General Studies: A.A., A.S.
Our Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) in General Studies is a 64-credit program that is designed to allow students with a variety of college credits and life experiences without a completed degree to quickly complete an associate degree and move into a bachelor’s degree program at the university. This is accomplished by maximizing transferrable credit and prior learning assessment, not requiring an area of concentration, and requires a minimum of 12 credits taken at Empire State University.
The broad approach of the program makes it possible for students to explore their academic interests without having to define a disciplinary focus, while laying a foundation for the next step in their educational path.
For more information about general undergraduate degree requirements, please visit Earning an Undergraduate Degree.
This program allows for a maximum of 52 transfer and life experience credits with a minimum of 12 credits earned at Empire State University for a total of 64 credits.
Of these 64 credits, 30 must meet SUNY General Education requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Transfer/Prior Learning Credits | 52 | |
| Minimum Residency Requirements: | ||
| Required Course #1: Educational Planning | 4 | |
| Required Course #2: Elective | 4 | |
| Required Course #3: Elective | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
Specific credit requirements for the two degrees are specified below.
| Degree | Total Credits Required | Minimum Credits to be Earned at ESC | Minimum Liberal Arts and Sciences Credits Required | Minimum General Education Credits | Minimum Advanced-level Credit in Concentration | Minimum Advanced-level Credits in Degree Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.A. in General Studies | 64 | 12 | 48 | 30 | NA | NA |
| A.S. in General Studies | 64 | 12 | 32 | 30 | NA | NA |
- Students will be able to demonstrate the breadth and progression in college level learning.
- Students will be able to fulfill the SUNY general education requirements in at least seven content areas, with a minimum of 30 credits.
- Students will be able to document all required components of a completed degree plan.
- Students will be able to describe future academic and professional goals through educational planning.
- Students will be able to examine potential college-level learning completed outside of a traditional college setting.