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Associate of Arts

AA
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Whether you’re unsure of what comes next after graduation or you’re looking to save money on your intended four-year degree, we have a program for you.

Instructors
Prepare to Transfer
MN Transfer Curriculum

DEGREES IN Associate of Arts

Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate of Arts

AA
The LAS AA degree provides a broad base of general classes that constitute the first two years of a bachelor's degree. Classes are designed to transfer seamlessly to any other college or university in the Minnesota State system, along with many other colleges and universities.
Course List

By the Numbers

60
Credits

Why Choose This Program

The SCTCC Liberal Arts & Sciences Associate of Arts (AA) Degree allows for students to keep their options open and transfer their degree with ease.

The Associate of Arts degree exposes students to a variety of courses that develop key communication and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the workforce or in further education. The courses we offer even introduce students to new, diverse, and critical thinking ideas that can help uncover talents, skills, and interests you might not have known you possess.

At SCTCC, we equip every student with the tools they need to succeed. We have even tailored our programs to ensure that anyone can easily transfer to a different university of their choice. We believe students should have options, so getting your associate’s degree in arts from SCTCC might be the best choice for you.

This program is available online and on campus. Learn more about Online classes and programs

An Associate in Arts degree from SCTCC is designed to transfer to any Minnesota State 4-year university of your choice. Credits may transfer to other universities outside of the Minnesota State System so you can have a wide range of opportunities when you move onto a different university.

94%
2023 Placement Rate
150
Continued Education Transfers in 2023

Placement rate from self-reported data of graduates available for work in field of study up to one year post graduation. Wage data is from Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). SCTCC Consumer Information.

From Degree to Career

When you choose the AA degree at SCTCC, you’ll save money on your generals before transferring to get your bachelor's degree. An AA and general classes also provide a good foundation for students who want to choose an additional program at SCTCC.

Program Learner Outcomes
  1. Apply Foundational skills needed for the future of their education, work, and life that supports economic and social mobility.  
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the physical and natural world through scientific and quantitative reasoning skills.  
  3. Explain the nature of human behaviors, beliefs, and experiences on an individual, social, and cultural level to support their equitable participation in society.  
  4. Be able to implement multiple strategies to improve their overall wellness. 

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?

AA Degree versus 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.

SCTCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

  • This program is offered online and in-person
  • Cost savings to the student
  • SCTCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
  • Transferrable to any 4-year college
  • Opportunities to select courses to potentially earn certifications within areas of interest
    • Coaching Certificate
    • Early Education Certificate
    • Green Energy Certificate

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.

Class types
Liberal Arts students
Biology students with instructor
Math students
Math students
Spanish students

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you ready to learn more about the AA Degree and being a student at SCTCC?

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Request Information

Fill out this form to receive useful information that's specific to your program.

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Connect with the Admissions team

  • Call us at 320-308-5089
  • Email us at recruitment@sctcc.edu

  • On campus Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Visiting campus is an excellent opportunity to learn about SCTCC programs, the application process, and tour the state-of-the-art-labs and classrooms.

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Paying for College

Students choose SCTCC for a lot of reasons, but saving money is one reason we hear from almost every student at SCTCC. We’ve got a breakdown of the costs for the program, along with information on financial aid and scholarships.

Apply just once and you are considered for all eligible SCTCC scholarships.

Program Costs   Applying for Financial Aid   SCTCC Scholarships
SCTCC is the best value with tuition at $6124. MinnState university is $9959. UofM is $14962. MN private university is $50979. *Based on average 2024 tuition & fees for 15 credits or full-time for an academic year. Some institutions charge additional fees.  Fees vary by program. For exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. The listed costs do not include room & board.

PROGRAM INFO FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

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Questions? Contact us!

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