Associate of Science AS
What is the AS Degree?
The Associate of Science (AS) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. This degree provides greater flexibility in course selection, allowing students to focus on major-specific coursework.
Unlike the Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT), the AS degree is not a block transfer degree. This means it does not automatically fulfill all lower-division general education requirements at a four-year institution unless an articulation agreement is in place. Students should work closely with academic advisors to ensure their courses align with their transfer institution’s requirements.
Who Should Pursue the AS Degree?
This degree is ideal for students who:
✔ Plan to transfer to a four-year college or university but need a degree pathway that allows more major-specific coursework.
✔ Want more flexibility in their course selection.
✔ Are considering STEM, healthcare, business, or other science-focused programs that require specific prerequisite courses.
Important: The AS degree does not guarantee that students will be accepted as having completed all lower-division general education requirements at their transfer school. Some universities may require additional coursework.
Benefits of the AS Degree
✔ Flexible course selection to align with major requirements.
✔ Designed for smooth transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
✔ Customizable coursework for students with specific career or academic goals.
✔ Allows students to take major-related courses earlier compared to the AAOT.
Program Outcomes
An AS degree follows the same learning outcomes as an AAOT, unless there is an specific Articulation Agreement in place.
AS Degree Requirements
To complete the AS degree, students must earn a minimum of 90 transferable credits with a grade of C or higher and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | ||
| Oral Communication | ||
| COM 111Z | Public Speaking | 4 |
| or COM 218Z | Interpersonal Communication | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MTH 105Z | Math in Society (or higher) | 4 |
| Writing | ||
| WR 121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| WR 122Z | Composition II | 4 |
| or WR 227Z | Technical Writing | |
| Discipline Studies Requirements | ||
| Select at least one additional course from the approved list in each of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Cultural Literacy | ||
| Select three credits from a course defined as meeting Cultural Literacy. This course may also be used to satisfy one of the requirements listed above. | 3 | |
| Elective Options | 68-69 | |
| Additional courses numbered 100 or higher to bring the total to 90 credits. | ||
| Up to 12 credits may come from Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. | ||
| Total Minimum Credits | 90-93 | |
Additional Program Requirements
✔ No course substitutions are allowed.
✔ No course may be used to satisfy requirements in more than one area.
✔ At least 25% of the program credits must be earned at UCC.
✔ Students must attend at least two terms at UCC to earn this degree.
✔ The AS degree will appear on a student’s transcript, but it does not specify a major or focus area.
How to Complete the AS Degree
- Meet with an academic advisor to select courses that align with your major and transfer goals.
- Complete all required coursework with a C or higher and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Apply for graduation and request your official transcript be sent to your transfer university.
- Transfer to a four-year college or university, ensuring that coursework aligns with the major’s requirements.
Key Considerations
- The AS degree is not a block transfer degree, so students should verify general education and major requirements with their intended transfer institution.
- Advising is essential to ensure students take courses that align with their bachelor’s degree program.
Next Steps
✔ Talk to an academic advisor to determine if the AS degree is the right path for you.
✔ Check transfer university requirements to ensure course alignment.
✔ Plan your course schedule to stay on track for graduation.
For more information, speak with a UCC academic advisor.