Program Requirements Overview
Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers six types of academic programs to help you achieve your educational and career goals. They include:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAS)
- Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Diploma
- Certificate
The following page outlines the differences between degree programs, certificates, and diplomas.
Associate of Arts Degrees
The Associate of Arts degree (AA) is intended primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students may also 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 60 credits must be taken within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) with all ten goals completed. Students are strongly encouraged to develop an educational plan with their assigned Anoka-Ramsey advisor to assure that the AA degree and pre-major requirements are fulfilled.
Transfer Note
An agreement with Minnesota State provides that Anoka-Ramsey’s Associate of Arts degree (or MnTC) will satisfy all the lower-division general education requirements of any of the Minnesota State institutions.
An agreement with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides that the MnTC will satisfy the University’s liberal education requirements. Anoka-Ramsey also has agreements with many private and out-of-state schools that allow easy transfer of the AA degree. For assistance in program planning, or to explore transfer options, students should meet with an academic advisor.
General Requirements for AA Degrees
- A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all MnTC courses
- Satisfy residency requirements
- Completion of specific degree requirements
- To receive your diploma, you must apply to graduate
Associate of Applied Science Degrees
The Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) is intended for students who plan to use the competencies gained through their degree for immediate employment. The AAS degree is granted in a specific major and typically about two-thirds of the coursework is in the career/program area. Approximately one-third of the courses are from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) .
Transfer Note
The AAS degree is not designed to transfer to a four-year college. However, the MnTC courses typically do transfer and some of the career-oriented courses taken at Anoka-Ramsey may also transfer to specific majors at selected schools. Please see an advisor for specific information regarding transferring courses.
General Requirements for AAS Degrees
- A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC
- Satisfy residency requirements
- Completion of specific degree requirements
- To complete the program, students must submit the degree application.
Associate of Fine Arts Degrees
The Associate of Fine Arts degree (AFA) is designed primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Students may choose a path leading to art, creative writing, music, or theatre.
Transfer Note
Specific AFA degrees that are designated as Transfer Pathways (listed in their program/degree name) will transfer to certain specified Minnesota State Universities. Students can learn more about transfer pathways at Minnesota State by visiting the Transfer Pathways page in the catalog. Outside of these specified transfer agreements on the transfer pathways, AFA degrees may transfer in part or in their entirety to other baccalaureate institutions.
General Requirements for AFA Degrees
- A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC
- Satisfy residency requirements
- Completion of specific degree requirements
- To complete the program, students must submit the degree application.
Associate of Science Degrees
The Associate of Science degree (AS) is intended for students who wish to balance liberal arts education with career-oriented classes. The primary purpose of the degree is to provide the credentials for a specific career and prepare graduates for admission to a four-year college. Approximately one-half of the coursework consists of liberal arts or general education credits and one-half comprises career-oriented courses.
Transfer Note
Specific AS degrees that are designated as Transfer Pathways (listed in their program/degree name) will transfer to certain specified Minnesota State Universities. Students can learn more about transfer pathways at Minnesota State by visiting the Transfer Pathways page in the catalog. Outside of the transfer pathway AS degrees, there are some transfer agreements that exist with selected four-year colleges for each AS degree. Please see an Anoka-Ramsey advisor for specific information regarding these agreements.
General Degree Requirements for AS Degrees
- A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC
- Satisfy residency requirements
- Completion of specific degree requirements
- To complete the program, students must submit the degree application.
Certificates & Diplomas
Certificate and diploma programs, offered in several career fields, are designed to increase students’ knowledge and skills in a specific area/discipline. Certificates are awarded for completion of 9-30 credits of coursework and may have an occupational outcome or address a focused area of study. Diplomas are awarded for completion of 31-72 credits of coursework and prepare students for immediate employment. Many courses within a certificate or diploma program may apply toward an AS or AAS degree in the discipline. To complete the program, students must submit the certificate/diploma application.
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