Program - Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Degree

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Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences Degree

Program Information

This degree is intended to constitute the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program. Transferability of courses from Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) to public higher education systems in Minnesota is enhanced by transfer agreements that are in place. Transfer standards and procedures adopted by all the public higher education systems in Minnesota insure students’ transfer rights. Listings of available courses to satisfy the areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum are available in the academic advising office. For assistance in program planning, or to explore additional transfer options, students should schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor. This degree may transfer in part or in its entirety to baccalaureate institutions. Students should meet with a representative of the transfer institution when planning their program.

Developmental Courses

Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, mathematics, or reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.

  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Develop writers and speakers who use the English language effectively and who read, write, speak, and listen critically.
    2. Develop thinkers who are able to unify factual, creative, rational, and value-sensitive modes of thought.
    3. Improve students’ understanding of natural science principles and of the methods of scientific inquiry, i.e., the ways in which scientists investigate natural science phenomena.
    4. Increase students’ knowledge about mathematical and logical modes of thinking.
    5. Increase students’ knowledge of how historians and social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas.
    6. Expand students’ knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behavior, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought.
    7. Increase students’ understanding of individual and group differences (e.g. race, gender, class) and their knowledge of the traditions and values of various groups in the United States.
    8. Increase students’ understanding of the growing interdependence of nations and people and develop their ability to apply a comparative perspective to cross-cultural social, economic, and political experiences.
    9. Develop students’ capacity to identify, discuss, and reflect upon the ethical dimensions of political, social, and personal life and to understand the ways in which they can exercise responsible and productive citizenship.
    10. Improve students’ understanding of today’s complex environmental challenges.
    11. Improve students’ awareness and understanding of issues related to personal wellness.
    • A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all MnTC courses.
    • Satisfy residency requirements.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements. 
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application
      found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

    NOTE: You are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance and information about transfer credit evaluation and transfer options.

  • 40 CREDITS

    Distribution requirements are satisfied through completion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) listed below. These criteria must be met to complete the MnTC:

    1. All ten goals listed below must be completed.
    2. A total of at least 40 semester credits from courses listed in the MnTC must be satisfactorily completed. One course may satisfy more than one goal, but the course credits may be counted only once.
    3. A 2.0 MnTC GPA is required for recognition of a student’s completion of the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, with or without completing an associate degree.
    1.  Communication
    (two courses required; one from A and one from B)
      A. ENGL 1120* OR 1121* 4
      B. CMST 1110 OR CMST 2215 OR CMST 2220 3
    2.  Critical Thinking (three courses required)
    3.  Natural Science (two courses required; one from each of two departments; one must include a lab)
    4.  Mathematical/Logical Reasoning (one course required)
    5.  History/Social/Behavioral Sciences
    (two courses required; one from each of two categories)
      A. Economics/Geography  
      B. Anthropology/Psychology/Sociology  
      C. History/Political Science  
    6.  Humanities/Fine Art 
    (two courses required; one from each of two categories
      A. Literature  
      B. Humanities/Philosophy  
      C. Art/Music/Theatre  
    7.  Human Diversity (one course required)
    8.  Global Perspective (one course required)
    9.  Ethical/Civic Responsibility (one course required)
    10.  People and the Environment (one course required)
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
  • 3 CREDITS

     Complete either 1 or 2 below:

    1. Three credits from any two Health, Physical Education, or Recreation (HPER) courses.

    2. HPER 1120

  • 17 CREDITS

    The balance of the 60 semester credits for the degree may be met by taking college-level coursework appropriate to the student’s transfer program.

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