Program of Study FAQs

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Program of Study

What is a program of study?

A program of study is a guide that helps you determine what classes you need to take to earn a specific certificate or degree.

Why do I need a program of study?

The Texas Legislature passed a law that requires you to select a program of study by the time you complete 45 credit hours. If you do not select a program of study, you will not be eligible to receive an official transcript.

Can I have more than one program of study on file?

Yes, but you must select one of your programs as your "primary" program of study.

Can I change my program of study?

Yes.

Who can help me choose a program of study?

Each Dallas College campus has Success Coaches (Advisors) who will assist you in selecting the program of study that best suits your interests and needs.

After I have selected and printed my program of study, what's next?

We strongly recommend that you bring your report to the Success Coaching (Advising) Center or Admissions/Registrar's Office for advisement to ensure your educational success.

What do the abbreviations in front of the degree plan or program of study ID mean?

These abbreviations represent the different types of degrees and other awards Dallas College offers. They are:

• A.A. = Associate of Arts (TSI required)
• A.A.S. = Associate of Applied Science (TSI required)
• A.A.T. = Associate of Arts in Teaching (TSI required)
• A.S. = Associate of Science (TSI required)
• C1 = Level one certificate (one-year program, TSI waived)
• C2 = Level two certificate (two-year program, TSI required)
• CERT = Certificate (can be a level one or level two program)
• ES = Enhanced Skills Certificate (TSI required)
• SA = Skills Achievement Award (TSI waived)
• ATC = Advanced Technical Certificate (TSI required)
• MSA = Occupational Skills Achievement Award (TSI waived)

Note: TSI stands for Texas Success Initiative.

Why am I required to have a program of study if I am a financial aid student?

Federal law requires you to be enrolled in an eligible program of study to receive financial aid. If you haven't declared a degree or certificate program on your academic record, all financial aid awards will be put on hold until you choose your program of study.

To select a program of study, log on to eConnect and visit My Program of Study, or go to the Admissions/Registrar's Office and select a qualifying program.

Please choose your program carefully. This selection will affect the information your academic advisor will use to help you choose your classes and track your progress toward your degree.

Important note: Choosing a program of study is not the same as a request for an official degree plan or evaluation.

If I am applying for Veterans Affairs benefits, do I need a program of study?

Yes. Under Veterans Affairs laws, anyone requesting benefits must file a program of study. For specific information, contact your Veterans Affairs representative at the campus you attend.

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Official Degree Plan

What is an official degree plan?

An official degree plan is one of the best ways to help you stay on track toward your college goals. It is a personalized academic plan prepared by a degree audit specialist from your campus Admissions/Registrar's Office. It lists all the courses you need to take to meet your degree or certificate requirements.

When should I file for an official degree plan?

The sooner the better. Don't waste time or tuition on courses that don't count toward your degree or certificate. File your official degree plan now. Make all of your courses count!

How do I file an official degree plan?

Complete and submit an official degree plan request to your campus Admissions/Registrar's Office and/or Success Coaching (Advising) Center. Once your official degree plan has been processed by the college, you will receive your degree plan in the U.S. mail, or you will be notified by email to go to eConnect to review your degree plan. The email address you provide on your form will be used to communicate with you. It takes about four to eight weeks to process degree plans. During peak registration periods, this process will take longer.

Next, it's important for you to make an appointment with a degree audit specialist in your campus Admissions/Registrar's Office. The degree audit specialist can review and revise your official degree plan and make recommendations specifically for you. We realize every student's needs are different. Let our degree audit specialists help you make the most of your college experience.

Is my program of study my official degree plan?

No. Your program of study guide is not your official degree plan. Both the program of study and the official degree plan are course guides that help you stay on track toward your degree or certificate. However, your official degree plan is the personalized, audited plan you file with the Admissions/Registrar's Office to receive your diploma or certificate and for graduation. You must go to the Admissions/Registrar's Office to request your official degree plan and to apply for your diploma and graduation.

Once you file an official degree plan, it is active for five years. For example: If you are using the 2020 catalog year, it is active through the Summer 2025 semester.

How can I find the full title of the degree?

You can find the complete titles of all degrees and certificates in the catalog.

Associate of Arts or Science degrees are basic transfer programs for students who may transfer to a four-year institution to seek a bachelor's degree. An Associate of Applied Science degree or a certificate provides technical/occupational knowledge and training to prepare you to enter a chosen field as a skilled employee after one or two years of study.

A list of all degrees and certificates offered by Dallas College is available in the catalog.

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Official Transcript

What is an official transcript?

It is a record of all the courses you took and the grades you earned at Dallas College. Learn more about transcripts.

Why do I need an official transcript?

When you apply for a job, you may need to provide official college transcripts to document the courses you have taken and training you have received, and to verify any degrees and certificates you have earned. If you plan to transfer to another college or university, you must provide your official Dallas College transcript so that your course credit can be applied toward your university degree.

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Catalog Year

How do I know which catalog year to choose?

You must be or have been enrolled in Dallas College during the catalog year you select. A catalog year begins with the Fall term and ends with the Summer term of the next year. For example, if you were enrolled in Summer 2019, your catalog year would be 2018 since it encompasses the Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019 terms. You would not be eligible for the 2019 catalog year. You can view the semesters you have attended Dallas College on My Advising Report (login required) on eConnect.

More information about choosing a catalog year can be found in the catalog.

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Graduation

When I complete my official degree plan, do I automatically get a diploma or certificate?

Filling out the Application for Graduation form is the only way to ensure you receive your certificate or diploma. See the Graduation Information page for more information about this process.

How do I find out about the graduation ceremony? Do I just show up?

You need to notify the campus Admissions/Registrar's Office. They will need to order a cap and gown for you and reserve a place for you to sit during the ceremony. Many campuses have a rehearsal for the graduation ceremony.

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Other Questions?

How do I contact the Admissions/Registrar's Office at my campus?

View contact information for all of the campus Admissions/Registrar's Offices.

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