Academics

Saint Paul College offers thirty-nine associate degree programs, including the Associate in Arts (AA) degree, and sixty career certificate and diploma programs. Transfer and articulation agreements with 4-year colleges and universities provide pathways for students to transfer and continue their higher educational opportunities. View regional and program accreditation information.

Degrees/diplomas/certificates are conferred by the President to the graduates of Saint Paul College under the authority of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

Educational Degree Programs

Associate in Arts Degree (AA)
The Associate in Arts degree is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60 semester credits in liberal arts and sciences and is designed to constitute the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. The AA is a liberal arts degree intended primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. No specific major is listed in conjunction with the degree; however, students may choose to concentrate in a particular field of study in preparation for a planned major or professional emphasis at a four-year college or university. An AA degree must include the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (40 semester credits) which, pursuant to Minnesota statute, must transfer to any institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system or the University of Minnesota. Students are to develop an educational plan, in consultation with a Saint Paul College Transfer Specialist, to assure that degree requirements are fulfilled, since requirements may vary depending upon the major and transfer college.

Associate in Science Degree (AS)
The Associate in Science (AS) degree is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60 semester credits in a designated field or area which transfers to a baccalaureate major in a related scientific or technical field. The AS degree provides a balance of liberal arts education and career-oriented classes. The AS degree prepares students for direct employment; however, articulation agreements must exist between the institution awarding the Associate in Science degree and an institution awarding a related baccalaureate degree. An Associate in Science degree shall include a minimum of 30 semester credits in general education as described in the MnTC distribution requirements for the AS degree.

While the AS degree has more limited transferability than the AA degree, specific transfer articulation agreements exist with designated four-year colleges and universities for each AS degree. Minnesota Transfer Curriculum courses within the AS degree transfer to institutions in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and other colleges. Please see a Transfer Specialist and refer to the Transfer Articulation Agreements Table for specific information.

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
The Associate in Applied Science degree (AAS) is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60–72 semester credits and is intended for students who desire immediate employment upon graduation. At Saint Paul College, the AAS program shall include a minimum of 16 semester credits of liberal arts and sciences courses as described in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum distribution requirements for the AAS degree.

The AAS degree is not intended to transfer to an upper-division college; however, some articulation agreements exist with designated four-year colleges and universities for several of the AAS degree programs. Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) courses within the AAS degree transfer to institutions in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and other colleges. Please see a Transfer Specialist for specific information and refer to the Transfer Articulation Agreements Table.

Diploma Programs
Diplomas are awarded for successful completion of 30–72 semester college-level credits and are intended for students who desire entry-level employment skills or career advancement. Students in diploma programs are required to complete technical courses as well as general education courses.

Certificate Programs
Certificates are awarded for successful completion of 9–30 semester college-level credits. Certificates are awarded for successful completion of a program intended to provide students with entry-level employment skills or to enhance a student’s technical skills.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
The Saint Paul College mission endorses the centrality of general education in its programming and its commitment to offer breadth, as well as depth, of study in its curriculum. The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) is a coherent requirement of Saint Paul College programs and is clearly identifiable as an integral part of the curriculum. The College is committed to, and strives toward, outcomes that impart common knowledge, intellectual concepts and attitudes every person ought to possess.