements effective at the time of their graduation.

All requirements of the chosen program must be satisfied, although adjustments may be made where program curriculum has changed and courses are no longer available. It is the responsibility of the students to know and to observe the requirements of their curriculum and the rules governing academic work.

Degree Audit

Students are encouraged to review their degree audit (DegreeWorks) on a regular basis to assist with their course scheduling and their planned graduation date.  Program degree audit reports are available via DMACC’s Student Portal/DegreeWorks.

Application for Graduation

Candidates for graduation must complete applications for graduation in order to receive their academic awards. Students who do not complete requirements for graduation in the semester for which they applied must submit new applications. Students who plan to participate in one of the annual commencement ceremonies indicate their intent on the application for graduation. There is no graduation fee. Students who plan to receive more than one associate degree, diploma or certificate need to complete a graduation application for each program.

Candidates for graduation should submit their applications to the credentials/graduation office, using the online application by the following dates:

Commencement Ceremonies

Students who graduate at the end of Fall, Spring or Summer terms are invited to participate in the annual commencement ceremonies in May. Participation in commencement ceremonies is free.

Ankeny, Newton, Urban and West campuses have a combined commencement ceremony. The Boone and Carroll campuses have individual ceremonies.

Diplomas and Academic Awards

Diplomas are mailed to students approximately six weeks after final grades are posted. Students seeking degree verification may request a copy of their transcripts showing the degree and date awarded from the Academic Records. Transcripts may be ordered prior to the end of the semester to be sent once grades and graduation status are finalized. There is no charge for transcripts unless special services are requested. There is a fee to have transcripts emailed from the National Student Clearinghouse.

Honors Program

Beginning Fall 2012, Des Moines Area Community College began offering to high-achieving, motivated students, an opportunity to graduate with honors. Honors courses are designed to prepare students to enter the work force with a competitive edge or transfer to honors programs at four-year colleges and universities.

Students who have completed one college-level English and one college-level math class (or are currently enrolled in them), will have completed a minimum of nine (9) college credits and fewer than fifty (50) credits at the end of the semester prior to application with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, are eligible for the program. Students entering from high school need a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher and an ACT composite score of 26 or higher.

Besides receiving Honors credits on transfer transcripts, enjoying the benefits of an Honors Lounge on each campus, and attending stimulating events, students will be eligible for up to $1,000 in merit scholarships each semester they remain in the program. Applications are available on the Honors website.

Transfer Information

DMACC offers the first two years of most baccalaureate degree programs. Students can attend DMACC for their first two years and earn an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree.

Articulation agreements and major transfer plans have been developed to assist students in transferring. Four-year colleges and universities vary in the required number and nature of preprofessional and general education courses that should be completed at DMACC.

The information included in the AA degree will change as four-year colleges/universities change their degree requirements, so students should contact the admissions office at the four-year institution they expect to attend as soon as possible after beginning at DMACC. Because other colleges can change their requirements, articulation agreements and transfer plans cannot be considered an agreement or contract between students and DMACC or its staff.

Transfer plans are available for some vocational programs to selected colleges and DMACC partners with other institutions.

The advisors and counselors at each DMACC campus are available to work with students in planning their programs and assisting them in making decisions for a successful transfer. The following information is available for students:

• Transfer Plans for different majors at various colleges/universities 
• General articulation agreements between DMACC and colleges/universities 
• College/university catalogs 
• Admission applications for some colleges/universities 
• Dates of visits from college/university admission representatives
• Transfer scholarship information
• Admissions Partnership Programs (APP)

For more detailed information and program requirements, contact any DMACC counselor or advisor.