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  3. Selecting a Major
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Selecting a Major

A major is the specific A.S. degree, A.A.S. degree, diploma, or certificate for the program in which a student is enrolled. Students typically declare a major during the admissions process, or by submitting a Change of Major eForm after being admitted to the college. HTC grants some or all awards listed below in each program of study. Awards are conferred upon successful completion of all requirements for their declared major. 

Students who have questions about their major selection or changing their major should meet with a Student Success Advisor for assistance. Those who are undecided may wish to meet with one of HTC's Career Counselors who can help them research different career options and ultimately find the program that best prepares them for the career they choose.

Degrees

  • Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
    A.S. degrees prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate program in a related scientific, technical, or professional field.  An A.S. degree may also be designed to prepare students for employment.  General education courses are selected from at least six of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.  A.S. degrees have a credit range of 60-64 credits.  Hennepin Technical College offers Associate in Science degrees in selected majors.  A.S. degrees are awarded to students upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements.
     
  • Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
    A.A.S. degrees prepare students for positions in specific occupational areas that typically require two years of education with a general education component.  A.A.S. degrees have a credit range from 60-72 credits.  Hennepin Technical College offers Associate in Applied Science Degrees in selected majors.  A.A.S. degrees are awarded to students upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements.

Diplomas

  • Diplomas prepare students for positions that typically require one to two years of education with general education included.  Diplomas have a credit range from 31-72 credits.  Diplomas are awarded to students upon satisfactory completion of all diploma requirements.

Certificates

  • Advanced Technical Certificate
    Advanced Technical Certificates prepare students for career advancement and enhancement opportunities that require less than one year of education.  These certificates require previous related work experience or graduation from a related program of study.  Advanced Technical Certificates have a credit range from 9-30 credits.
     
  • Occupational Certificate
    Occupational Certificates prepare students for positions that require less than one year of education.  Occupational Certificates have a credit range from 9-30 credits.

Non-Degree Seeking

  • Students who are not seeking an A.S. degree, A.A.S. degree, diploma, or certificate but wish to take courses may do so by registering as a visiting student.  All students are responsible for meeting the course requirements.
  • Students who do not complete placement testing prior to enrolling in courses may be required to do so after attempting four credits.
  • Non-degree seeking students who later wish to declare a major must apply to the college if they have not already done so.  Admitted students must submit a Change of Major eForm in order to declare or change their major.

Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.