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A "four year degree" is commonly called a bachelor's degree and IS NOT available at Clark. Clark is a community college and offers both academic coursework for a student's freshman and sophomore levels and vocational/technical programs.

Clark College offers a selection of transfer courses which satisfy the lower division requirements of four-year institutions in Washington and Oregon. Students are advised to consult the current catalogs of the institutions to which they wish to transfer and to carefully consult with program advisors at both Clark College and the transfer college.

If you are planning to transfer to WSU Vancouver or Eastern Washingtion University, these two programs may be of interest:

• Beginning Fall 2003, students who plan to transfer to WSU Vancouver can apply for admission to both college simultaneously.
• Clark College and EWU have teamed up to offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Technology and Dental Hygiene that can be earned on the Clark campus in Vancouver.

Clark College awards three degrees: The Associate in Arts and the Associate in Science degree, for completion of a program of study in the sciences, are designed to fulfill a transferring student's lower division coursework. Students who complete this degree generally plan to transfer to a university/college where they will pursue a bachelor's degree. Clark has block transfer agreements with all Washington public universities, most private colleges in Washington and four Oregon schools (Portland State University, Warner Pacific, Concordia, Marylhurst). Each degree requires 90 credits and a minimum grade point average of 2.00.

The Associate in Applied Science is designed for students who have entered a specific vocational program at Clark (e.g., Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Horticulture, etc.). As a whole, this degree is generally not designed to transfer students to senior institutions. Students should consult with an Applied Technology advisor for exceptions to the above statement.

Certificates are also available in many of the Applied Technology programs.

Certificates of Proficiency are awarded upon completion of a minimum of 45 credits of specialized occupational training, including general education requirements. Certificates of Achievement are granted upon completion of a program of specialized occupational training of less than 45 credits.

Many of our students work while attending school and there is a tried-and-true formula that suggests that for every hour spent in class a student should spend two hours outside of class studying, doing research, writing papers, etc. For example: A student taking 12 credits will usually spend 12 hours in class per week and should allow about 24 additional hours each week for homework.

A credit hour is usually equal to the number of hours per week spent in a particular class.

For example: a 5 credit class means you will be in class Monday through Friday for 1 hour each day or 2 nights a week for 2.5 hours. Please keep in mind that classes with labs generally have additional hours required on campus.

General advisors assist students with admission and registration procedures. They also help students locate transfer information, provide campus referrals for student services, and help students understand college policies and procedures. General advisors also do advising for students who are undecided about their major but are working on the Associate of Arts degree.

Faculty advisors are full-time members of the faculty who are available to help students understand the requirements for their degree, major, and the institution they plan to transfer to. Faculty advisors are assigned to students based on their area of study. For example: a student is interested in pursuing engineering would meet each quarter with a faculty member who teaches preparatory classes for engineers.

You do not need to declare a major at Clark! Many students begin classes at Clark College without knowing what their major area of study will be. Clark offers career information and guidance using several different approaches. The Career Center is open to both students and the community and offers many resources for students to explore on their own. Undecided students are encouraged to register for a Career Exploration (HDEV 100) class to help them make a decision.

The Clark College Catalog, published every two years, lists the requirements for both Associate degrees. General advisors and faculty advisors are also aware of these requirements and can provide guidance each quarter. Students are expected to become familiar with the requirements for their chosen degree.

Students looking for information on universities or colleges that they may want to transfer to may come to the Advising Center. The Center maintains a current collection of catalogs from Washington and Oregon schools as well as an assortment of catalogs from across the U.S. The Advising Center also has computers available with Washington and Oregon universities' WEB sites bookmarked.

Clark has a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) with 19 four year institutions which allows a student who has completed an Associate of Arts degree to transfer in and receive junior standing. Students who are considering a school that does not recognize the DTA should work carefully with their intended college and a Clark advisor. Transfer guides for both Washington and Portland area schools are available in the Advising Center.

Clark offers an array of Applied Technology and Health Occupations programs. These departments provide their own advising. Interested students should contact the program offices for specific information.

• Technology Program Information
• Health Occupations Program Information