General Studies: A.A., A.S.
Our Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) in General Studies is a 64-credit program that is designed to allow students with a variety of college credits and life experiences without a completed degree to quickly complete an associate degree and move into a bachelor’s degree program at the university. This is accomplished by maximizing transferrable credit and prior learning assessment, not requiring an area of concentration, and requires a minimum of 12 credits taken at Empire State University.
The broad approach of the program makes it possible for students to explore their academic interests without having to define a disciplinary focus, while laying a foundation for the next step in their educational path.
For more information about general undergraduate degree requirements, please visit Earning an Undergraduate Degree.
Program Details
This program allows for a maximum of 52 transfer and life experience credits with a minimum of 12 credits earned at Empire State University for a total of 64 credits.
Of these 64 credits, a minimum of 30 must meet SUNY General Education requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer/Prior Learning Credits: May use up to | 52 | |
| Minimum Residency Requirements: | ||
| Required Course #1: Elective or Gen Ed | 4 | |
| Required Course #2: Elective or Gen Ed | 4 | |
| Required Course #3: Elective or Gen Ed | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 64 | |
Specific credit requirements for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science are specified below.
Keep in mind that General Education and credits designated as Liberal may come from a combination of transfer credits, prior learning credits, and/or courses taken at Empire State University.
| Degree | Total Credits Required | Minimum Credits to be Earned at SUNY Empire | Minimum Liberal Arts and Sciences Credits Required | Minimum General Education Credits | Minimum Advanced-level Credit in Concentration | Minimum Advanced-level Credits in Degree Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.A. in General Studies | 64 | 12 | 48 | 30 | NA | NA |
| A.S. in General Studies | 64 | 12 | 32 | 30 | NA | NA |
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to fulfill all of the SUNY general education requirements in at least seven content areas, with a minimum of 30 credits.
- Students will be able to examine potential college-level learning completed outside of a traditional college setting which may be included.
- Students will have completed the requisite number of liberal credits (48 credits for the A.A. or 32 credits for the A.S.).