Associate of Arts

At SCTCC, we ensure that our Associate of Arts degree fully transfers to any one of the seven Minnesota State universities. When you graduate you will have a pick from Bemidji State University, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, St. Cloud State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, and Winona State University.

What's the difference between an AA and the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum?

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is only 40 credits and makes up the core of an Associate of Arts degree. An associate’s degree is 60 credits, including the 40 credits of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum with an additional 18 credits of electives and 2 credits of wellness.

Typically, the first half of the Associates of Arts degree is the first half of a bachelor’s degree and can transfer virtually anywhere you decide to go. Both the associate or transfer program can seamlessly transfer to a Minnesota State university. However, if you’re looking to save money, getting your associate’s degree with SCTCC may be the best choice for you.

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SCTCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Classes in the AA program will be offered through a variety of delivery methods, including in-person, asynchronous online, synchronous online, hybrid, and HyFlex.

Definitions

What do each of the Delivery Methods mean?

Online – asynchronous: A traditional online course. You can learn at your own pace and when it's convenient for you by logging in any day at any time to do your work, as long as you complete assignments and exams by their due dates.

Online – synchronous: Class will meet online during dates and times listed.

Mostly Online: Students will have 1-4 meetings face-to-face over the course of the semester. Dates are listed on schedule. Some of these meetings may be for exams.

Blended/Hybrid: Class will meet with a mixture of online and face-to-face. Face-to-face meeting dates are listed on the schedule. Some courses may be divided into groups and students may only have to come to class some of the course days listed. Unless otherwise instructed, students should come to class on campus the first day and teachers will explain how the semester will work. As we get closer to the first day of classes, be sure to monitor your e-mail and D2L for more specific information about your classes.

HyFlex: Students can opt to take the class face-to-face, online, or hybrid, as it works for your schedule. Lectures will be streamed so you can participate synchronously – checking the NOTES section of the class when you register is helpful to learn more about how each class will be offered. This is a very flexible way for students to take classes, as you can move between different ways of learning and find out what works best for you.

Face-to-face: A traditional on campus class that meets in person. Face-to-face classes will be limited to a maximum of 25 students. Students and instructors in the classroom will follow social distancing guidelines.

SCTCC offers an AA degree with no textbook costs: Learn more about the Z-Degree.

Instead of a traditional textbook that may cost upwards of $200 for some classes, the Z-Degree classes offer the textbook as a digital copy that can be accessed and downloaded from D2L Brightspace. Students will have access to purchase the hardcover book or copies in the Bookstore, but the classes will also have the digital-only option.

If you are interested in the Z-Degree, apply to SCTCC and select the AA degree as your major. When it's time to meet with an advisor and register for classes, your advisor can assist you in registering for Z-Degree classes.