In August 2018, Governor Murphy approved legislation providing that no more than 60 credits will be required to earn an associate degree, effective in the 2019-2020 academic year. To ensure compliance, Academic Affairs has reduced all degree programs from 64 credits to 60 credits, excluding the A.A.S. degree in Nursing.
Students in previous Catalogs have the option to change to the 2019-2020 Catalog if the new requirements in their current major are determined to be in their best interest.
It is important to remember that although the total credits required in the current Catalog are less, other requirements might have changed; therefore, it will not be in the best interest of every student to update their catalog year. All students are encouraged to view the new requirements for their degree program in Student Planning.
In Spring 2019, Ocean County College automatically updated the catalog year for students most likely to move to the new degree requirements seamlessly. Students who were not moved to the new catalog, but wish to update their catalog year, must request to update their catalog year by submitting a curriculum change form or emailing registrar@ocean.edu from their Ocean email account.*
Students who elect to change their catalog year will be held to requirements of that catalog year. Course substitutions will not be granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students are encouraged to view the new requirements for their degree program (in the 2019-2020 Catalog) in order to make an informed decision. Students can also see their Academic Advisor, or visit the Advising Office, to discuss their options.
Students and advisors can utilize Student Planning to view degree requirements in the 2019-2020 Catalog. Please note, this function provides a hypothetical “what-if” view of requirements in the new Catalog. The catalog year cannot be officially updated through Student Planning.
In order to view the 2019-2020 requirements, go to the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Under “Alternate Catalog Year” select 2019 and view how your current completed, in progress and planned courses fit into the new degree requirements. Students who decide to update their catalog year, or who have questions about the degree requirements, should see their Academic Advisor. Students can also email registrar@ocean.edu from the Ocean email account to request an update the catalog year.
Students who wish to update their catalog year must complete a Curriculum Change form, which must be signed by an academic advisor. Students can also email a request to update their catalog year to registrar@ocean.edu from their Ocean email account.
Students opting to update their catalog year must complete the requirements as written in that catalog year. Students will not be able to request course substitutions or waivers for degree requirements. Students in this situation might opt to stay in their current catalog year.
No. Students must update their catalog year to the 2019-2020 Catalog in order to fall under the new degree requirements. Students must also complete all degree requirements in addition to earning 60 credits.
Students are permitted to transfer credits for up to half the degree at OCC. Students who have more than 30 credits transferred and elect to move to the new Catalog Year will have their transfer credits reevaluated and reduced to a maximum of 30 credits.
Questions?
Visit Advising & Transfer Services in the Student Enrollment Building (Building #9) rooms 105A – 105N or call us at 732-255-0300
Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday – 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.