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Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences Transfer Pathway

Intro

With coursework designed to enable seamless transfer between this program and related bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State system universities, you can complete two years of your four-year degree at M State, with all the advantages of a smaller, affordable community college, without losing credits or needing to take extra courses after transferring. You can take classes part-time or full-time, on-campus or online, and may choose to target your coursework toward a specific bachelor’s degree program.

Degrees

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Degree:

Associate of Arts (AA)

Location:

Fergus Falls Campus

Detroit Lakes Campus

Moorhead Campus

Wadena Campus

Online

Credits:

Overview

Program Overview

The Associate of Arts – Liberal Arts and Sciences Transfer Pathway is popular with students for its flexibility and many seamless transfer options. You’re assured of a smooth credit transfer experience, and guaranteed junior-year status, when transferring to related bachelor’s degree programs at any of the Minnesota State system's seven universities (Bemidji State University, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Southwest Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University and Winona State University) as well as into specific majors at all the campuses of the University of Minnesota.

Whether you’re interested in a career in finance, architecture, counseling, computer science, communications, education, economics, fisheries and wildlife, law, veterinary medicine or a whole host of other fields, or are still undecided and want to complete your general education requirements before declaring a major, this degree program will suit your needs.

No matter which career field you choose to concentrate in, you’ll learn:

Communication and critical thinking skills
Scientific principles and methods of scientific inquiry
Mathematical and logical modes of thinking
Appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to societal health and survival
Historical and contemporary responses to group differences (e.g. race, gender, class)
Perspective on the growing interdependence of nations and peoples
Ethical dimensions of political, social and personal life and the ways in which individuals can exercise responsible and productive citizenship
The inter-relatedness of human society and the natural environment

Related Programs

Explore all of our Transfer Pathway degree programs at Transfer Programs and Pathways. You may also be interested in our Integrated & Professional Studies degree program.

Scholarships/Cost

M State has one of the lowest tuition rates in Minnesota, and thanks to grants, scholarships and sponsorships, more than half of all M State students have a completely tuition-free experience.

Learn all about our low tuition rates and fees at Detailed Cost. To explore financial aid options, visit Paying for College. We also offer Zero Textbook Cost programs and courses, which can save you substantial money on books; learn more at Z-Degrees.

Foundation Scholarships

M State's two foundations award more than $280,000 in student scholarships each year. You may be eligible — learn more at Foundations.

Workforce Development Scholarships

More than 40 programs at M State offer Workforce Development Scholarships to new students. See if your program is eligible and apply at Workforce Development Scholarships.

Business and Industry Sponsorships

M State collaborates with local businesses to offer valuable student support, such as financial assistance, internships, part-time jobs and full-time career opportunities. Find details at Business and Industry Partner Sponsorships.

Sample Classes

ENGL2373 - Young Adult Literature

Credits:

3 (3/0/0)

Meets MnTC Goal Areas 2, 6 and 7. This course introduces students to the enduring appeal of Young Adult Literature (YAL). Students will read and respond to diverse historical and contemporary texts. Emphasis is placed on reading, analyzing and evaluating YAL from various contextual frameworks, such as the development of the genre, critical perspectives, social issues and adolescent experiences.

WMST1136 - Global Perspectives of Women

Credits:

3 (3/0/0)

Meets MNTC Goal Areas 6 and 8. This course examines the present-day realities of women's lives around the world.

Student Stories

Meet Tristan

"After taking PSEO classes during high school, I started my sophomore year at M State in Fergus Falls with all but 22 credits completed. Like most associate of arts students, I dabbled in a bit of everything in terms of subject matter.

Read Tristan's story

Additional Details

When you complete a Transfer Pathway associate degree program at M State, your 60 credits earned here will directly transfer to your designated bachelor's degree program.

Transfer Pathway programs offer many advantages, including:

Smaller class sizes, more personalized instruction
Low tuition rate and scholarships are available
High-quality courses taught by expert faculty
Access to academic assistance on M State campuses
Flexible scheduling and online courses available for some programs
Student life activities, opportunities for campus involvement

While these programs are designed to provide seamless transfer between schools within the Minnesota State system, many other institutions (including schools outside the system, private schools and out-of-state schools) will accept M State credits for transfer, in part or in full.

Learn more about your transfer options at Transfer Programs and Pathways.

Earn College Credits in High School

High school students interested in pursuing a liberal arts degree may be able to save time and money on their college experience by completing college credit-bearing coursework while still in high school, at no cost to them. M State collaborates with many high schools in the West Central Minnesota region to offer college-level academic programming. Course offerings vary by school and program. Learn more at PSEO Students and Concurrent Enrollment Program.

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences Transfer Pathway

Program Overview

Scholarships/Cost

Sample Classes

Student Stories

Additional Details

Get Started at M State!