School of Liberal Arts and Transitional Studies

Program Descriptions

The Liberal Arts A.A. Degree offers a flexible academic program designed to promote a very broad base of knowledge and skills. Since this degree is not directly aligned to a particular occupation, it is more focused on personal education rather than specific occupational training. This degree is perfect for students who want a broad, classic education without a major or concentration of study. It includes a balanced curriculum with coursework in communication and life skills, critical and analytical thinking, and social awareness. Many of the required courses for this degree are offered online to accommodate students who have to juggle career and family obligations along with their studies. Many occupations in the workforce today require an Associate or Bachelor degree, but some do not specify a particular academic area or major.

The Professional Development Certificate verifies a student’s successful completion of a variety of general studies core courses. It is a certificate program that is designed to be completed in one year of full-time enrollment at Blue Ridge CTC. The certificate is typically awarded at the halfway point on the path to an associate degree in liberal arts.

The Academic Foundations Program is designed to support students who do not meet admission standards established by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The concentrated curriculum of developmental courses includes the Developmental Writing Program, Developmental Mathematics Program, and Developmental Reading Program.