Associate in Arts Degree

Note: The programs listed above are a representative sample of the many A.A. program options available. If you wish to pursue a transfer major not listed, please consult with an IRSC Advisor at any campus to plan an appropriate program of study.

College Transfer Program

The Associate in Arts Degree program is designed for students who intend to continue their education through enrollment in a Baccalaureate Degree program.

The A.A. Degree program certifies that the student has completed the first half (freshman and sophomore years) of a four-year college program. Please note: Length of programs may vary depending on the major area of study and the college or university the student plans to attend. With the A.A. Degree, the student is classified as a junior and may then undertake programs leading to a Baccalaureate Degree.

Associate In Arts Degree Requirements

As its primary function, the Associate in Arts Degree program gives the student an academic experience in preparation for continued success in his or her college career. A major component of the A.A. Degree program is the General Education Requirement.

To meet the requirements for the Associate in Arts Degree, the student must complete 36 semester hours of General Education, plus 24 semester hours of elective prerequisite courses designed for the Associate in Arts Degree major (excluding occupational courses). Sixty (60) semester hours must be earned for the A.A. Degree. In addition to the above requirements, students must:

1. Complete at least 25% of the coursework required for their program at Indian River State College.

2. Submit the required placement scores (ACT, SAT, P.E.R.T.) to IRSC. Students who present Enhanced ACTE scores of Reading 18, English 17, Math 19 or SAT scores of Verbal 440, Mathematics 440, or higher may be exempt from taking the P.E.R.T. The P.E.R.T. is administered by IRSC. Students who test into college preparatory instruction must successfully complete the required college preparatory courses in English, math, and reading.

3. Achieve a grade point average of not less than 2.0 in all courses taken at IRSC (excluding occupational courses), and all courses attempted (including transfer hours), and complete the requirements of the Communications and Computation Rule (Gordon Rule).

4. Demonstrate competency in the basic use of computers either by passing a computer competency examination or by successfully completing an approved computer course or program (with a grade of "S" or "C" or better).

     A. The computer competency examination may be taken at any of the IRSC Assessment Services
         Departments.
         Demonstration of competency in the basic use of computers includes:

1) running a Windows-based (or equivalent) program;

2) using a word processing program to create, save, retrieve, edit, and print a file;

3) using the Internet to send email and to locate and to print specific reference materials.

B. Courses approved to meet the computer competency requirements for the A.A. Degree are: CGS-1060; CGS-1100; CIS-1000; EME-2040.

C. Completion of the Information Systems & Computer Applications CLEP examination with a minimum
score of 50.

5. Pay the Commencement fee to participate in the appropriate Commencement Ceremony. For Spring graduates, the Ceremony is in May and for Fall/Summer I & II graduates, the Ceremony is in December.

6. Be recommended by the faculty to the President of the College for the confirmation of the degree.

It is the responsibility of the student, not the College, to check his or her records to be sure that all of the above graduation requirements are met. An Educational Services advisor will assist at any time with course selections and in determining status toward meeting the graduation requirements.

Transfer Agreements

Articulation agreements have been developed between Indian River State College, public school districts, other state/community colleges, and universities to ensure equitable and efficient admission and transfer of students (Florida Statute #240.107 and State Board Rule 6A-10.024). Specialized articulated agreements in program majors have been established with selected universities. Students may obtain information regarding these agreements from the Educational Services Division.

The Student Bill of Rights

Florida Community College 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 (11) 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, PEP, Dual Enrollment, Early Admission, and International Baccalaureate).
No additional General Education Core requirements.
Advance knowledge of selection criteria for limited access programs.
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. The Associate Dean of Educational Services is the articulation officer at IRSC.

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Catalog 2012-2013

Associate in Arts Degree

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