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Credit and Degree Programs
Students can choose from more than 100 quality academic programs including an expanding array of associate degrees, certificates, and letters of recognition.
Programs and Courses
Let the College of Southern Maryland get you started on the path to your career. Earn an associate degree, or earn a workforce training certificate to help you get certified in a variety of different programs.
Browse Our Offerings
Continuing Education
Continuing education students can choose from an expanding array of quality programs designed to help them meet their professional and personal learning goals. Continuing education includes:
- Workforce Training
- Personal Enrichment
- Adult Basic Education
- Online Courses
- Resources for Businesses
Not Sure? Explore by Pathway
With so many options to choose from, guided pathways simplify the process of finding the credit or noncredit program that's right for you by grouping similar programs.
Credit vs. Noncredit
Answer the questions below to help you decide which program type is right for you:
Credit Programs |
Noncredit Continuing Education |
|---|---|
What is your education goal? |
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| If you want an associate degree or are looking to transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree, then you need to become a credit student. |
If you are looking to hone your current skills or learn new skills to increase your value to the local workforce, workforce training courses can help. We also offer a variety of prep courses for national certifications. |
How much time do you have to commit to your education? |
|
| An associate degree program takes about two years to complete, if you are a full-time student. |
Most workforce training certificates do not take multiple semesters to complete. |
Do you already have a degree? |
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| If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree already, then credit courses would only be needed if you wanted to start a new degree program. |
For students who have degrees, adding a certification or letter of recognition can increase your value to employers. |
Types of Degrees and Credentials
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)
- Associate of Science in Engineering (ASE)
- Credit Certificate
- Workforce Training Certificate
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is the basic university transfer degree and the equivalent of the first two years of a bachelor's degree. The AA degree requires 60 credit hours of coursework (including 36 hours of general education courses) and a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in all attempted courses. Students in some of these programs may be able to transfer to four-year institutions.
An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a career education degree designed to prepare students for entry into the workforce. Some AS degrees transfer into specific upper division programs. The AS degree requires 60 credit hours of coursework (including 15 hours of general education courses) and a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in all attempted courses.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a two-year, career education degree designed to prepare students for entry into the workforce. The AAS degree requires 60 credit hours of coursework (including 15 hours of general education courses) and a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in all attempted courses.
An Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree is part of a statewide articulation agreement designed to provide the first two years of baccalaureate program in Early Childhood (Grades PK-3) or Elementary (Grades 1-6) Education or to prepare students for entry into the workforce. The AAT requires a grade of C or better in all attempted courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, as well as submission of passing scores on a Maryland State Department of Education-approved basic skills assessment.
An Associate of Science in Engineering is a transfer-oriented degree developed to help ease students’ transfer to four-year engineering programs. The ASE degree requires 60+ credit hours of coursework and a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average in all attempted courses.
Certificate programs consist of postsecondary adult education courses designed to prepare students for entry into employment. The certificate does not require 60 credit hours of college coursework. However, students must meet specific basic skills requirements in English, mathematics and writing. Certificates typically take six months to two years to complete, depending on the program. To qualify for graduation with a certificate, students must pass all required courses and must have a 2.0 average for all courses required by the certificate program.
Our non-credit Workforce Training programs offer hands-on, job-specific skills. Training is flexible. CSM offers daytime, evening, and weekend classes. These programs prepare you for a satisfying and successful career. Upon completion of a program, you are ready to impress employers with the skills they require for immediate hire.