Associate of Arts Degree

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree provides a foundation of general education studies with a concentration of coursework in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This degree program is designed for students who are undecided about their educational goals, prefer smaller class sizes, need academic skills improvement, or desire a more gradual entrance into the university.

Students may earn this degree as preparation to transfer to a Bachelor degree program at Montana State University or another university. Each student will follow a specific curriculum based on the student’s personal, long term, and educational goals as well as entering skills in math and writing.

To receive the A.A. degree, students must complete at least 60 credits including the following requirements:

  • General Education Core requirements (30 credit hours) *
    • University Seminar (US)
    • Writing (W)
    • Cultural Diversity (D)
    • Quantitative Reasoning (Q)
    • Contemporary Issues in Science (CS)
    • Natural Science (IN or RN)
    • Arts (IA or RA)
    • Humanities (IH or RH)
    • Social Science (IS or RS)
    • Research or Creative Experience
  • Directed elective coursework in the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences beyond the Core (9 credit hours) *
  • General Education Electives (21 credit hours)

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Effective Communication: The ability to utilize oral, written, and listening skills to effectively interact with others.
  • Critical Thinking: The ability to effectively evaluate, synthesize, and apply information and ideas from diverse sources.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: The ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts.
  • Scientific Reasoning: Apply scientific reasoning to issues and situations in the world.
  • Diversity: The ability to understand and articulate the importance and influence of diversity within and among cultures and societies.
  • Inquiry and Analysis: The ability to process and apply theoretical and ethical bases of the arts, humanities, natural, and social science disciplines.

* A grade of C- or better is required for all Core and Directed elective courses counted toward the degree.