What does ASC stand for? What is the A.S.C. in Music Studies equivalent to – any other certification or diploma out there?

• A.S.C. stands for “Academic Subject Certificate.” The A.S.C. is to a student pursuing an Associate of Arts (A.A) degree what a Minor is to a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. It is additional college credential for students who have successfully completed a specific sequence of credit courses from an Associate in Arts (AA) Degree curriculum.

In which other subjects or disciplines at UHMC can you obtain an A.S.C?

At UH Maui College, Academic Subject Certificates are also available in Hawaiian Music, Hawaiian Studies, Marine Option, and Visual Arts. Other Academic Subject Certificates are available at other UH Community College campuses.

How is the A.S.C. in Music Studies similar to and different from the A.S.C. in Hawaiian Music? Can I pursue both?
Both of these certificates were created to address the needs and desires of students who wish to increase their knowledge of and ability to perform music, and those wish to pursue careers in music. The A.S.C. in Hawaiian Music requires 32 credits, including 12 credits of Hawaiian language. The A.S.C. in Music Studies requires 23 credits, and does not have the Hawaiian language requirement. There are many classes that are shared by the two certificates, and it would be possible for a student to pursue and receive both. For students interest in pursuing both, we advise consulting with the coordinator of Music Studies and UHMC counselors to determine the proper path to achieve this goal.
What are the minimum requirements to get this ASC in Music Studies? Number of courses, credits, minimum grade, etc.
A total of 23 credits are required to earn the A.S.C. in Music Studies. 11 credits are required from four classes in the study of music, six credits in vocal or instrumental performance, and six elective credits which can be fulfilled by taking any number of music courses. Students must pass each class required for the certificate with a “C” or higher. The full requirements can be found on Music Studies’ website: http://maui.hawaii.edu/music/academic-subject-certificate-music-studies/
Does it qualify me for Financial Aid? If so, how?
In order to qualify for Financial Aid, students must be enrolled in an Associate of Arts (A.A.) program, such as the A.A. in Liberal Arts or Hawaiian Studies. It is not enough to simply enroll in the A.S.C. in Music. Music Studies offers the Emma Veary Scholarship each year to two students who have a demonstrable interest in music, and who commit to taking at least one music class in the year for which the award is made.
How far back (semester/year) do the music courses I’ve taken at UHMC count towards the A.S.C. in Music Studies?
Students may count any UHMC course that counts toward this certificate, regardless of when it was taken.
When is the ASC awarded? At graduation? Or as soon as I’ve met the minimum requirements?
The A.S.C. is awarded at the UHMC Commencement, held each December and May.
What does having an ASC in Music from UHMC entitle me for? Can I use it to transfer elsewhere to pursue a degree in music, for instance? Does UH Mānoa recognize it? Do the other UHCC campuses recognize it?
The A.S.C. in Music Studies itself does not fulfill any requirements to transfer to UH Manoa or any other institution. The classes and credits you earn as part of the A.S.C. do transfer, but if you chose to major in music at that institution, it will be up to the music department to determine which classes, if any, are applicable to their degree.
Do all music classes offered at UHMC count towards the A.S.C. in Music Studies?
Most music classes offered at UHMC count toward the A.S.C. in Music Studies, but not all. Some Hawaiian Studies classes that have a music focus also count toward the A.S.C. For a complete list of classes, please see the A.S.C. informational page on Music Studies’ website: each year: http://maui.hawaii.edu/music/academic-subject-certificate-music-studies/
Will I be able to list the A.S.C. in Music Studies on my curriculum vitae or resume?
You can list the A.S.C. in Music Studies on my curriculum vitae or resume. It is an official credential awarded by the UH system, just as any degree or certificate is.
Do I need to be in continuous enrollment at UHMC to accrue the music course credits for the Music ASC? In other words, I may take a few semesters or years out.
You do not need to be continuously enrolled at UHMC to pursue the A.S.C. in Music Studies. You may proceed at your own pace, taking classes that count toward the A.S.C., and taking a break from school if you so desire.
Do the music courses from UH Mānoa, UH Hilo, UH West O‘ahu, or other UHCC campuses count towards the Music ASC?
Music course from any UH system campus may count toward the A.S.C. in Music Studies. If you have taken such classes, you should contact the Registrar’s office to determine who they may be applied toward the A.S.C.
Do the music courses from colleges outside of UH count towards the A.S.C. in Music Studies?
If a student has taken music courses from an institution outside of the UH system, the Registrar’s office may be able assist in the transfer of credits from your previous school to UHMC. In order to do so you should arrange for an official transcript of your previous courses and grades to be sent to the Registrar’s office.
Can the A.S.C. in Music Studies accelerate my goal to get an A.A. in Music?
Having the A.S.C. in Music Studies itself will not accelerate your pursuit of an A.A. in Music at another institution. The classes that you take while pursuing the A.S.C. in Music Studies may be applicable toward the A.A. in Music, but you would need to contact the institution where you intend to pursue the A.A. regarding their policy on accepting credits from other institutions toward their degrees.
Why is having this new A.S.C. in Music Studies important for UHMC? What difference does it make for the college? For me, as a student?
The A.S.C. in Music Studies was established by Music Studies as a response to students who expressed their desire to take more music classes while they pursued A.A. degrees. Prior to the establishment of this A.S.C., students could apply a maximum of two music classes to fulfill degree requirements, one for Diversification Arts (DA) and one for Diversification Humanities (DH). Students may now receive their A.A. and a second credential – the A.S.C. in Music Studies.
Will there be new kinds of music courses offered in the future that will count towards the A.S.C. in Music Studies?
Our Music Studies faculty frequently discuss the development of new music courses. We have created several new classes in the past two years, mostly in the performance and music technology areas.
When does the A.S.C. in Music Studies take effect?
The A.S.C. in Music Studies was approved in March 2016, and could be awarded in Fall 2016 to students who have fulfilled the requirements of the A.S.C.
Will you be contacting previous students who have taken music classes at UHMC about this new A.S.C. in Music Studies?
We will encourage all of our Music Studies faculty to contact their previous students, particular those who completed multiple music classes, so that they are aware of the new A.S.C. in Music Studies. We will also be publicizing the establish of this A.S.C. through traditional and social media.
Will the A.S.C. in Music Studies help me get a job in music?
Developing a career in any arts-related field is a challenge. There are many different paths to achieve employment in music, whether you intend to be a performing or recording artist, producer, engineer, graphic designer, liner-note annotator, record label owner, or any of a number of other jobs that are found in the music industry. Possessing an A.S.C. in Music Studies alone will probably not get you a job, but may demonstrate to prospective employers your dedication to music and your depth of knowledge in the study and performance of music. For those who wish to become self-employed musicians or entrepreneurs in the music industry, the knowledge you achieve through the classes you take will be more valuable than the A.S.C. itself.