Academic Model

Associate in General Studies (AGS.GEN)

The Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree offers a flexible degree designed for students whose educational goals are best served by an individualized plan of study. The AGS is particularly well suited for adult learners and students with documented prior learning, including work experience, industry training, military service and other forms of experiential learning. The AGS allows students to explore multiple disciplines (transfer or career-technical courses), develop new skills or possibly transfer to a four-year university.

Students will work with the AGS counselor and faculty to develop an individualized plan for meeting the requirements of the degree. The plan will incorporate general education, career-technical coursework, elective study and approved prior learning assessment (PLA) credit where appropriate. The college awards PLA credit in accordance with college policy and faculty review based on demonstrated college-level learning. PLA credit can be captured through portfolio development, life experience credit evaluation, proficiency assessment or independent study. It is not awarded based on experience alone and does not replace required competencies or academic standards. To earn the degree and to meet graduation requirements, students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours at Lake Land College.

The AGS is not designed to meet Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) requirements, and transferability of coursework or PLA credit is determined by the receiving institution. Students who are considering transferring to a four-year institution are encouraged to consult with an advisor prior to selecting the AGS.

Students pursuing the AGS should work closely with their AGS counselor, faculty or division chair to develop and approve an individualized degree plan. Contact the AGS counselor for additional information.

Degree Requirements

General Education Coursework Hours

|Communication 6

|Social/Behavioral Science 3

|Mathematics 3

|Physical/Life Science 3-4

|Humanities/Fine Arts 3

|Additional class from any area above 3

|GENERAL EDUCATION TOTAL 21

Electives Hours

Choose from the following options for the remaining credits needed:

|Baccalaureate or career-technical coursework up to 39

|INS 099 Portfolio Development 2

|Experiential Credit up to 30

|Proficiency Credit up to 30

|Independent Study up to 16

ELECTIVES TOTAL 39

Total Required for Degree 60

Program requirements may change over time. Specific degree/graduation requirements are determined by a degree audit.