Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is a public college that offers a wide range of academic programs, including the Associate of Arts (AA) degree. The AA degree is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, preparing them for transfer to a four-year institution or entry into the workforce. In this guide, we will outline the FSCJ AA requirements in a simplified and easy-to-understand format.
General Education Requirements
The FSCJ AA degree requires students to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 36 credit hours of general education courses. These courses are designed to provide students with a broad-based education in the liberal arts and sciences. The general education requirements include:
- English Composition: 6 credit hours (ENC 1101 and ENC 1102)
- Mathematics: 6 credit hours (MAC 1105 or higher)
- Natural Sciences: 8 credit hours (including at least one lab course)
- Social Sciences: 6 credit hours (including courses in psychology, sociology, or anthropology)
- Humanities: 6 credit hours (including courses in history, philosophy, or fine arts)
Elective Requirements
In addition to the general education requirements, students must complete 24 credit hours of elective courses. These courses can be chosen from a wide range of disciplines, including business, computer science, and health sciences. Students can also use elective courses to pursue a specific area of interest or to prepare for a particular career path.
| Elective Category | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Business and Economics | 3-6 credit hours |
| Computer Science and Technology | 3-6 credit hours |
| Health Sciences | 3-6 credit hours |
Foreign Language Requirement
FSCJ requires AA students to complete two semesters of a foreign language, which can be fulfilled by taking courses in Spanish, French, German, or other languages. Students who have completed two years of a foreign language in high school may be exempt from this requirement.
Assessment and Placement
FSCJ uses a placement test to determine students’ readiness for college-level coursework. Students who score below a certain threshold may be required to take developmental education courses to improve their skills in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
Additionally, FSCJ offers a range of assessment tools, including the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Advanced Placement (AP) program, which allow students to earn college credit for prior learning or experience.
What is the minimum GPA required to graduate with an AA degree from FSCJ?
+The minimum GPA required to graduate with an AA degree from FSCJ is 2.0. However, students should note that some four-year institutions may have higher GPA requirements for transfer students.
Can I transfer my credits from another college to FSCJ?
+Yes, FSCJ accepts transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities. However, students should check with the FSCJ admissions office to determine which credits are transferable and how they will apply to their AA degree.
In conclusion, the FSCJ AA requirements provide students with a comprehensive education in the liberal arts and sciences, preparing them for transfer to a four-year institution or entry into the workforce. By understanding the general education, elective, and foreign language requirements, as well as the assessment and placement procedures, students can make informed decisions about their academic path and achieve their goals.
