Transfer Pathways
Transfer Pathways are curriculum plans which provide an associate degree to seamlessly transfer into a related degree plan at any one of the seven Minnesota State universities to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Students who complete a Transfer Pathway degree will be guaranteed junior status upon admission to the university, and are assured that the bachelor’s degree can be completed in 60 additional credits (for 120-credit programs). A student must still meet any special admission requirement for the major and are not guaranteed admission into the major itself.
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
The Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) is intended primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college and complete a bachelor’s degree. The A.A. degree is a generalist liberal arts degree. At least 40 of the 60 credits must be taken within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
Specialty A.A. Options
Discipline-specific A.A. degree options are also available. The Transfer Pathway A.A. and the A.A. Emphasis degree options allow for a more concentrated degree in a particular discipline while including core courses needed in preparation for transfer within that major. The Transfer Pathway A.A. degrees are specifically designed to prepare students for transfer into similar degree programs at the 7 Minnesota State Universities. In addition to fulfilling prerequisites to the major, the A.A. Transfer Pathway degree fulfills the lower division general education requirements through completion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). A Transfer Pathway A.A. degree may also be appropriate for transfer outside of the Minnesota State system. Students are strongly encouraged to develop an educational plan in consultation with an Inver Hills counselor or academic advisor.
Associate of Science (A.S.)
The A.S. is intended for those students who wish to balance liberal arts education with career-oriented classes. The primary purpose of the degree is to provide the credentials for a specific career and to prepare graduates for admission to a four-year college. Credit and course requirements are unique for each program. Refer to the curriculum requirements listed in the Programs and Majors section of this catalog for specific requirements of each A.S. degree program. Approximately one-half of the course work consists of liberal arts or general education credits, and one-half include career-oriented courses.
The extent to which credits transfer to a four-year college varies with the specific program completed and the subsequent major selected. Specific transfer agreements exist with selected four-year colleges for each A.S. program; check with a counselor or academic advisor.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The A.A.S. is intended for those students who plan to use the competence gained through their degree for immediate employment. The A.A.S. degree is granted in a specific major, and typically at least one-half of the course work is in the program area, approximately onethird is in general education and liberal arts, and the balance of credits are either in the program area or general education depending on the specific major chosen.
The A.A.S. degree is not designed to transfer to a four-year college. However, the general education and liberal arts courses typically do transfer and some of the career-oriented courses also may transfer to specific majors at selected schools. Students are encouraged to consult with an Inver Hills counselor or academic advisor for information about transferring credits to other colleges and universities.
Associate of Fine Art (A.F.A.)
The A.F.A. is a two-year degree for students who will eventually transfer and pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and also for students interested in entering the job market. Students take 30 credits in general requirements and 30 credits in fine art. Courses in music, art or theatre may transfer in part or in entirety to baccalaureate institutions. In order to plan a program, students should consult with a counselor or academic advisor.
Diploma
Diplomas are awarded for successful completion of a program intended to provide students with employment skills. Diplomas vary from 31 to 72 semester credits.
Certificate
Concentrated programs of study are available in certain areas as certificates. Certificates are awarded to students upon completion of a specific career program with a GPA of at least 2.00. The programs are designed for those students who wish to develop vocational skills for entry-level employment in specific career areas. Certificates are recorded on a student’s transcript. Current students who are pursuing a certificate must apply to graduate. Students should complete the Application for Certificate or Diploma Completion form. Once the application is complete, students should submit the form to the Enrollment Center. Directions for submitting the application are located on the form.
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