Think of the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree as your freshman and sophomore years of college. It encompasses all the general education requirements you will need to continue to a bachelor’s degree. You will begin to explore your major concentration of study and prepare for advancement to one of the excellent bachelor degrees offered at FSCJ, or transfer to another college or university in Florida. In fact, your earned A.A. degree guarantees admission at one of the State Universities in Florida. As a regionally accredited institution, FSCJ credits are accepted at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and even internationally. We also have transfer agreements with several universities offering online degree programs. FSCJ also offers an accelerated A.A. degree program option that can be completed in 18 months. Contact a Student Success Advisor at (904) 997-2600 for more information.
Admission
Applicants seeking admission to the associate in arts (A.A.) program must have earned a standard high school diploma or equivalency degree as prescribed in s. 1003.435 F.S., previously demonstrated competency in college credit postsecondary coursework, or, in the case of a student who is home educated, a signed affidavit submitted by the student’s parent or legal guardian attesting that the student has completed a home education program pursuant to the requirements of s. 1002.41 F.S.
University Parallel
The College offers a 60 semester hour program that includes 36 hours of General Education coursework leading to the associate in arts (A.A.) degree. Usually referred to as a university parallel program, it is designed for students who plan to complete their first two years of college work at Florida State College at Jacksonville and then continue their education as juniors in a bachelor degree program at Florida State College at Jacksonville or another four-year institution of their choice.
The specific programs of study of a given major should be worked out individually between students and an advisor soon after they enroll at Florida State College at Jacksonville to ensure that General Education courses and elective courses meet upper division transfer and pre-requisite requirements. All courses will have a notation at the end of the course description confirming that the course is an A.A. (General Education) Course . Any student entering Florida State College at Jacksonville in 2013-2014 seeking an associate in arts degree must indicate their baccalaureate degree program offered by an institution of interest by the time 30 semester hours toward that degree have been earned.
Intended Transfer Major
Since colleges and universities may have different admission and program requirements, students should be certain to fulfill the pre-major course requirements within their first 60 semester hours for the bachelor degree program in which they intend to enroll. Students transferring to a private four-year institution from Florida State College at Jacksonville are advised to contact the registrar of that university for information concerning special course requirements that should be met while attending Florida State College at Jacksonville, or use the Florida Virtual Campus website for information. These requirements vary from university to university; thus, specific programs of study for a given major at a given university should be worked out individually by students and an advisor or counselor soon after they enroll at the College. To maximize transferability, students are advised to choose an intended transfer major and transfer institution as early as possible while at Florida State College at Jacksonville and must declare by the time 30 semester hours have been earned.
Students transferring to the State University System with the associate in arts degree are guaranteed the transferability of credits earned within that degree and junior-level standing by the state articulation agreement, however, they are not guaranteed admission to a specific state university or to a specific program of study, particularly those that are designated “limited-access.” Students transferring prior to receipt of the A.A. degree are not assured of junior-level standing, and the transferability of credits earned will be determined by the receiving institution. Also, a student transferring prior to receipt of the A.A. degree may not receive acceptance of credits earned in courses with less than a “C” grade.
Associate in Arts College Level Academic Skills (CLAS) Requirements
Note: Effective July 1, 2011, the CLAS requirement for degree completion is no longer required (House Bill 7151).
Student Warning
When students repeat a course at Florida State College at Jacksonville, only the last grade earned is calculated in their cumulative grade point average (GPA). However, students with an excessive number of W grades and students who repeat courses to improve their GPA jeopardize their admission to some programs in the Florida State University System (SUS) institutions or other institutions.
Programs of Study (Associate in Arts)
The state of Florida has adopted common prerequisites for each major that are required at all state universities and state colleges. These courses should be completed as part of the associate in arts degree (A.A.). It is also important to note that for the same majors, each university may have different admission requirements in addition to the common prerequisites. In some universities, common prerequisites must be completed in order to be admitted into a program and specific grade point averages may also be required. These programs are identified as Limited Access. All associate in arts degree students are encouraged to select an intended transfer major by the time they have accumulated 24 college credit hours in order to enroll in the appropriate prerequisite courses needed for transfer to an upper division college or university. Selecting an intended transfer major will also assist students in using Florida Virtual Campus. Visit Florida Virtual Campus online or contact a counselor or advisor for more information about each major.
The Associate in Arts degree program is for those whose ultimate goal is to achieve a bachelor’s or higher degree from a university. Also known as the university transfer degree, the A.A. curriculum is comparable to the freshman and sophomore years at a university. The majority of courses in this program are general education such as English, mathematics, humanities, science and social sciences. The remaining courses are selected based on the student’s intended transfer major and transfer institution and are meant to satisfy prerequisite requirements for that major. Following are some intended transfer major areas which A.A. students may choose. This list is not a complete list of possibilities. See a counselor or advisor for other areas of interest.
Intended Transfer Majors
The following list of intended transfer majors has a unique three-digit code for each intended transfer major. All Associate in Arts degree students are encouraged to select an intended transfer major, in order to and enroll in the appropriate prerequisite courses needed for transfer to an upper division college or university. The codes and the intended transfer major will not appear on the college transcript, but will be used during enrollment at Florida State College at Jacksonville to assist in advising and communicating with students. The intended transfer major code can be selected during the application process and changed, at the student’s request. Changes in intended transfer majors can affect the prerequisites courses needed for the transfer major.
Students should also select an intended transfer institution in the student portal or when meeting with an advisor or counselor. The advising and counseling staff can assist you in researching the transfer institution options that match your goals and help you take the right prerequisite courses needed for your intended transfer major at your intended transfer institution.
Arts, Languages and Humanities
Arts, Languages and Humanities (100), Art (101), Communications (102), Fine Arts (103), Dance (104), Theatre (105), English (106), Literature (107), Foreign Languages (108), Music (109), Philosophy (110), Religious Studies (111), Film Studies (112), Humanities (113), Broadcast Journalism/Broadcast Communication (114), Graphic Design (115), Digital Arts/Digital Media (116), Digital Communications (117), Photography (118), Journalism (119)
Business
Business (200), Accounting (201), Business Administration (202), Economics (203), Finance (204), Financial Services (205), Logistics (206), Management (207), Marketing (208), Transportation (209), Fashion Merchandising (210), Applied Management (211, Business Forensics (212), Financial Management (213), Forensic Accounting (214), Human Resource Management (215), Hospitality Management (216), Aviation Management (217), Event Management (218), Risk Management and Insurance (219), Agriculture Business/Operations (220), Supervision and Management (221)
Computer Science and Information Systems
Computer Science and Information Systems (300), Computer Science (301), Computer Engineering (302), Information Science (303), Information Systems (304), Computer Networking (305), Information Technology (306), Management Information Systems (307), Computer Information Systems (308), Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (309), Information Technology Management (310)
Education
Education (400), Art Education (401), Elementary Education (402), English Education (403), Exceptional Education (404), Health Education (405), Middle School Education (406), Music Education (407), Physical Education (408) Science Education (409), Secondary Education (410), Social Science Education (411), Mathematics Education (412), Dance Education (413), Child Development (414), Early Childhood Education (415)
Engineering, Architecture and Construction
Engineering, Architecture and Construction (500), Architecture (501), Building Construction Management (502), Civil Engineering (503), Electrical Engineering (504), Interior Design (505), Mechanical Engineering (506), Nuclear Engineering (507), Engineering Technology - General (508), Geomatics (509)
Health Care and Recreation
Health Care and Recreation (600), Dietetics (601), Health Science (602), Health Administration (603), Nursing (604), Nutrition (605), Physical Therapy (606), Recreation (607), Sports Medicine (608), Health Care Management (609), Sports Management (610), Exercise Science (611)
Mathematics
Mathematics (700), Statistics (701)
Physical and Biological Sciences
Physical and Biological Sciences (800), Astronomy (801), Biology (802), Botany (803), Chemistry (804), Ecology (805), Forestry (806), Geology (807), Marine Biology (808), Meteorology (809), Oceanography (810), Physics (811), Zoology (812), Biochemistry (813), Forensic Science (814), Animal Science (815), Environmental Science (816)
Social Sciences
Social Sciences (900), Anthropology (901), Criminal Justice (902), Geography (903), History (904), International Studies/Relations (905), Political Science (906), Psychology (907), Public Administration (908), Sociology (909), Social Work (910), Public Safety Management (911), Fire Science Management (912), Fire and Emergency Services (913), Legal Assisting (914)
Pre-Professional
Pre-Dentistry (011), Pre-Law (012), Pre-Medicine (013), Pre-Optometry (014), Pre-Pharmacy (015), Pre-Veterinary Medicine (016), Pre-Architecture (017), Pre-Physician Assistant (018)
Other (099)
Undecided (000)
Rights of Students in the Associate in Arts Transfer Degree Program
Florida State College at Jacksonville associate in arts graduates are guaranteed the following rights under the Statewide Articulation Agreement (State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024):
- admission to one of the eleven state universities, except to limited access programs which have additional admission requirements,
- acceptance of at least 60 credit hours by the state universities toward the baccalaureate degree,
- adherence to university requirements and policies based on the catalog in effect at the time the student first entered a community college, provided the student maintains continuous enrollment,
- transfer of equivalent courses under the Statewide Course Numbering System,
- acceptance by the state universities of credit earned in accelerated programs (e.g., CLEP, AP, CCCE, Dual Enrollment, Early Admission and International Baccalaureate),
- no additional General Education Requirements,
- advance knowledge of selection criteria for limited access programs and
- equal opportunity with native university students to enter limited access programs.
Should any guarantee be denied, students have the right of appeal. Each state university and community college shall make available established appeal procedures through the respective articulation officers.
Associate in Arts University Transfer
Any student transferring from Florida State College at Jacksonville with an associate in arts degree is guaranteed the transfer of credits earned toward that degree and junior-level standing within the state university system by the State Articulation Agreement (SBE Rule 6A-10.024, FAC). However, a transferring student is not guaranteed admission to specific colleges or programs within the university.
The following are steps that require action on your part for transferring to be successful:
- identify a major (before accumulating 24 college credit hours);
- identify a transfer institution (before accumulating 30 college credit hours);
- know the admission requirements to the university;
- in case of a limited-access major, identify the course and admission requirements;
- complete these requirements (items listed above) while attending Florida State College at Jacksonville;
- complete all of the requirements for A.A. degree; and
- complete the admission and application process as required by the university.
There are many things to think about when transferring to another college or university to earn your bachelor’s degree. If you need assistance in identifying a transfer institution, please use the Transfer Planning Checklist available on the Transfer Services Web page. This checklist guides students through the process of determining goals and educational needs, as well as the type, location/course delivery, cost, value and accreditation of potential transfer institutions. Determine if Florida State College at Jacksonville has a transfer articulation agreement with any of your selected institutions and for the specific major. Determine which of the colleges on your chart best fit your goals and educational needs and rank them in order of preference.
The Florida State College at Jacksonville university transfer guide is an overview of the transfer process. This guide, along with the admission requirements for the 11 Florida state universities, can be found on the College Web site.
Available Associate in Arts Degree
The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree gives you the option of completing your degree in two years and starting a career, or you can use your credits toward a bachelor’s degree as long as the general education prerequisites are met. Many of our A.S. degrees are designed specifically for seamless transition into one of our associated Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science degrees.
Preparation for a Career
Career and technical education programs are designed to prepare students who, at the completion of a program of study listed in this section of the catalog, are planning to enter a chosen career or transfer to a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study at a state college or state public university, based on specific program articulation agreements. For individuals wishing to spend less than two years in career preparation, technical certificate programs are also available in several areas. Proof of course attendance, course completion or specific documentation required to fulfill certification or licensure requirements will be provided by the Instructional Program Manager or Workforce Dean.
Program Location
Not all of the career and technical education A.S. degree programs are available at each of the College’s campuses. However, the General Education Requirements and many of the elective, professional and other required courses are available at all campuses as well as at selected off-campus centers and sites, and online.
Selective Access Programs
Some associate in science programs are selective access programs and have special selection and admissions criteria which may be obtained from the program office as listed by the program in this catalog.
University Transfer
Students with A.S. degrees who plan to transfer to a bachelor degree program at Florida State College at Jacksonville, another state college or a state university should contact an advisor to determine any additional requirements necessary for transferring.
Co-operative Learning and/or Internship Opportunities Programs
Most associate in science and some certificate programs at Florida State College at Jacksonville require a co-op/internship experience as part of the program of study.
Preparing students for the workplace is the goal of the associate in science degree programs at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Not only must students complete degree and certificate programs having mastered employment-related skills, but they must also have the interpersonal skills that allow them to contribute and be productive and successful in the workplace. The Co-op and Internship Opportunities Programs allow the student a chance to practice these skills while earning credit towards their degree or certificate.
The internship, which provides the student with real experience in their chosen field of specialization, is an important component in most technical degree programs. Upon completion of these programs, the College is certifying that the student can perform certain employment-related skills.
Such certification is not possible unless the student has performed in some type of work environment.
Objectives of the Co-op/Internship Program:
- to gain practical work experience
- to gain insight into the daily functioning of the workplace
- to gain knowledge and understanding of interpersonal dynamics
- to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom
- to exercise ethical responsibilities expected of company personnel
- to personally evaluate these experiences
- to expose the student to the processes involved in acquiring a position
The College does not guarantee employment. Selection of a particular student to fill a job is at the sole discretion of the employer and not within the control of the College. This means neither the College nor any of its representatives can guarantee a paid or unpaid co-op/internship placement.
Associate in Science Graduation Requirements
In order to be awarded the Associate in Science degree, students must have met the following requirements:
- Fulfill all academic requirements for the chosen program of study as outlined in the Florida State College at Jacksonville catalog and curriculum.
- Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) at Florida State College at Jacksonville in courses eligible toward the Associate in Science degree programs, excluding developmental education courses. (A.S. Florida State College at Jacksonville GPA).
- Earned an all-college cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) on a 4.0 scale on all courses attempted. This includes Florida State College at Jacksonville college-credit semester hours and transferred credits (excluding developmental education) in lower division courses. (All college cumulative.)
- Complete a minimum of 25 percent of the total hours required for the program in residence at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Credit by examination and credit by portfolio development do not count toward this residency requirement.
- Complete the required semester hours, as specified by the degree, of which a minimum of 15 semester hours must be General Education requirements.
- Earned a grade of a C or better in each course used to satisfy the General Education Requirements and any other area designated with a C or better requirement.
- Fulfill all obligations, financial or otherwise, to the College before they may graduate.
Note: Students are cautioned to pay particular attention to the following statements.
- A student’s graduation date will be the date of the end of the College term in which the student has fulfilled all academic requirements. (The removal of an incomplete grade does not affect students’ graduation dates, since the grade change is effective at the end of the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned rather than the term in which the incomplete work was made up.)
- Students who enter under the (2016/2017) catalog will be assigned to the degree or certificate requirements in effect during the 2016/2017 academic year. The student’s assigned catalog year will remain in effect as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment. Changes to requirements as mandated by law or by rule of the District Board of Trustees may supersede this provision.
- Many courses in this catalog have prerequisite and/or co-requisite courses which are listed in the course descriptions. Students are advised to be guided by these requirements.
- Students who place into developmental education courses are required to complete designated developmental education courses with a grade of “C” or better regardless of program of study.
Available Associate in Science Degrees
Preparation for a Career
Career and technical education programs are designed to prepare students who, at the completion of a program of study listed in this section of the catalog, are planning to enter a chosen career. Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees are available in some programs. Associate in Applied Science programs in general will not transfer to a four-year institution. General education requirements are not different than for the A.S. degree programs. For individuals wishing to spend less than two years in career preparation, technical certificate programs are also available in several areas. Proof of course attendance, course completion or specific documentation required to fulfill certification or licensure requirements will be provided by the Instructional Program Manager or Workforce Dean.
Program Location
Not all of the career and technical education A.S. or A.A.S. degree programs are available at each of the College’s campuses. However, the General Education Requirements and many of the elective, professional and other required courses are available at all campuses as well as at selected off-campus centers and sites, and online.
Selective Access Programs
Some Associate in Applied Science programs are selective access programs and have special selection and admissions criteria which may be obtained from the program office as listed by the program in this catalog.
University Transfer
Students with A.A.S. degrees who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at Florida State College at Jacksonville, another state college or a state university should contact an advisor to determine any additional requirements necessary for transferring.
Co-operative Learning and/or Internship Opportunities Programs
Most Associate in Applied Science and some certificate programs at Florida State College at Jacksonville require a co-op/internship experience as part of the program of study.
Preparing students for the workplace is the goal of the Associate in Applied Science degree programs at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Not only must students complete degree and certificate programs having mastered employment-related skills, but they must also have the interpersonal skills that allow them to contribute and be productive and successful in the workplace. The Co-op and Internship Opportunities Programs allow the student a chance to practice these skills while earning credit towards their degree or certificate.
The internship, which provides the student with real experience in their chosen field of specialization, is an important component in most technical degree programs. Upon completion of these programs, the College is certifying that the student can perform certain employment-related skills.
Such certification is not possible unless the student has performed in some type of work environment.
Objectives of the Co-op/Internship Program:
- to gain practical work experience
- to gain insight into the daily functioning of the workplace
- to gain knowledge and understanding of interpersonal dynamics
- to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom
- to exercise ethical responsibilities expected of company personnel
- to personally evaluate these experiences
- to expose the student to the processes involved in acquiring a position
The College does not guarantee employment. Selection of a particular student to fill a job is at the sole discretion of the employer and not within the control of the College. This means neither the College nor any of its representatives can guarantee a paid or unpaid co-op/internship placement.
Associate in Applied Science Graduation Requirements
In order to be awarded the Associate in Applied Science, students must have met the following requirements:
- Fulfilled all academic requirements for the chosen program of study as outlined in the Florida State College at Jacksonville catalog and curriculum.
- Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) at Florida State College at Jacksonville in courses eligible toward the Associate in Science degree programs, excluding developmental education courses. (A.S. Florida State College at Jacksonville GPA).
- Earned an all-college cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (“C”) on a 4.0 scale on all courses attempted. This includes Florida State College at Jacksonville college-credit semester hours and transferred credits (excluding developmental education) in lower division courses. (All college cumulative.)
- Complete a minimum of 25 percent of the total hours required for the program in residence at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Credit by examination and credit by portfolio development do not count toward this residency requirement.
- Complete the required semester hours, as specified by the degree, of which a minimum of 15 semester hours must be General Education requirements.
- Earned a grade of a C or better in each course used to satisfy the General Education Requirements and any other area designated with a C or better requirement.
- Fulfilled all obligations, financial or otherwise, to the College before they may graduate.
Note: Students are cautioned to pay particular attention to the following statements.
- A student’s graduation date will be the date of the end of the College term in which the student has fulfilled all academic requirements. (The removal of an incomplete grade does not affect students’ graduation dates, since the grade change is effective at the end of the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned rather than the term in which the incomplete work was made up.)
- Students who enter under the (2016/2017) catalog will be assigned to the degree or certificate requirements in effect during the 2016/2017 academic year. The student’s assigned catalog year will remain in effect as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment. Changes to requirements as mandated by law or by rule of the District Board of Trustees may supersede this provision.
- Many courses in this catalog have prerequisite and/or co-requisite courses which are listed in the course descriptions. Students are advised to be guided by these requirements.
- Students who place into developmental education courses are required to complete designated developmental education courses with a grade of “C” or better regardless of program of study.
Available Associate in Applied Science Degree