Degree Requirements

Degrees Conferred

Casper College grants six types of degrees: associate of arts, associate of science, associate of business, associate of fine arts, associate degree in nursing, and associate of applied science degrees. Certificates are offered in many areas. There are two types of course requirements.

General education. All students seeking the same degree or certificate are required to take these classes in addition to the classes for their major to meet the college’s general education outcomes.

Major requirements. These are classes required for a major. For example, communication majors are required to take classes in public speaking, interpersonal communication, communication theory, and mass media.

Application for Graduation

Casper College awards degrees and certificates for eligible candidates for graduation at the end of each semester (fall, spring, and summer). A candidate for graduation must file an application for graduation with the Records Office by the published deadline, which is December 1 for December graduation, April 1 for May graduation, and July 16 for August graduation. The form is available at www.caspercollege.edu/offices-services/records. A degree or certificate check and an application for graduation must be completed and on file with the records office before the candidate registers for the final semester. Records Office determines eligibility for graduation.

A commencement ceremony is held at the end of the spring semester for students who were eligible for graduation within the year. Watch for signs posted around campus for deadlines to order your cap and gown, usually around mid-March. Candidates may order announcements through the Jack McCann Campus Store.

Academic Catalog Governing Graduation

Students are expected to fulfill the requirements for graduation stated in the Academic Catalog in effect at the time of their graduation. They may elect to fulfill the requirements for graduation in the Academic Catalog in effect at the time they first enrolled as a degree-seeking student in their program if they have not interrupted that program for more than one year.

Institutional Requirements

To graduate from Casper College a student must:

• Complete a minimum of 60 approved semester credits with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in those courses counted toward graduation.
• Earn at least 15 of the semester credits applied toward graduation through the completion of Casper College coursework, including at least six hours within the desired major. The vice president for academic affairs may waive this requirement. 
• Complete at least one health and wellness activity course. (The associate degree in nursing is exempt from this requirement.) The college will waive this requirement for any student who presents a physician’s statement of medical restriction to Enrollment Services. No more than four-semester credits in physical activity courses will count toward an associate degree.
• Students who have earned a C or better in a college-level political science or history course that covered the U.S. constitution may be able to take POLS 1100 Wyoming Government (1CR)  in lieu of one of the courses used to satisfy the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions course requirement. Students must receive a C or better in POLS 1100  to satisfy the requirement. Call the Political Science Department at 307-268-2368 to request permission to take POLS 1100  or to schedule an appointment.
• Complete the requirements for one of the six degrees listed in this section,(e.g., A.A., A.S., A.B.A., A.D.N., A.F.A., and A.A.S.).
• If the student is seeking a second associate degree, the student must complete all general and departmental degree requirements and 15 semester credits beyond the study requirements of the first degree.

General Education Philosophy Statement, Outcomes, and Requirements (GERs)

WICHE Interstate Passport

The WICHE Interstate Passport is the only nationwide network of accredited, nonprofit, public, and private two- and four-year institutions dedicated to the block transfer of lower-division general education attainment based on multi-state faculty-developed learning outcomes and proficiency criteria instead of on specific courses and credits. Because of this, participating students of member institutions experience a seamless, efficient, and economical transfer process between institutions. 

Casper College students who have passed all appropriate general education courses with a grade of C or better must apply for Interstate Passport certification. Once certification is verified, the student will be awarded the Interstate Passport on their official transcript. Graduates may generally enroll as students under the same terms at designated institutions and programs in other participating states. Visit WICHE Interstate Passport for more information on the WICHE Interstate Passport or contact the Casper College Office of Institutional Effectiveness at 307-268-2770. The WICHE Office may be contacted at, P.O. Box 3432, University Station, Laramie, Wyoming 82071 or call 307-766-6556 for information about programs in other states.

While education within a major field of study prepares each student to achieve success within a chosen vocation, general education provides the cornerstone of understanding in a multitude of areas that prepare students for life and exposes them to diverse ideas and ways of thinking. The goal of general education is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for one to be an educated and contributing member of society. Therefore, as a fundamental part of their education at Casper College, graduates are expected to possess the following core abilities, commonly termed institutional learning outcomes.

Students will be able to

• Demonstrate effective communication
• Apply scientific methods
• Solve problems using critical thinking and creativity
• Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures and historical perspectives
• Appraise creative and/or aesthetic activities
• Use the information to conduct research
• Analyze the importance of personal, civic, and social responsibilities
• Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process data

General Education Course Requirements are criteria established by Faculty Senate to apply when considering if a course should be designated as a general education course. These criteria include reasoning and inquiry in science, math computation, written communication, oral communication, humanities, social science, fine arts, U.S. and Wyoming government, and health and wellness.

Reasoning and Inquiry in Science (SCI)

(4CR) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will be able to comprehend and apply the basic principles of science and scientific inquiry methods. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1.  Define discipline-specific central facts, concepts, ethics, and theories.
2.  Utilize the principles of the scientific method.
3.  Formulate and test ideas through analysis and interpretation of the data.
4.  Recognize the proper use of scientific data, principles, and theories to assess the quality of stated conclusions.
5.  Use scientific and quantitative logic to examine contemporary problems.
6.  Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• ASTR 1050 Survey of Astronomy (4CR)
• BIOL 1000 Introduction to Biology I (4CR)
• BIOL 1010 General Biology I (4CR) 
• CHEM 1000 Intro to Chemistry (4CR)
• CHEM 1020 Chemistry I (4CR)
• CHEM 1030 Chemistry II(4CR)
• ENR 1200 Environment (4CR)
• GEOG 1010 Introduction to Physical Geography (4CR)
• GEOL 1070 The Earth: It’s Physical Environment (4CR)
• GEOL 1100 Physical Geology (4CR)
• LIFE 1020 Life Science (4CR)
• PHYS 1050 Concepts of Physics (4CR)
• PHYS 1110 General Physics I (4CR)
• PHYS 1310 College Physics I (4CR)
• ZOO 2015 Human Anatomy (4CR)
• ZOO 2025 Human Physiology (4CR)
• FCSC 1141 Principles of Nutrition (3CR) (elective only)

Math Computation (MATH)

(3CR) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will comprehend and use quantitative concepts and methods to interpret and critically evaluate data and effectively problem-solve in a variety of contexts demanding quantitative literacy. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1.  Solve quantitative exercises with mathematical concepts, tools, and methods.
2.  Express quantitative information symbolically, graphically, and in written or oral language.
3.  Use appropriate strategies/procedures to solve mathematical problems and to interpret, analyze, and critique information.
4.  Recognize, evaluate, and use quantitative information, quantitative reasoning, and technology to support a position or line of reasoning.
5.  Design and follow a multi-step mathematical process through to a logical conclusion and critically evaluate the reasonableness of the result.
6.  Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• BADM 1005 Business Mathematics I (3CR) (AAS and Certificate ONLY) 
• MATH 1000 Problem Solving (3CR)
• MATH 1105 Data, Probability, and Algebra for Elementary Teachers (3CR)
• MATH 1400 College Algebra (4CR)
• MATH 1405 Trigonometry (3CR)
• MATH 1450 Algebra and Trigonometry (5CR)
• MATH 2200 Calculus I (4CR) 
• MATH 2350 Business Calculus (4CR) 
• STAT 2000 Statistics and the World (3CR)
• STAT 2050 Fundamentals of Statistics (4CR)
• STAT 2070 Introductory Statistics for Social Science (4CR)

 Written Communication (COM1)

(3CR)(6CR for A.A.) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will effectively use the written English language with clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1.  Read, interpret, and communicate key concepts in writing and rhetoric.
2.  Demonstrate proper spelling, grammar, organization, mechanics, and word choice appropriate to the writing task.
3.  Conduct research that explores multiple and diverse ideas and perspectives, appropriate to the rhetorical context and document source materials.
4.  Use flexible writing process strategies to generate, develop, revise, proofread, and edit texts
5.  Use rhetorically appropriate strategies to evaluate, represent, and respond to the ideas and research of others.
6.  Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• BADM 1020 Business Communications (3CR) (AAS and Certificate ONLY)
• ENGL 1010  English Composition (3CR) 
• ENGL 1020 English Comp II (3CR)
• ENGL 2005 Writing in Technology and the Sciences

Oral Communication (COM2)

(3CR) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will effectively use the oral English language with clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1.  Research, discover, and develop information resources to develop a central message and supporting details.
2.  Research, discover, and develop information resources to structure spoken messages to increase knowledge and understanding.
3.  Organize content for a particular audience, occasion, and purpose, and use technology as appropriate
4.  Monitor and adjust for audience feedback.
5.  Listen in order to effectively and critically evaluate the reasoning, evidence, and communication strategies of self and others.
6.  Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• COMM 2010​  Public Speaking (3CR)

Humanities (HU) 

(3CR) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will be able to define and apply knowledge of changing human cultures. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1. Analyze, evaluate, and interpret ideas, theories, texts, objects, and/or events in their cultural context.
2.  Assess structural elements (race, gender, religion, class, language, etc.) and how they influence societies, human behavior, and human social interactions.
3.  Identify and describe discipline-specific methodologies, approaches, and/or traditions.
4.  Examine the role of diversity in human societies and how diversity impacts global change.
5.  Demonstrate self-reflection and widened perspectives.
6.  Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• ART 2010 Art History I (3CR)
• ART 2020  Art History II (3CR),
• ART 2035  Art History III (3CR)
• ASL 1010  American Sign Language I (4CR)
• ENGL 2185 Classical Mythology (3CR)
• ENGL 2210 English Literature I (3CR)
• ENGL 2220 English Literature II (3CR)
• ENGL 2230 Intro to Shakespeare (3CR)
• ENGL 2310 American Literature I (3CR)
• ENGL 2320 American Literature II (3CR)
• HIST 1110 Western Civilization I (3CR)
• HIST 1120 Western Civilization II (3CR)
• GWST 1080 Intro to Gender and Women’s Studies (3CR)
• INST 2310 Intro to International Relations (3CR)
• MUSC 1426 History of American Popular Music (3CR)
• PHIL 1000 Intro to Philosophy (3CR)
• POLS 2310 Intro to International Relations (3CR)
• RELI 1000 Intro to Religion (3CR)
• SOC 1101 Education and the Good Life: FYS (3CR)
• SPAN 1010 First Year Spanish I (4CR) 
• SPAN 1020 First Year Spanish II (4CR)
• THEA 1000 Intro to the Theatre (3CR)

Social Science (SSC)

(3CR) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will develop a deeper understanding of the relation of self to the world by investigating the influence of social, cultural, economic, and/or political institutions in shaping human thought, value, and behavior. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1. Use Social Science concepts, theories, and vocabulary to examine social phenomena and human activity.
2.  Examine the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society.
3.  Examine the ways individuals, groups, and institutions shape and are shaped by social phenomena past and present.
4.  Evaluate the ways in which social phenomena inform individual, group, civic, and/or global decision-making.
5.  Examine intersections of social, cultural, economic, and political institutions.
6.  Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• AGEC 1010 Agricultural Macroeconomics (3CR) 
• AGEC 1020 Agricultural Microeconomics (3CR) 
• ANTH 1200 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3CR) 
• COMM 1000 Intro to Mass Media (3CR)
• CRMJ 2120 Intro to Criminal Justice (3CR)
• ECON 1010 Macroeconomics (3CR)
• ECON 1020 Microeconomics (3CR)
• GEOG 1000 World Regional Geography (3CR)
• PSYC 1000 General Psychology (3CR)
• SOC 1000 Sociological Principles (3CR)

Fine Arts (FA)

(3CR) As a result of completing general education courses in this area, students will develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Fine Arts through the study of literary, performing, and/or visual arts, employing fundamental discipline-specific principles, terminology, skills, technology, and methods. General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1. Recognize and describe artistic works within problems and patterns of human experience. 
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the value of fine arts in culture and society.
3. Engage in a creative process through experimentation, reflection, tolerance for failure, and revision.
4. Distinguish and apply methodologies, approaches, or traditions specific to the discipline.
5. Practice and assess the creative process and expression through participation as viewers or creators of artistic objects, texts, or performances.
6. Utilize critical skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• ART 1000 General Studio Art (3CR)
• ART 1005  Drawing I (3CR)
• ART 1010  Intro to Art (3CR)
• ART 1120 Foundation: Three-Dimensional (3CR)
• ART 1150  Black and White Film Photography I (3CR)
• ART 2090  Printmaking (3CR)
• ART 2145 Digital Photography I (3CR)
• ART 2210  Painting I (3CR)  
• ART 2310  Sculpture I (3CR)
• ART 2350  Metalsmithing I (3CR)
• ART 2410  Ceramics (3CR)
• DANC 1410  Beginning Ballet I (1CR)
• DANC 1450  Beginning Tap Dance I (1CR)
• DANC 1460  Beginning Modern Dance I (1CR)
• DANC 1480 Beginning Jazz Dance I (1CR)
• ENGL 2050  Creative Writing: Fiction (3CR)
• ENGL 2060  Creative Writing: Nonfiction (3CR)
• ENGL 2080  Creative Writing: Poetry (3CR)
• MUSC 1000  Intro to Music (3CR)
• MUSC 1378 College Band (1CR)
• MUSC 1390 Jazz Ensemble (1CR)
• MUSC 1400 Collegiate Chorale (1CR)
• MUSC 1425 History of Rock Music (3CR)
• MUSC 1440  Chamber Orchestra (1CR)
• THEA 1100  Beginning Acting (3CR)

US and Wyoming Constitutions (CNST)

(3CR) As a result of completing general education in this area, students will be able to understand the historical development, principles, and processes of the structures of the political systems. General education courses that fulfill this requirement will need to meet three out of three (3) of the outcomes and the required critical thinking outcome.

1. Examine the formal and informal principles, processes, and structures of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions and political systems.
2. Analyze the historical development and cultural context of these constitutions and political systems.
3. Evaluate the roles of responsible citizens and the institutions by which they are governed.
4. Required: How will students use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations in this course?

• HIST 1211  United States to 1865 (3CR)
• HIST 1221  United States from 1865 (3CR)
• HIST 1251  Wyoming History (3CR)
• POLS 1000  American and WYO Government (3CR)

Health and Wellness (HW) 

(1CR) General Education courses that fulfill this requirement ask students to do five (5) of the following:

1. Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns.
2. Apply knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics to movement and performance.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain physical fitness and physical activity.
4. Demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
5. Recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction.
6. Use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and make informed decisions and evaluations.

• PEAC 1001 Health and Wellness (1CR)
• PEAC 1015 Beginning Scuba (1CR)
• PEAC 1020 Fitness Training (1CR)
• PEAC 1041 Basic Self-Defense (1CR)
• PEAC 1044 Beginning Tae Kwon Do (1CR)
• PEAC 1050 Beginning Tennis (1CR)
• PEAC 1253 Beginning Bowling (1CR) 
• PEAC 1255 Beginning Golf (1CR)
• PEAC 1266 Trapshooting (1CR)
• PEAC 1270 Pickleball (1CR)
• PEAC 1271 Weight Loss Conditioning (1CR)
• PEAC 1281 Fly Fishing (1CR)
• PEAC 1294 Beginning Yoga (1CR)
• PEAC 1460 Beginning Modern Dance I (1CR)
• PEAC 1680 Extreme Fitness (1CR)
• PEAC 1681 Extreme Fitness II (1CR)
• PEAC 2001 Physical Fitness and Wellness (1CR)
• PEAC 2007 Express Fitness (1CR)
• PEAC 2084 Outdoor Living Skills (1CR)
• PEAT 1000 Varsity I (1CR)
• PEAT 2025 Rodeo (1CR)

Associate of Arts, Associate of Business, and Associate of Science Degree Requirements

Students seeking an associate of arts, an associate of business, or an associate of science degree must complete a minimum of 29 credits in general education with a “C” or better at the 1000 level or higher, including at least one credit in health and wellness activity. Students must fulfill the minimum course requirements of the general education categories as listed below. Degree programs can direct (recommend) that a student takes a specific course to fulfill a general education requirement and/or permit a course to fulfill both a general education and degree requirement if it is a prerequisite for a degree, if it meets a program requirement, or if it prolongs a student’s tenure at Casper College. These degrees are considered transfer degrees.
 
Students pursuing an AS degree are required to earn 3 elective credits from one of the general education categories (1-8 below). Three-credit classes that do not have a laboratory component, but meet the outcomes of Reasoning and Inquiry in Science, shall count as elective science credits.

Associate of Fine Arts and Associate of Applied Science Degree Requirements

Students seeking the associate of fine arts or associate of applied science degree must complete a minimum of 17 credits in general education, including a minimum of one credit in health and wellness activity. Students must fulfill the minimum course requirements of the general education categories as listed below. Degree programs can direct (recommend) that a student takes a specific course to fulfill a General Education Requirement and/or permit a course to fulfill both a General Education and Degree Requirement if it is a prerequisite for a degree, if it meets a program requirement, or if it prolongs a student’s tenure at Casper College. These degrees are considered non-transfer degrees.

Associate Degree in Nursing

Students seeking an associate degree in nursing must complete a minimum of 24 credits in general education at the 1000 level or higher, including one course in the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions. Students must fulfill the minimum course requirements of categories as listed below. Courses can be taken from within or outside the student’s major field of study. This degree is considered a transfer degree.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates derive from and are an integral part of our degree programs. To qualify for a certificate of completion, a student must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student and complete one of the certificate programs listed under the various department curricula with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.