A.A. Degrees (Associate of Arts)
An A.A. degree is for students who want to earn the first two years of their bachelor's degree before entering the state of Florida university system. Students earning their A.A. degree may then transfer to an upper-level college or university as a junior.
Graduation Requirements for A.A. Degrees
For all programs:
- Complete all course requirements as specified in the program of study published in the catalog in effect at the time the student began the program.
- Submit an Application for Graduation at least one term before anticipated program completion to any student services office or to the District Office of Admissions and Registration.
- Resolve all admissions requirements.
- Discharge all financial obligation to the college.
The State of Florida Legislature has repealed the requirement to pass the College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST) in order to be awarded an associate in arts degree. This change goes into effect for any student earning the associate in arts degree after June 30, 2009.
The Legislature expects institutions to continue methods to demonstrate accountability and effectiveness as well as validate performance standards of student learning outcomes. To do so, the Legislature will keep in place certain requirements that must be met before institutions are able to award the associate in arts degree.
Before the associate in arts degree will be awarded to any PJC student, the student must meet the criteria formerly referred to as “CLAST exemptions by alternative methods.” Therefore, the AA degree will be awarded to a student who demonstrates competency in the areas of reading, writing, essay development, and computation. Competency will be determined as follows:
|
Enhanced ACT |
Original ACT |
SAT |
CPT |
Grades |
External Credit (CLEP, AP, IB, etc) |
Reading |
22 or above |
20 or above |
500 or above |
93 or above |
Combined GPA of 2.5 (C+) or better in two of the following: ENC1101, ENC1102, any gen ed literature |
Receive external credit for ENC1101 and ENC1102 |
Writing |
21 or above |
20 or above |
500 or above |
105 or above |
Combined GPA of 2.5 (C+) or better in two of the following: ENC1101, ENC1102, any gen ed literature |
Receive external credit for ENC1101 and ENC1102 |
Essay Development |
21 or above |
20 or above |
500 or above |
105 or above |
Combined GPA of 2.5 (C+) or better in two of the following: ENC1101, ENC1102, any gen ed literature |
Receive external credit for ENC1101 and ENC1102 |
Computation |
21 or above |
21 or above |
500 or above |
91 or |
Combined GPA of 2.5 (C+) in two gen ed math courses |
Receive external credit for two gen ed math courses |
The State Legislature continues to support exemptions for those students with documented specific learning disabilities or other extenuating circumstances. At Pensacola Junior College, students requesting an exemption of the requirements for demonstrating readiness for the AA degree should consult with an advisor.