Dec 06, 2025  
2025-2026 Arapahoe Community College Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Arapahoe Community College Catalog

General Education Essential Skills Certificate


CIP 240101 (ESSK)

The General Education Essential Skills Certificate is a stackable certificate designed for students who plan to complete a two-year Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree and transfer to a four-year institution. By completing the General Education Essential Skills Certificate, students will have met the Colorado Department of Higher Education General Education Curriculum. The General Education Essential Skills Certificate is not a stand-alone certificate; only stackable when pursing an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or an Associate of General Studies degree. 

The certificate is not eligible for financial aid.

Admission Requirements


  • Admission to Arapahoe Community College
  • Must be concurrently registered in an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or an Associate of General Studies degree

Program Requirements


General Education Courses (31 credit hours)


Mathematics (3 credit hours)


Natural and Physical Sciences (7 credit hours)


  • GT - Two Guaranteed Transfer courses from Natural and Physical Sciences, including at least one course with laboratory (GT-SC1 or GT-SC2)

Arts and Humanities (6 credit hours)


History (3 credit hours)


Social and Behavioral Science (3 credit hours)


Elective (3 credit hours)


  • GT - One Guaranteed Transfer Arts & Humanities / Social & Behavioral Science / History course (GT-AH1, GT-AH2, GT-AH3, GT-AH4, GT-SS1, GT-SS2, GT-SS3, or GT-HI1)

Graduation Requirements


  • All courses required for this certificate must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Students must complete a graduation application.