The Associate in Liberal Studies (ALS) degree was developed to offer mature students an alternative program if their personal needs and goals cannot be accomplished within the structure of a traditional degree program. Thus, students pursuing this degree option must have clearly defined needs and goals, and these must be of the type that cannot be realized through the more traditional associate degree programs. During the initial interview, ALS advisors determine whether or not the student should be pursuing the degree.
The ALS is generally not intended as a preparation for transfer to a college or university, and in most cases, students intending to complete a baccalaureate degrees should pursue an AA or AS degree. However, with the development of distance learning and “innovative” degree programs, including those in the applied science disciplines, depending on the program of studies and receiving institution, the ALS degree can be more transferable. Additionally, even at more traditional senior institutions, based on the courses included in the ALS degree plan, some or all of the coursework may be accepted as applicable to a bachelor’s degree. Consequently, if you are considering this degree option, early and careful degree planning is strongly recommended.
For the ALS degree, students carefully plan a course of study that will allow them to accomplish their defined educational goals and needs. Courses included within this plan must then be approved by an ALS advisor, and any subsequent variation from it must also have prior approval from that same advisor.
The ALS degree Educational Agreement establishes clearly the student’s educational needs and goals and outlines a precise set of courses that the student must complete for the degree. Both advisor and student must sign this agreement, and it can be modified only with the approval of both.
All students pursuing the ALS degree are assigned specially trained academic advisors who assist them in completing the degree agreement and provide continuing assistance and advisement. Students interested in pursuing the ALS degree or those wanting additional information should contact the Black Hawk College Advising Services Department.
Through its ALS degree, Black Hawk College has been designated as a Servicemen’s Opportunity College (SOC) by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. This designation reflects the College’s commitment, through the ALS degree, to respond to the educational needs of military service personnel.
Military personnel interested in making application for an educational agreement for the ALS degree may obtain information and academic advisement by calling the Black Hawk College Advising Services Department.
Black Hawk College students from Mercer County are benefitting from a new scholarship created by a $150,000 pledge from Cultivate Power, a solar farm development company, and Generate Capital, a sustainable investment and operating company.
Congratulations to the winners in the 2024 BHC Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest!
The 2024 Stampede Auction of Champion Pumpkins at Black Hawk College raised $6,075 for the Kewanee Area United Way. The Oct. 23 event at the East Campus brought generous BHC students, employees, retirees and alumni together to open up their wallets for a good cause.
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