Associate of Arts Degree Requirements

An associate degree from The University of Findlay is a structured program of study for at least 60 semester hours of credit which consists of associate degree major requirements (25-36 semester hours), the CORE Curriculum for General Education, and possible elective courses depending on the student's course of study. An associate's degree enables students to begin to explore a focused subject area that may allow for further growth at the baccalaureate level and/or prepare students for a vocation. A major pursued at the associate degree level will explore the scope and principal features in a chosen area of study. To be eligible for an Academic Associate of Arts degree, the following requirements must be met:

1. Successful completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit with an overall 2.00 grade point average or better (EDUC 088 and developmental courses may not be included in this 60 semester hours; see the section on Developmental Courses for more information.);
2. Successful completion of a major;
3. Successful completion of the CORE Curriculum for General Education program for a total of 36 hours for an associate degree:
   1. At least three semester hours in each CORE outcome (e.g., C1, O1); some of the courses selected to meet CORE outcomes may require the completion of a course prerequisite (see C2 and O2 for examples). Students should refer to the selected courses' description to determine if a course prerequisite is required prior to enrolling in the course selected to meet the outcome.

      Critical Thinking Skills - Outcomes

      C1:  Students will use scientific inquiry to interpret data, solve problems, or draw conclusions, in disciplines such as, but not limited to, Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, and Physiology.

      C2:  Students will use methods in mathematics, statistics, or logic to interpret data, solve problems, and draw conclusions, in College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics, and Formal/Symbolic Logic. MATH 110 or its equivalents is prerequisite for courses in this Outcome.

      C3:  Students will apply relevant terms, concepts, and histories to critically analyze political, social, religious, philosophical, or economical systems, in disciplines such as, but not limited to, Communication, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

      Oral and Written Communication Skills - Outcomes

      O1:  Students will demonstrate oral communication skills for a variety of workplaces and disciplines, in courses such as, but not limited to, COMM 110 or COMM 211.

      O2:  Students will evaluate information for reliability and legitimacy, and demonstrate rhetorical skills in written texts for academic and professional environments, in courses such as, but not limited to, ENGL 202, ENGL 272, ENGL 282, ENGL 302, ENGL 305, and ENGL 306. ENGL 104, ENGL 145, and ENGL 106, or their equivalents, are prerequisites for courses in this Outcome.

      O3:  Students will demonstrate competency in broadly applicable current technologies, in courses such as, but not limited to, CSCI 148, CSCI 149, CSCI 150, or CSCI 190.

      Relationships with the World - Outcomes

      R1:  Students will identify the similarities and differences among individuals, groups, societies, and/or languages to apply and integrate these multicultural perspectives for interaction in a diverse world, in disciplines such as, but not limited to, History of Art, Dance, Film, Music, or Theater; Languages; Ethics; History; Literature; Philosophy; Religion; or Ethnic or Gender Studies.

      R2:  Students will evaluate relationships between humans and the natural world and demonstrate responsible stewardship of natural resources in disciplines such as, but not limited to, Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science, or in disciplines such as, but not limited to, Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.

      R3:  Students will apply principles of value and civic duty in a wide range of settings, including their relationship to local and global communities and the social, political, and cultural issues therein, in disciplines such as, but not limited to, Communication, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

      Engagement for Meaningful Lives and Productive Careers - Outcomes

      E1:  Students will evaluate questions of meaning, faith, and vocation in light of enduring religious and philosophical texts and traditions, in courses such as, but not limited to, RELI 101, RELI 102, RELI 235, RELI 240, or PHIL 100, PHIL 210, or PHIL 270.

      E2:  Students will articulate and defend aesthetic arguments or craft expressive work within larger historical or modern contexts, in disciplines such as, but not limited to, History of Art, Dance, Film, Music, or Theater, or Literature.

   2. Participation in required assessment activities as determined by the faculty.
4. Application of not more than 12 semester hours of “D+,” “D,” and “D-” grades toward a degree and at least a “C” grade in the major and in courses required to fulfill competency requirements;
5. Application of not more than 15 semester hours obtained by one or any combination of the following toward a degree: International Baccalaureate Organization’s Diploma Program, proficiency examinations, portfolio credit, advanced placement credit, or transfer of extension and/or correspondence credit;
6. Participation in graduation exercises unless excused by the vice president for academic affairs for a reason beyond the candidate’s control;
7. If course work is transferred to The University of Findlay; successful completion of no less than the 50 percent of the hours required in the major must be completed at UF for an associate’s degree;
8. The last 15 semester hours (minimum) must be completed at The University of Findlay.