The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.(1) Academic Associate Degree--A type of degree program generally intended to transfer to an upper-level baccalaureate program that will satisfy the lower-division requirements for a baccalaureate degree in a specific discipline. The Academic Associate Degree includes, but is not limited to, the Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degrees.(2) Applied Associate Degree--A type of degree program designed to lead the individual directly to employment in a specific career. The Applied Associate Degree Program includes, but is not limited to, the Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.).(3) Board--The governing body of the agency known as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.(4) Commissioner--The Commissioner of Higher Education.(5) Core Curriculum or Texas Core Curriculum--The curriculum in the liberal arts, humanities, sciences, and political, social, and cultural history that all undergraduates of an institution of higher education are required to complete before receiving an academic undergraduate degree. Core curriculum provisions apply to all institutions of higher education that offer academic undergraduate degree programs.(6) Directed Electives--A set of courses within a major course of study, consisting of at least six semester credit hours, specific to each general academic teaching institution and prescribed by the faculty of each general academic teaching institution. Directed Electives form part of the Field of Study Curriculum.(7) Discipline Foundation Courses (DFC)--A set of courses within a major course of study, consisting of up to twelve (12) semester credit hours. The Discipline Foundation Courses form part of the Field of Study Curriculum.(8) Discipline-Specific Subcommittee--A subcommittee established under