Transfer Plans
Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education Transfer Policy
“All campuses of the Montana University System will recognize the integrity of general education programs offered by the units of the Montana University System and the three publicly supported community colleges in Montana. Undergraduate students who have completed an approved general education program of between 30-45 lower division credit hours at one of the institutions noted above and who transfer to another of those institutions will be deemed to have met the lower division general education requirements of the campus to which the students have transferred.” ( Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education Policy and Procedures Manual. 301.10).
Dawson Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; therefore, credits earned in college-level classes are generally transferable for equivalent courses.
Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) Transfer Degrees
AA/AS Degree Requirements
- 34 credit hours of General Education Core courses.
- 9 credits from AA or AS disciplines
- 60 credit hours in courses numbered 100 or above
- 2.00 GPA
- 20 credit hours taught by DCC instructors
- All AA/AS Transfer Degrees require the following:
- CA109 Software Applications
- CM110 Information Literacy
- EN101 Composition I
- A concentration of 9 credits beyond the General Ed Core requirements (from the following disciplines) designates an AA degree:
- Art, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Communications, Economics, Education, English, Foreign language, Geography, History, Humanities, Human Services, Music, Native American Studies, Physical Education, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, Theater Arts.
AA/AS degrees are granted without a designated major. Students may follow the curriculum suggested in one of the areas of emphasis below.
If a student wishes to earn an additional Associate Degree he/she must take an additional 15 credits. Nine of these 15 must be taken from the AA/AS emphasis of the second degree.
Transfer Plans
The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science are transfer degrees that are awarded without designation of major, but do follow curriculum transfer plans. These degrees indicate that a student has completed a course of study that is essentially equivalent to the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. Usually, the AA degree is the best choice for students majoring in humanities, liberal arts or the social sciences; the AS degree is usually the best option for students majoring in math, science, engineering or business.
Students who are seeking an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree must complete the general education core requirements and transfer credits to fulfill the 60 credits needed for the degree. Suggested courses for transfer plans are outlined on the pages following the general education core requirements.
Curriculum transfer plans are available which help a student complete course requirements towards higher education degrees (BA/BS) in the following areas:
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The courses listed in this section of the catalog are suggested for their high potential to transfer. Students who are planning to transfer should obtain a catalog from the university they want to attend. They should then work with a DCC advisor to assure that the proper classes are being taken. Together, the student and advisor will select courses that will fit into the program at the transfer institution.
In all instances, students considering a specific transfer area should follow the steps listed below:
- Determine as soon as possible the school to which one wishes to transfer and obtain a catalog from that school.
- Study the entrance requirements for the school and find the specific course requirements for freshmen and sophomores in the major field of interest.
- Upon being assigned a DCC faculty advisor, meet with him/her to determine the DCC and senior institution requirements.
- Confer, either by letter or by personal interview, with an admissions officer or department chair of the university program for further information about curriculum and transfer regulations.
- A semester before the transfer, check with the senior institution to confirm that all requirements have been satisfactorily met.
- Check with the senior institution for specific directions regarding where to send the DCC transcript, how to apply for admission, and if there are any special requirements such as minimum GPA or special tests which could be a part of their entrance requirements.
General Education Common Core Requirements
The purpose of General Education Core courses is to ensure a broad based general education to all Dawson Community College students regardless of their area of study.
The goals of the General Education Core are to provide students with the opportunity to develop their creative and intellectual potential. Therefore, Core courses will require students to do the following:
- Think, speak, and write effectively, and evaluate the oral and written expression of others.
- Exercise and expand intellectual curiosity.
- Think across areas of specialization and integrate ideas from a variety of academic disciplines and applied fields.
- Develop a critical appreciation of the ways in which we gain and apply knowledge and understanding of the universe, of society, and of ourselves.
- Understand the experimental methods of the sciences as well as the creative approaches of the arts.
- Develop an appreciation of other cultures as well as an understanding of global issues.
Montana University System General Education Core criteria in addition to Dawson Community College faculty review were used as guidelines in determining the core requirements listed below. Please note in some cases an individual course may transfer to one school, but not another.
Both the AA and AS degrees utilize a common core, this means that the general education requirements are the same for both degrees. No course may be used to satisfy the requirement for more than one core. Courses taken in addition to the common core will determine whether the degree will be an AA or an AS.
A concentration of nine credits beyond the General Education Core requirements (from the following disciplines) will designate an AA degree:
- Art Humanities
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Human Services
- Communications Journalism
- Economics Native American Studies
- Education Physical Education
- English Psychology
- Foreign Language Political Science
- Geography Sociology
- History Theater Arts
A concentration of nine credits beyond the General Education Core requirements (from the following disciplines) will designate an AS degree:
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Core I - Communications - 6 credit hours
The Communications core supports the student achievement of junior level
transfer to a university. It also provides a vital component of the
occupational skills curriculum and promotes life-long learning opportunities.
Students are provided with knowledge and skills that will aid in the
accomplishment of life goals.
The student will be able to accomplish one or more of the following:
- Write clear, accurate sentences and paragraphs in standard American English;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of grammar and mechanics by completing class exercises, passing tests, and improving usage in written assignments;
- Write extended papers which effectively develop and support theses, tell stories, describe events, and/or express feelings, insights and personal values;
- Identify and incorporate research materials into informative and analytical writing;
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in written form through the types of writing most common in the student’s chosen career area;
- Give a speech;
- Demonstrate skillful interaction;
- Demonstrate the ability work within and present as a member of a group;
- Demonstrate effective listening skills;
- Critique other speakers.
Sub-100 classes are intended to help students achieve a level of knowledge and skill that will help insure successful performance in higher level courses. These courses cannot be used for graduation as Math or English requirements.
Graduation Requirements (AA/AS Degrees)
- Three credits in EN101 Composition I
- Select three credits from the following:
- - EN102 Composition II
- - CM101 Public Speaking
- - EN201 Composition III
Core II - Fine Arts and Humanities – 6 credit hours
The Fine Arts and Humanities core aids in the preparation of transfer students to achieve junior level status at a university. The curriculum explores those components of a liberal arts education related to literature, visual arts, music and philosophy. Parallel theory and performance courses provide a complete experience within these vital components of higher education.
These courses also enhance occupational programs, provide and promote lifelong learning, and achieve basic knowledge of the creative endeavors of man.
The student will be able to accomplish one or more of the following:
- Demonstrate skills in practice of a fine art such as Visual Art, Performing Art, or Literary Art;
- Describe the basic elements and practices of a fine art during the important eras of its development;
- Make informed judgments concerning the aesthetic, entertainment, and intellectual value of a work in an area of fine art that the student has studied;
- Recognize contributions of literature, music, theatre, or visual art in the development of insight into human capabilities, dilemmas, and aspirations;
- Develop an aspiration and appreciation for the creative process in developing concepts in a fine art work;
- Discuss great works of literature, drama, or visual art which have decisively influenced or been influenced by the course of history;
- Describe and critically assess prominent theories about the nature of reality, the qualities of a good life, and the ways in which life may be meaningful;
- Be able to compare the beliefs of different cultures by the study of literature, music, and visual art;
- Articulate a tentative personal philosophy of life arrived at after reflection upon the way family and culture have shaped one’s beliefs, upon important personal experiences, and upon the most winsome models or theories of human behavior one has encountered.
Select one course from each Category.
Category I: Production/Performance
- AR101 Foundations of Art MU112 Choir
- AR161 Intro to Drawing I MU212 Choir
- AR162 Intro to Drawing II MU113 Choir
- AR271 Intro to Oil/Acrylic Painting I MU213 Choir
- AR272 Intro to Oil/Acrylic Painting II MU164 Guitar in Class
- AR273 Intro to Watercolor I MU264 Guitar in Class
- AR274 Intro to Watercolor II MU165 Guitar in Class
- EN226 Creative Writing MU265 Guitar in Class
- MU102 Foundations of Music MU166 Piano in Class
- MU110 Chamber Ensemble MU266 Piano in Class
- MU210 Chamber Ensemble MU167 Piano in Class
- MU111 Chamber Ensemble MU267 Piano in Class
- MU211 Chamber Ensemble MU168 Voice in Class
- MU114 Jazz/Pep Band MU268 Voice in Class
- MU214 Jazz/Pep Band MU169 Voice in Class
- MU115 Jazz/Pep Band MU269 Voice in Class
- MU215 Jazz/Pep Band TA141 Theater Experience
- MU116 Community Choir TA241 Theater Experience
- MU216 Community Choir TA142 Theater Experience
- MU117 Community Choir TA242 Theater Experience
- MU217 Community Choir
Category II: Appreciation/Theory
- AR101 Foundations of Art EN232 Survey English Lit: 1800/Present
- AR150 Art Appreciation HU201 Humanities I
- AR213 Art History I HU202 Humanities II
- AR214 Art History II HU250 Humanities in Eastern World
- EN216 Introduction to Literature MU101 Music Appreciation
- EN220 Mythology MU175 History Pop Music in America
- EN221 American Lit: Colonial Period-Civil War
- PL111 Introduction to Philosophy
- EN222 American Lit: Civil War-Present PL112 Ethics
- EN231Survey of English Lit: 1300-1800 TA101 Introduction to Theater
Core III - Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 credit hours
Students will study people, movements, institutions, and forces which have played a major role in our past. This knowledge is essential to an understanding of the present and contemplation for the future. The perspectives and methods of the social sciences provide a basic foundation for understanding, evaluating, and decision-making related to the human phenomena and the human experience. These courses support transfer to senior institutions, they also supplement the occupational program curricula and lifelong learning.
The student will be able to accomplish one or more of the following:
- Describe the diversity of purpose, focus, and methodology used among the social sciences;
- Discuss the role and impact of major social institutions on the daily existence of individuals;
- Analyze how institutions and traditions develop, evolve, and shape the lives of individuals;
- Gather information, analyze data, and draw conclusions in selected areas of the social sciences;
- Synthesize ideas and information with regard to historical causes, the course of events, and their consequences;
- Analyze human behavior, ideas, and institutions for historical and cultural meaning and significance;
- Describe the nature, structure, and historical development of human organization and/or relationships.
Select courses from the following (two different disciplines must be represented):
- AN101 Introduction to Anthropology NA101 Intro Native Am Studies
- EC262 Principles of Microeconomics PS201 National Government
- EC263 Principles of Macroeconomics PS202 State and Local Government
- GE120 World Regional Geography PY103 General Psychology
- HI101 U.S. History to 1877 PY203 Developmental Psychology
- HI102 U.S. History from 1877-Present SO103 Principles of Sociology
- HI131 Western Civilization to 1600 SO220 Social Problems
- HI132 Western Civilization 1600-Present
Core IV - Natural Sciences - 7 credit hours
The natural science core provides the student with the fundamental concepts of physical and biological sciences. These will be broad-based courses that introduce a student to the field of science. Students must take at least one designated laboratory course selected from physics, chemistry, geography, geology, or biology to provide direct experience with scientific inquiry.
The goals of the natural science core curriculum are to enable the student to:
- Define the fundamental concepts of modern science through courses in the natural sciences;
- Successfully continue their education in scientifically oriented fields at senior institutions;
- Gather empirical data through scientific experimentation and analyze this data to make predictions about the natural world;
- Demonstrate how the scientific method is used to develop scientific knowledge.
Select courses from the list below:
Courses with labs:
- BI101 General Biology I CH122 College Chemistry II
- BI111General Biology I Lab CH132 College Chemistry II Lab
- BI102General Biology II GE103 Physical Geography
- BI112General Biology II Lab GE113 Physical Geography Lab
- BI103Survey of Biology GL104 Physical Geology
- BI113Survey of Biology Lab GL114 Physical Geology Lab
- BI108General Botany PH227 Gen Engineering Physics I
- BI118General Botany Lab PH237 Gen Eng Physics I Lab
- CH108 General Chemistry PH228 Gen Engineering Physics II
- CH118 General Chemistry Lab PH238 Gen Eng Physics II Lab
- CH109 Organic and Biochemistry
- CH119 Organic and Biochemistry Lab
- CH121 College Chemistry I
- CH131 College Chemistry I Lab
Courses without labs:
- SC105 Our Physical World
- SC209 Conservation Ecology
Core V - Mathematics and Computer Applications – 6 credit hours (3 MA/3 CA)
The mathematics component of the core will provide the student with the classic mathematical concepts and the ability to reason mathematically. This will include classes that prepare the student for transfer to a senior institution, as well as introductory classes to prepare students for college level classes and/or a certificate program. As a minimum, each course approved in this discipline area includes intermediate algebra (MA100) as a prerequisite.
The computer applications core requirement supports the needs of all students to be computer literate in our technological world. The curriculum supports the requirements of transfer students, occupational students and the community for lifelong learning. Information retrieval, communications, and e-commerce require that the mission of the college support the basic need for knowledge and skills in computer applications.
Sub-100 classes are intended to help students achieve a level of knowledge and skill that will help insure successful performance in higher level courses. These courses cannot be used for graduation as Math or English requirements.
The goal of the mathematics and computer applications core curriculum is to enable the student to:
- Develop comprehension of elementary quantitative concepts;
- Develop quantitative reasoning skills;
- Develop an ability to evaluate and apply quantitative information;
- Create, edit, format, save, and print documents in common software applications;
- Use Internet tools to research and communicate electronically.
Select courses from the list below:
- MA103 College Algebra MA120 Precalculus
- MA105 Math for Liberal Arts MA141 Calculus I
- MA116 Elementary Statistics MA142 Calculus II
- MA117 Math Elementary Teachers Computer Course
- MA118 Math Elementary Teachers CA109 Software Applications
Core VI - Multicultural/Global Perspective – 3 credit hours
Graduates of Dawson Community College face an ever changing and increasingly complex world. An understanding of and sensitivity to other cultural perspectives prepares them to function in the global community. Multicultural courses focus on cultures that differ substantially from the dominant U.S. culture and/or western European influences. The values and belief systems of these cultures are explored and interaction among cultures is examined. Multicultural global perspective courses address ethical, economic, religious, and political relationships among interacting cultures.
- Describe various belief systems as to their significance in shaping culture’s values and norms.
- Discuss ethnocentrism and how it impacts cross-cultural communication.
- Describe the significance of the core areas of ancient civilizations; to include China, India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Americas.
- Analyze the structural relationship in multicultural societies with regard to power and influence.
Select courses from the list below:
- AN101 Introduction to Anthropology HU250 Humanities in Eastern World
- EN220 Mythology MU102 Foundations of Music
- FL117 Elementary Spanish I NA101 Intro to Native Am Studies
- FL118 Elementary Spanish II NA220 North Am Plains Indians
- GE120 World Regional Geography SO235 Race and Ethnic Relations
- HI202 World Religions and Society