Associate's degrees come under the rubric of Associate in Science or Associate in Arts. Students at Henderson Community College in Kentucky, for example, who get a two-year degree in subjects such as business administration, information technology, nursing and agricultural technology, can then transfer to Kentucky State University to finish the last two years of a full degree. As more programs become available, particularly in the IT field, community colleges plan to increase enrollment by offering these options.
Community colleges plan to increase the number of foreign students they attract with informational campaigns. International students wanting to study in the United States have the option of doing their first two years at a community college and then transferring to a four-year college. Most community colleges have an automatic transfer to a public four-year college built into their programs. One reason community college academic programs appeal to students from other countries is that they have a local feel about them, and they tend to be more personal than a sprawling state university campus. Tuition is also lower, and the community colleges help students obtain visas.
Unlike universities, which requires transcripts of grades and proof of academic accomplishments, most community colleges have an open-door policy. This basically means students can enroll in an associate's degree program even if they don't have the formal educational requirements, although these students often must take remedial courses at the college. Most community colleges plan to maintain this policy because it offers students more opportunities to study for a degree.
In addition to regular academic programs, community colleges invite guest lecturers who are knowledgeable in their fields to speak to students and community members. Most community colleges plan to offer more lectures, exhibits and films as they become available.