General Studies: Career Associate

The General Studies: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with a flexible and comprehensive educational foundation that prepares them for a wide range of career opportunities. This program is ideal for students who are seeking an associate degree to enhance their employability, explore various fields of interest, or eventually transfer to a four-year institution. The curriculum is carefully structured to offer a broad-based education, emphasizing critical thinking, communication skills, and general knowledge across multiple disciplines. Students have the opportunity to customize their coursework by selecting electives and concentrations that align with their personal interests and career goals.

The program covers essential subjects such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, ensuring that graduates develop a well-rounded perspective and versatile skill set. In addition to academic coursework, students can engage in practical experiences, internships, and projects that foster real-world readiness. Harrisburg Area Community College provides extensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and access to industry connections, to help students successfully navigate their educational journey and transition smoothly into the workforce or further education.

The flexibility of the General Studies: Career Associate program allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making it suitable for working adults, returning students, or those exploring multiple career options. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have developed critical thinking abilities, adaptable skills, and a broad knowledge base that can serve as a stepping stone toward a variety of career paths in fields such as business, healthcare, education, technology, and public service. Harrisburg Area Community College remains committed to preparing students for success in a dynamic and competitive job market through quality education, experiential learning, and dedicated support.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing (or)  (3) 
  ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3) 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3) 
Core A Elective  6 
Core B Elective  6 
Core C Elective  6 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
Program Electives*  30 
CIS 105 Introduction to Software for Business or higher.  3 
   Or, other curriculum approved Computer Literacy Course**  33 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Select and apply mathematical tools to draw conclusions from quantitative data

Write appropriately for audience, purpose and genre; demonstrate appropriate content, organization, syntax, and style; and acknowledge the use of information sources, according to convention

Generate a new idea or artifact by combining, changing, or reapplying existing ideas or products

Demonstrate the ability to communicate, create, and collaborate effectively using technologies in multiple modalities

Competently construct and effectively present orally, information designed to increase knowledge, to foster understanding, or to promote change in the listeners' attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors

Demonstrate the ability to find, evaluate, organize and use information effectively and ethically

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The General Studies: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a flexible and comprehensive pathway to achieve an associate degree with a focus on developing foundational academic skills and career readiness. This program is designed for students who are seeking to enhance their general education, explore various career options, or prepare for transfer to a four-year university. The curriculum typically includes a broad range of courses in humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences, allowing students to build a well-rounded academic base that can be tailored to their individual interests and occupational goals.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to engage in activities that develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, essential for success in the modern workforce. Many courses incorporate practical applications and may involve internships, projects, or collaborative work to foster experiential learning. The program also emphasizes the development of soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and professional ethics, which are valued by employers across various sectors.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from the support of academic advisors who assist in course selection to align their studies with career aspirations or transfer requirements. The coursework is designed to be flexible, often allowing for evening or weekend classes to accommodate working students or those with other commitments. Upon completion, graduates may pursue open-ended career opportunities in areas such as business, healthcare, technology, or education, or they may choose to transfer credits seamlessly to four-year institutions to continue their education toward a bachelor's degree.

Harrisburg Area Community College also provides resources such as career counseling, job placement services, and workshops to prepare graduates for their next professional step. The emphasis on a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills aims to maximize employment prospects and facilitate smooth transitions into the workforce or further academic pursuits. The program’s structure reflects the college’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education that adapts to the evolving needs of students and the labor market. Overall, the General Studies: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College serves as an affordable, versatile, and personally enriching option for students seeking to build a solid academic foundation for their future careers or academic advancement.