Saint Paul College Programs

Associate in Arts Degree

Program Documents

Program Brochure
Associate in Arts Degree Program Guide Sheet

Program Overview

The Associate in Arts (AA) degree constitutes the first two years of most four-year degree programs. It gives students a broad general educational background and it prepares them to complete a bachelor's degree.

Program Requirements:
• Associate in Arts (AA) Degree

About the Degree

How do I know if the AA is right for me?
Students are encouraged to meet with the Saint Paul College transfer advisor for more information about what courses to take to complete the AA degree, as well as to transfer. Course requirements can vary depending upon the student's major and transfer college. Some majors require specific courses during the first two years.

What courses do I take?
Students complete the 40-credit Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) which will meet the general education requirements at public four-year colleges in Minnesota. In addition to the 40 MnTC credits, 24 credits of pre-major or elective credits complete the 64-credit AA degree. Although courses will generally transfer to four-year colleges, private and out-of-state colleges may have their own distribution requirements.

Is there advising and support?
Transfer advisors are available to explain the degree requirements as well as to provide transfer information based on each student's unique goals. Students are advised to meet with the transfer advisor frequently and consult available transfer guides for specific colleges and universities. Students should also meet with the transfer advisor if their major or transfer college changes.

Start your four-year degree at Saint Paul College.
Students completing the AA degree fulfill the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum requirements and pre-major requirements for a wide range of majors and programs at four-year institutions including the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota, as well as many other public and private colleges. Saint Paul College is a member of MnCAP, the Minnesota Cooperative Admissions Program, a cooperative arrangement between the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system designed to facilitate the transfer of students from Minnesota’s public two-year campuses to select colleges within the University of Minnesota. Saint Paul College students who are eligible for the MnCAP Program and successfully fulfill the requirements of the AA degree, will be assured admission to the U of M participating colleges when they meet entrance requirements.