Associate of Arts, One Course at a Time, on Your Time

Finish your Associate of Arts degree in 10 terms—steady, focused, doable, at your pace

student

A flexible, focused, year-round path you can stick with

Take just one class at a time—two short courses (typically 5-8 weeks in length) in fall and spring, and two in summer—so you can keep work, family, and school in balance. The plan totals 20 courses (which amounts to the 60 credits required for an AA degree) across 10 terms, with multiple start points each year.

Why this AA Path Works
  • One course at a time: stay focused without juggling.
  • Predictable rhythm: two short courses each fall/spring term; two in summer.
  • Year-round momentum: 10 total terms (including summers).
  • General Education forward: Learn Basic Skills, Disciplinary Areas, and degree-applicable electives to round out the required 60 credits.
  • Start any term: rotating courses means you won’t lose time waiting for a class.
  • Transfer-friendly: build a solid AA that can apply toward a bachelor’s.
How the Schedule Works
  • Fall & Spring: two shortened back-to-back courses (you take one at a time).
  • Summer: two 5-week courses (again, one at a time).
  • Total: 20 courses = 60 credits over 10 terms, including summers.
  • Content: Most classes are General Education Requirements (GERs), which lead you to your Associate of Arts but also set you up to move on to Bachelor’s degree.

Don’t wait – you can start any term at the beginning or midway with starting points in August, October, January, March, May, or June. The plan is designed so required courses rotate reliably.

What You’ll Complete

General Education Requirements (GERs) – 34 credits minimum

Tier I (Basic Skills):

  • Written Communication I (e.g., WRTG A111)
  • Written Communication II (e.g., WRTG A21#)
  • Oral Communication
  • Quantitative Skills

Tier II (Disciplinary Areas):

  • Fine Arts (FA)
  • Humanities (HUM)
  • Natural Sciences (NS)—including one lab science and one non-lab science
  • Social Sciences (SS)

Electives:

  • Most electives are GER-eligible, so you keep stacking credits toward the 60-credit total without detours.
  • Working learners who need a manageable course load
  • Parents and caregivers balancing school and home
  • First-time or returning students who want a clear plan and steady wins
  • Explorers planning to continue into a bachelor’s degree later
  • Dedicated advising to map your personal 10-term plan
  • Built-in study rhythm—short courses, clear milestones
  • Academic resources (tutoring, writing center, library) aligned to short blocks
  1. Apply to the AA program.
  2. Meet with an advisor to confirm your start term and map your 10-term sequence.
  3. Register for your first two short courses (back-to-back).
  4. Begin your AA one course at a time, on your time.

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FAQs
  • Can I start in the summer?
    Absolutely!  The plan includes summers. You can start any term and still follow the one-at-a-time rhythm.
  • Is it really one course at a time?
    Yes. Each term is split into two short blocks. You take one course in the first block, then one in the second.
  • How long does it take?
    The standard pace is just over 3 years (including summers). That’s a steady, sustainable path without overloading.
  • Will I complete all my GERs?
    Yes. The rotation is designed so you’ll complete Tier I (Written, Oral, Quant) and Tier II (FA/HUM/NS/SS, including one lab and one non-lab science) as you progress, plus electives to reach 60 credits
  • What if I skip a block or a semester?
    Although it will delay the completion of your AA, there is no penalty for taking a break. Pick back up when you’re able.
  • Can I switch to full-time later?
    Yes! Talk with your advisor—your credits carry with you if you decide to accelerate or transition to a different format