The Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science Degree programs are designed for students wishing to develop technical skills with emphasis on 21st Century employment opportunities. These two-year degree programs focus on high technology careers; prepare students to compete effectively in the contemporary job market; and may transfer into the IRSC Baccalaureate Degree programs.

An important component of many of the Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science Degree programs is the practical training experience. This experience is designed to complement and enhance the theoretical program requirements and is closely supervised by IRSC instructors. Descriptions for these courses are included in the Course Description section of the catalog. Students are encouraged to contact the department chairperson if they have questions regarding any of these courses.

The Technical Certificate is awarded to a student who has completed the required courses which are part of the A.S. or A.A.S. Degree program. Students must submit their official, final high school transcript or GED, and complete at least twenty-five percent(25%) of the Technical Certificate requirements at IRSC with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

The Applied Technology Diploma (ATD) consists of a course of study that is part of an A.S. or an A.A.S.Degree and leads to employment. Student must submit their official, final high school transcript or GED, and complete at least twenty-five percent(25%) of the ATD requirements at IRSC with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

The Applied Technology Diploma and the Technical Certificate are designed to prepare the student to obtain employment as a skilled/paraprofessional worker. Students may then complete the remaining requirements for the Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science Degree programs while employed.

The A.S. and A.A.S. Degrees include a cluster of General Education courses in the areas of Communications, Humanities/Fine Arts, Natural Science, Mathematics, and Social/Behavioral Science. Students also complete credits in an area of specialty, and additional credits are earned in technical support classes.

The Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) is a specialized certification in a technical area beyond the award of the A.S. degree.

A statewide articulation agreement between the State University System and the Community and State Colleges of Florida provides for the articulation of selected Associate in Science Degrees to selected Baccalaureate Degrees (State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024). The programs available at IRSC are Nursing-Associate Degree, Radiography and Criminal Justice. Students should consult an advisor to determine specific requirements.

Other A.S. Degree programs not included in this agreement may also be accepted by public and private upper division institutions. This determination is made by the receiving university or college and not by Indian River State College. Students should consult an advisor to determine specific requirements.

Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements

To meet the requirements for the Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science Degrees, the student must complete the required General Education courses and additional program requirements as specified in this catalog. In addition, the student must:

Complete at least 25% of the coursework required for their program at Indian River State College.
Submit the required placement scores (ACT, SAT, P.E.R.T.) to IRSC. Students who present ACT scores of Reading 19, English 17, Math 19 or SAT scores taken before March 1, 2016, of Verbal 440, Mathematics 440, or higher, or SAT scores taken after March 1, 2016, of Critical Reading 24 or higher, Math 24 or higher, may be exempt from taking the P.E.R.T. Students who graduated from a Florida public high school since 2007 and students who are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States armed services are exempt from mandatory placement testing. Non-exempt students who test into developmental courses must successfully complete the required courses in English, math, and reading. Since March 5, 2016, a new redesigned SAT test has been administered.
Achieve a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.0 in all courses attempted (including transfer hours, but, excluding developmental education courses).
Students earning the Associate in Science Degree must earn a grade of C or higher in selected math and English courses that are designed as Gordon Rule courses.
Be recommended by the faculty to the President of the College for the confirmation of the degree.

It is the responsibility of the student to check his or her records to be ensure that all of the above graduation requirements are met. An advisor will assist students with course selections and in determining status toward meeting the graduation requirements.

Indian River State College Placement Rates:

The most recent placement rate for each program may be found at:2010-2011 Placement Rates, 2009-2010 Placement Rates,2008-2009 Placement Rates.

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Associate in Science/Associate in Applied Science Degrees and Technical Certificate Programs

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