Upgrading Your Diploma to a Degree: A Comprehensive Guide

Many individuals who hold diplomas often consider furthering their education to obtain a degree. This article will explore the requirements for upgrading a diploma to a degree, focusing on the general requirements as prescribed by Volunteer State Community College (Vol State) and specific program requirements. Additionally, it will cover an upgrade program designed for students with a Diploma in Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

General Requirements at Volunteer State Community College

To be eligible for an associate’s degree or certificate at Vol State, candidates must meet several general requirements. These encompass Grade Point Average (GPA), minimum credit hours, catalog requirements, minimum hours in residence, and fulfillment of obligations to the college.

Minimum GPA

A crucial factor for graduation is maintaining a satisfactory GPA. An overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 is required for the degree and/or certificate. However, there's an exception: Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) majors must have an overall GPA of 2.75. It's important to note that only college-level courses taken at Vol State are computed into the GPA for graduation.

Minimum Credit Hours

The accumulation of sufficient credit hours is another essential requirement. Each candidate must complete at least 60 semester hours to be eligible for the associate’s degree. Furthermore, all requirements specified in the catalog must be completed.

Catalog Requirements

Students must adhere to the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their program entry. The student must meet the requirements of either:

The catalog in effect at the time the student entered a program through admission to the college or by changing his/her major.
The current catalog.

The catalog year in which the student is graduating must be within 5 years of your graduating term. This ensures that the curriculum and standards remain relevant to the graduating student.

Minimum Hours in Residence (Transfer Credits)

A significant portion of the coursework must be completed at Vol State. At least 25 percent of semester credit hours applied toward a degree or certificate must be completed in residence at Volunteer State Community College. For example, 15 hours of a 60-hour associate degree must be completed in residence. This requirement ensures that students have a substantial learning experience within the college's environment.

Second and Subsequent Credentials

Vol State allows students to pursue multiple credentials. A student who has completed the requirements for one credential (degree or certificate) may receive an additional credential if it is a different type of credential or a different major within the same credential. For instance:

A student who has received an Associate of Science degree may receive as a second degree an Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Applied Science degree.
A student who has received an Associate of Applied Science in Business may receive as a second degree an Associate of Applied Science in Health Science.

Obligations to the College

Before receiving a diploma or transcript, candidates must fulfill all financial obligations to the college. All candidates must fulfill all financial obligations to the college including parking tickets and overdue fees. Candidates with a registration hold caused by parking tickets, financial aid exit interview, etc. will not receive a diploma or transcript until the hold is cleared.

Exit Exams

The E-Proficiency Profile (EPP) Exam is not required for graduation for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 semesters as determined by THEC.

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Upgrading a Diploma in Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine

For individuals holding a Diploma in Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there's an opportunity to upgrade their diploma to a Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Upgrade Program Overview

The upgrade program offers a pathway to earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine in 1-2 years. The candidates will be assessed individually for flexible timelines and schedules. This upgrade program is designed for students with an existing Diploma in Acupuncture, or Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Program Delivery

The Upgrade Diploma to Bachelor’s Degree program is delivered on the ACATCM campus, with 1-2 months of internship in China.

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