Associate Degree and Certificate Programs

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

70 Sip Ave., 4th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 | 201-360-4010 | academicaffairs@hccc.edu

Hudson County Community College offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs in Business/Accounting, Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management, Computer/Studio Arts, Education, Health Sciences, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Nursing, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and Social Sciences.

According to the Comprehensive State-Wide Transfer Agreement approved by the New Jersey Presidents’ Council (NJTransfer.org), an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree from a New Jersey community college will be fully transferable as the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program at New Jersey public four-year institutions. Additionally, students transferring with an A.A. or A.S. degree will be considered to have completed all lower division General Education requirements. For Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs, HCCC has negotiated articulation agreements to facilitate the transfer of credits from HCCC to participating institutions. Students should discuss transfer opportunities with an advisor.

Certificate Programs are intended to enhance employment opportunities through a carefully structured short-term course sequence in a specialized field. Associate Degree and Certificate programs are listed in alphabetical order on the following pages.

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

The Associate in Arts degree is awarded to students who successfully complete programs which emphasize the liberal arts, humanities, fine and/or performing arts, or other subjects which prepare students for transfer, usually to a Bachelor of Arts program.

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded to students who successfully complete programs which emphasize preparation in the applied arts and sciences for careers, typically at the technical or paraprofessional level.

Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.)

The Associate in Fine Arts is awarded to students who successfully complete the programs which emphasize the foundation of studio art study. Courses introduce and develop an understanding of visual design principles, art history, art theory, and contemporary art, which forms a foundation for transfer to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs at senior institutions. Students develop a portfolio of work that is integral to the transfer process. The program also prepares students for training in entry-level positions.

Associate in Science (A.S.)

The Associate in Science degree is awarded to students who successfully complete programs which emphasize mathematics, the biological sciences, physical sciences, computer sciences, or engineering sciences. An A.S. program prepares students for transfer to bachelor’s degree granting institutions or qualification for entry-level career opportunities.

Academic Certificate

The Academic Certificate (30 credits or more required) is awarded to students who complete an approved course sequence which emphasizes preparation for a career or enhancement of qualifications, usually at the technical or paraprofessional level.

Proficiency Certificate/Certificate of Achievement

The Proficiency Certificate or Certificate of Achievement (fewer than 30 credits) is a short-term program intended to enhance employment opportunities through a carefully structured course sequence in a specialized field.

For a list of associate degree programs and certificates offered by Hudson County Community College, please visit Explore All Programs

Note: Some academic programs, because of their professional nature, have more stringent rules than those outlined in the Academic Catalog. Students should refer to their Program Director or Program Handbook.