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Liberal Arts & Sciences

Liberal Arts & Sciences

The Associate in Arts is a liberal arts degree that includes the first two years of most Bachelor's degrees and is designed for transfer to a four-year university. Students who complete our Associate in Arts degree, which includes the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, are assured of a smooth transfer into Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as well as into specific majors at all the campuses of the University of Minnesota.

What is a transfer program?

Transfer degrees are intended for those students who plan to continue their college career at a four-year college or university. MSCTC counselors and advisors are committed to working with our students to ensure that the courses and degree paths each student chooses are well-suited to the four-year college or university s/he has decided to attend. Students who plan to transfer are strongly encouraged to set career plans and choose majors early so that the courses they take from us will reduce the number of pre-requisites required in their major at the four-year college or university level. Click here to view Degree Concentration Areas

Associate in Arts Degree

The Associate in Arts degree (AA) is intended primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor's degree. It can be considered the first two years of a four-year degree. The AA degree is a general liberal arts degree that helps to form the basis of knowledge necessary for a well-rounded person. While no specific major is connected with the AA degree, many students choose to concentrate in a particular field of study as preparation for a planned major at a four-year college or university. At least 40 of the 64 credits must be taken within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC). Any student who anticipates transferring to a four-year college or university should plan an appropriate program of study (both general education and major requirements) with one of the counselors prior to and during enrollment at MSCTC.

AA transfer guides have been developed to assist students in planning the appropriate course work for specific majors of study. Requirements vary from university to university, and students should check specific requirements for the Bachelor's degree at the four-year college or university they have chosen. Counselors and advisors at MSCTC will assist students with planning course work here that will fit well with the university to which the student intends to transfer. Transfer guides are available in the Student Services office at the Fergus Falls campus, or by calling 877-450-3322; students are encouraged to consult these guides with their MSCTC counselor or advisor.

Undecided

The AA degree is also recommended for students who are undecided about their field of study. The AA degree allows students to complete the general education requirements of four-year colleges and universities and to transfer with junior-year status. Undecided students are encouraged to utilize the Minnesota State Community and Technical College Career Center located in the College Center of the Fergus Falls campus, room C317, or to call 877-450-3322. This Center is dedicated to helping students explore and find a college and career path with the assistance of a counselor.

Program Accreditations:

The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (800) 621-7440, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504.

Course Requirements

To earn the Associate of Arts degree:

1. Successfully complete a minimum of 64 semester credits numbered 1000 or above.
2. Achieve a GPA of 2.00
3. Earn at least 20 of the 64 credits from MSCTC, or if transferring from another MnSCU campus earn at least 12 of the 64 credits from MSCTC.
4. Complete a minimum of 40 total credits of liberal education in Goal Area 1, Goal Area 3, Goal Area 4, Goal Area 5, and Goal Area 6.
5. Complete two courses from Goal Area 2.
6. Complete one course each from Goal Area 7, Goal Area 8, Goal Area 9, and Goal Area 10.
7. Complete additional General Education courses or electives to meet the 64 semester credit requirement for graduation.

GOAL, AREA, MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS and AREA COURSE LISTS

AREA 1 Written and Oral Communication: 9 Credits minimum from Area 1 Courses

AREA 2: Critical Thinking: Two Area 2 Courses from different Disciplines

AREA 3 Natural Sciences: 6 credits minimum from Area 3 Courses; one course must include lab

AREA 4 Mathematics and Logical Reasoning: 3 Credits minimum from Area 4 Courses

AREA 5 History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences: 9 credits minimum from Area 5 Courses from two or more Disciplines

AREA 6 The Humanities and the Fine Arts: 9 credits minimum from Area 6 Courses from three or more Disciplines

AREA 7 Human Diversity: 1 course minimum from Area 7 Courses

AREA 8 Global Perspective: 1 course minimum from Area 8 Courses

AREA 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility:1 course minimum from Area 9 Courses

AREA 10 People and the Environment: 1 course minimum from Area 10 Courses

Approximate Cost

Associate in Arts Transfer Program (64 Credits)

Amounts listed are estimated. Actual costs are subject to changes in purchasing agreements, curriculum, requirements, tuition and fees, local Internet fees, and whether or not your computer meets the minimum specifications. Fees, charges and policies are as of the publication date and subject to change.

Item	Cost Basis	Notes
* Admission fee	$20	One-time fee
Course books and supplies	$246	Estimated Per Term
Tuition	$199	Per Credit
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit
Association Fee	$0.31	Per Credit
Technology Fee	$10	Per Credit
* Computer	$1500	Estimated One-time investment
Internet Access	$30	Estimated Per Month
* Other	NA	Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition -$149 / A video camera (rent or buy) is required if speech is chosen.
Estimated Per Term Cost:	$1607	Based on 6 credits or 2 courses per term. Excludes (*) items, as one-time fees.
Cost to Complete Program:	$19178	Includes one-time costs. Assumes new computer purchase. If student already owns a computer that meets the minimum specs, the estimated cost should be reduced by $1500.