General Education Categories

Should I choose MTA or Applied Degrees?

Your goals will determine this choice. Please talk to your HFC Advisor to make sure your program will lead you to your goals.

Generally:

  • If you want to transfer to a 4-year university to earn a bachelor's degree, you should choose MTA.
  • If you want to earn your Associate Degree and go into the workforce, you should choose Applied Degrees.

The following are General Education categories for Henry Ford College Applied Degrees:

  • AAA - Associate in Applied Arts
  • AAS - Associate in Applied Sciences
  • AB - Associate in Business

Some AB programs that include 2+2 or 3+1 agreements with 4-year universities may require thirty (30) credit hours of general education coursework to fulfill requirements of the Michigan Transfer Agreement.

Many programs have required courses that fulfill these categories. However, some programs give students the choice to select courses from the below categories. Check your program of study prior to selecting any classes and work with your Academic Advisor to craft an educational plan to fit your specific needs.

Category Four: 2 courses in Social Sciences

Choose 2 courses on Social Sciences from 2 different disciplines (subjects):

Category Five: 2 courses in Humanities and Fine Arts

Choose 2 courses in Humanities and Fine Arts from 2 different disciplines (subjects), excluding studio and performance courses:

Category Six: 2 courses in Natural Sciences

Complete 2 courses in Natural Sciences, including one with laboratory experience, from 2 different disciplines (subjects).

Choose 2 courses from the following:

Category Seven: General Education

Some programs require additional general education credits, such as "Complete additional courses from the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) list, if needed, to reach 30 total credits." These courses are representative from course options listed in category 1 through category 6. Students should work with an Academic Advisor before selecting additional general education or MTA courses.

Computer Technology

Students will demonstrate skills for computer technology, including Internet, network and advanced file operations. Skills will include organizing, managing, and presenting data using office productivity software. Students will also identify security and integrity threats and identify unethical actions within their social or professional environments. HFC courses that fulfill this requirement: