AA degress are the prerequisite to a bachelor's degree at most schools.
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is among the first post-secondary degrees available to students. This degree is sometimes required as a prerequisite to transfer into a four-year bachelor's program. AA degree recipients usually complete a full range of academic studies in addition to courses in the areas of their major. Although anyone pursuing an Associate's degree should check with the individual school for specifics, similarities in requirements appear across most AA programs.
Credit Hours
In order to earn an Associate of Arts degree from a college, students generally need to complete a minimum of 60 hours of coursework. Some programs may require more than 60, but few require less. Most AA general courses equal the first half of the bachelor's degree program associated with the area of study. Once a student obtains the 60-plus hours, the degree is earned and can be used independently or as a prerequisite for a bachelor's program. Most AA degrees are offered at both the university level and at two-year community colleges.
Time
An Associate of Arts degree usually takes two years and four semesters to complete the program, if the student follows the typical fall and spring semester schedule. Four full-time semesters allow students to graduate with an associate's degree. Some schools offer summer semesters that speed the process to complete required coursework, but not all colleges offer the needed courses for every major in the summer.
Grades
Just completing the classes is not enough, in most cases. Students must finish the required credit hours of work with satisfactory grades. Most programs require a grade of C or better for each course in order for it to count toward the degree completion. Many programs also require a certain grade point average from high school to be admitted into a program. Check with the college to find out how you qualify.
Competency
Certain states or school systems may require competency testing before an AA degree is awarded. This may require passing of certain courses in writing, reading and computation and math, or it may require other competency testing. Competency exams may include essay writing and written math testing.
Application to Graduate
Before a student can graduate with an Associate of Arts degree, he or she must apply for graduation. This application, usually available at the records office of the school, will begin the process of verifying your transcripts for all required credits. This application is generally turned in early in the final semester of your program.
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