Comprehensive Standard CS P16:

The institution awards degrees only to those students who have earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through instruction offered by that institution.

Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate of Science degree, an Associate of Applied Science degree, and certificates. In order to graduate, a student must complete a minimum of 18 hours, in residence, at CCCCD to satisfy all other degree requirements (Reference 1). The number of credit hours required to earn an associate degree ranges from 60 to 72; therefore, CCCCD meets or exceeds the 25 percent credit hour standard for degrees offered. Students obtaining certificates requiring 18 or fewer hours must complete 15 hours of coursework in residence at CCCCD.

One degree program is listed in the 2003-2004 CCCCD Catalog with more than 72 credit hours. The Associate of Science in Engineering is listed as a 73 credit hour program. Although no CCCCD degree program requires more than 72 credit hours, the Associate of Science in Engineering degree is incorrectly listed in the CCCCD Catalog with 73 credit hours. The program is actually 72 credit hours, and the correction is being made for the next Catalog.

The College verifies residency requirements by using degree audits and online student records. Degree audits are done at the request of the student for verification of hours completed in residency. Online student records indicate the coursework completed at CCCCD and work completed as transfer credit (Reference 2).

Non-traditional and developmental course credit does not meet the 18-hour in-residency requirement.

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