Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is available in the Social Sciences emphasis or the Arts and Humanities emphasis. Complete information about each is available in the University Catalog.

Program Details

Admissions Information

There are no requirements beyond University admission requirements for first-year admission. 

Declaring this Degree

Contact the University College office at 740.593.1935 or visit Chubb Hall 140 to update your degree program. 

What are the minimum criteria to graduate with any associate degree?
  • Complete at least 60 credits with a minimum 2.0 accumulative GPA.
  • Apply no more than 15 credits earned through the Experiential Learning Program to the degree.
  • Earn at least 20 semester hours of residence credit at Ohio University.

If you plan to pursue an associate degree, consult with a member of the University College staff or a student services staff member at one of the regional campuses.

What is the policy on earning a second associate degree?

You cannot earn the same associate degree twice, nor can you earn both the AA and AS degrees.

If you have already earned the AIS degree, you are not permitted to earn either the AA or AS degree.

Can my associate degree coursework be applied to a bachelor's degree eventually?

Credit earned while enrolled in an Ohio University associate degree program will be applied toward an Ohio University baccalaureate program; however, this shift may involve more than two additional years to complete the four-year requirements because prerequisite courses may not have been completed, and technical courses apply only as elective courses in most four-year degree programs.

If you expect to eventually complete a baccalaureate degree, or you are completing a bachelor's degree concurrently, where possible you should complete Ohio University General Education Requirements while working toward your associate degree. Speak with an adviser to stay on track. 

How do I declare intent to complete an associate degree, or add it to my declared bachelor's degree major?

If you plan to earn an associate degree, you must complete an Application for Update of Program(s) form, available from any college office or regional campus student services office.

If you plan to earn a baccalaureate degree after earning the associate degree, you must complete an Application for Update of Program(s) form to add the associate degree program as a secondary code. Your records will remain in University College if that is your current college; if not, your records will remain in the college responsible for your baccalaureate program.

Can I earn an associate degree after I earn a baccalaureate degree?

It is permissible for you to pursue an Associate in Individualized Studies degree after earning a baccalaureate degree depending on the rationale for doing so and the desired area of concentration.

On the other hand, generally, the Ohio Department of Higher Education considers the associate degree to be the first two years of college, so the degree can only be earned prior to or concurrently with a bachelor's degree. The Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science degree is not an appropriate degree objective for you if you have already earned a baccalaureate degree. A student is ineligible for the AAS, AA, or AS degree if they already have a four-year degree.