General Science Emphasis Major (A.S.)
Program Overview
Ohio University's University College stewards the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degree programs. The A.A. provides students two degree emphasis options to focus their program in fine arts/humanities or social sciences. The A.S. affords students the opportunity to emphasize natural sciences/applied sciences/quantitative skills in their program of study. These associate degree programs are available on all Ohio University campuses.
The A.A. and A.S. curricula integrate the Ohio Department of Higher Education's (ODHE) Ohio Transfer Module (OTM), which allows students' general education coursework to become transferable within the state. See the Admissions section of this catalog for more information.
In their 2016 Guidelines and Procedures for Academic Program Review, ODHE maintains the belief that the A.A. and A.S. degrees "serve as the first two years of a bachelor's degree." Students seeking this degree should work closely with their A.A./A.S. academic advisor to identify Bachelor programs of interest and strategically identify the appropriate general education courses that overlap in both the A.A./A.S. program and desired Bachelor program(s) of interest.
This degree is available on all campuses. The A.S. degree requires a minimum of 60 hours. A maximum of 15 hours earned through the prior learning assessment program may be applied to the A.A. or A.S. degree. At least 18 of the total credits earned toward the A.A. or A.S. must be Ohio University credits. In addition, at least 50 percent of the coursework taken in the area of concentration for the A.S. degree program must be completed through Ohio University. Technical courses count only as electives for both the A.A. and A.S. degrees. You must earn at least a 2.0 GPA in the area of concentration and overall to earn the degree.
If you plan to earn the A.S. degree, contact the director of degree programs in University College so that the valid major code can be properly recorded.
*This program was previously AS1104 - Associate in Science. As part of a recent degree reconciliation process with the State of Ohio, the program code and name will be changing to AS1099 - General Science Emphasis effective the 2024-25 catalog year. The degree offered will be the Associate of Science.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements. This program is not eligible for double-majoring with the following associate program codes: AA1094, AA1095, AA1097, AA1098, AI5499, AI5509. Additionally, this program is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor's degree.
Change of Program Policy
No selective or limited admission requirements. This program is not eligible for double-majoring with the following associate program codes: AA1094, AA1095, AA1097, AA1098, AI5499, AI5509. Additionally, this program is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor's degree.
External Transfer Admission
No selective or limited admission requirements. This program is not eligible for double-majoring with the following associate program codes: AA1094, AA1095, AA1097, AA1098, AI5499, AI5509. Additionally, this program is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor's degree.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Many entry positions now require an associate degree. A liberal arts degree, like the Associate of Science, can also provide the foundation for a future bachelor's degree.