Programs of Study

General Education and Concentrations

Chatfield’s educational program includes two main parts: general education requirements and concentration requirements. General education requirements include courses from a range of subjects – some are specified, most are electives (courses chosen by the student) – to promote a broad knowledge base grounded in the humanities and appropriate for all students. Concentration requirements enable students to begin to focus, or concentrate, on specific professional options. Some concentration courses may also satisfy general education requirements. In these cases, students do not earn double course credits, but they do satisfy double requirements, thereby creating more time for elective courses. Electives allow students to explore other personal interests. The total number of semester credit hours required for the Associate of Arts degree is 64.

Concentrations

In addition to the General Education Core Requirements, students may select a concentration in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or Business. In some cases, courses may apply toward both the general education core and the requirements for the individual concentrations. Students may also choose to not have a concentration and pursue a more general course of studies in Liberal Arts. Only the Liberal Arts course of study is offered at the Cincinnati Campus. This general course of study prepares students for a wide range of four-year programs. Students must complete 64 hours in disciplines offered by Chatfield, including 39 credit hours of general education core requirements.

Core Requirements

In pursuing the 64 semester credit hours required for the Associate of Arts degree, the student must complete 39 semester credit hours of general education core courses.

Students must demonstrate basic proficiency in writing skills as a prerequisite for English Composition. Certain courses are writing intensive and are designated by a “W” following the course number on the schedule and student’s transcript. There is also a placement test to determine the appropriate mathematics course for each student. Students who are weak in English, reading, or mathematics will be placed in an appropriate level course. Students will not be denied admission due to low placement test scores.