Degrees and Certificates at Trinity at THEARC
All programs are offered through Trinity’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies and are designed for adult students balancing education with work, family, and community. Classes are offered in the evening and on weekends, in a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid formats.
Associate of Arts in General Studies
The General Studies degree offers a broad, flexible foundation in the liberal arts and humanities. It’s ideal if you’re exploring your academic interests, building professional skills, or preparing to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
Program Structure
- 15 General Studies core courses
- 4 Area of Emphasis elective courses (you choose your focus)
- 1 Capstone Project course
- Total: 20 courses / 61 credit hours
Learn More About General Studies
Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
This program prepares you for a rewarding career working with young children — in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and more. It combines a general education core with specialized coursework in child development, curriculum, and educational practice.
What You’ll Be Prepared For
- Lead teacher or assistant teacher roles in early childhood settings
- Childcare program administration
- Head Start and DC-funded childcare programs
- Further study in Early Childhood Education at the bachelor’s level
Program Structure
- 11 General Studies core courses
- 9 Early Childhood Education core courses
- Total: 20 courses / 61 credit hours
Learn More About Early Childhood Education
Associate of Arts in Health Services
This program is built for students interested in working in healthcare settings — from community clinics and hospitals to public health agencies and social services organizations. It pairs a strong general education core with focused health services coursework.
What You’ll Be Prepared For
- Entry-level positions in healthcare administration and patient services
- Community health and social services roles
- A clear pathway to the Community Health Worker Certificate
- Further study in Health Services at the bachelor’s level
Program Structure
- 11 General Studies core courses
- 9 Health Services core courses
- Total: 20 courses / 61 credit hours
Learn More About Health Services
Community Health Worker Certificate
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate is a six-course program — three courses in the fall semester, three in the spring — designed to prepare you for an in-demand role in community health.
Community Health Workers serve as trusted connectors between communities and health and social services systems. They provide outreach, health education, and support to individuals navigating healthcare access — especially in underserved communities.
What You’ll Be Prepared For
- Healthcare Navigator — help people work with the healthcare system to receive the best care
- Entry-level positions in healthcare services
- Community health and social services roles
- Further study in Health Services at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level
A Stackable Credential
The CHW Certificate is a strategic first step. Credits earned in this program can be applied toward the Associate of Arts in Health Services — and from there, toward a bachelor’s degree and on to your master’s degree. It’s a pathway, not a stopping point.
Learn More About the CHW Certificate
What’s in Each Program: Course Breakdown
No matter which degree program you choose, every Trinity at THEARC student begins with the same 11-course General Studies Core. These courses build the critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that support everything you’ll do in your career — and in life.
General Studies Core — Taken by All Degree Students
- Introduction to Information Literacy (INT 117)
- Writing for Academic and Professional Success (ENGL 106)
- Applied Mathematical Skills (MATH 111)
- Intro to Communications & Public Speaking (COM 101)
- Cross-Cultural Communication (COM 224)
- Science of the Environment (ENVS 102)
- American Civilization (HIS 134)
- Logic and Problem Solving (PHIL 101)
- Practical Ethics (PHIL 252)
- Fundamentals of Psychology (PSYC 100)
- Social Issues (SOCY 101)
After completing the General Studies Core, your remaining courses depend on your chosen program.
General Studies — Program-Specific Courses
- Academic Achievement (INT 113)
- Music and Culture (FNAR 248)
- Politics and Citizenship (POLS 102)
- Comparative Religions (RST 289)
- Area of Emphasis — Elective 1 (your choice)
- Area of Emphasis — Elective 2 (your choice)
- Area of Emphasis — Elective 3 (your choice)
- Area of Emphasis — Elective 4 (your choice)
- Capstone Project (INT 290)
Total: 11 General Studies Core + 9 program-specific = 20 courses / 61 credit hours
Early Childhood Education — Program-Specific Courses
- Fundamentals of Education (EDCC 220)
- Children, Family, Culture, and Community in Early Childhood (EDCC 205)
- Development of Learning Experiences in ECE (EDCC 207)
- Development of EC Oral Language & Literacy Skills (EDCC 210)
- Observation, Description & Measurement of Growth in Early Childhood (EDCC 212)
- Theories in Human Development (EDCC 215)
- Practicum and Seminar (EDTE 290)
- Capstone Research (EDCC 292)
- Mathematics in Early Childhood Education (MATH 113)
Total: 11 General Studies Core + 9 program-specific = 20 courses / 61 credit hours
Health Services — Program-Specific Courses
- Introduction to Wellness (SNHP 101)
- Introduction to Nutrition (SNHP 102)
- History of Healthcare in DC (SNHP 223)
- Political Policies and Processes (SNHP 200)
- Client Advocacy (SNHP 208)
- Working in Community Health (SNHP 231)
- Introduction to Medical Terminology & Health Communications (HPNU 121)
- Introduction to Health Planning (SNHP 221)
- Health Services Capstone (SNHP 292)
Total: 11 General Studies Core + 9 program-specific = 20 courses / 61 credit hours
Community Health Worker Certificate — All Courses
- Fundamentals of Psychology (PSYC 100)
- Social Issues (SOCY 101)
- Political Policies and Processes (SNHP 200)
- Client Advocacy (SNHP 208)
- Working in Community Health (SNHP 231)
- Introduction to Health Planning (SNHP 221)
6 courses total — all credits stackable toward the AA in Health Services
