What is the Associate of Science Agriculture degree?
The Associate of Science (AS) Agriculture degree is specifically designed to transfer to other colleges and universities. It contains a curriculum of basic first- and second-year courses which fulfill the general education requirements of most four-year institutions along with core Agriculture program requirements. The result is a well-rounded education that prepares students for the demands of upper level courses and/or future employment needs.
How does it transfer?
The 43 hours of general education in the AS Agriculture degree transfers as a block to four-year public colleges and Universities in the State of Missouri, thanks to the credit transfer policy of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE). This degree is structured for entry into baccalaureate degree Agriculture programs offered at four-year colleges or universities. As a result, students with the AS will go into four-year public institutions with junior standing and with virtually all of their freshman and sophomore general education requirements completed. This degree also prepares the student for the Bachelor of Science in General Agriculture degree offered through Missouri State University on the West Plains campus. Many private colleges and universities in the state also honor the AS degree.
Why should I get an AS degree?
As pointed out above, having the degree ensures transferability of college credit hours at the freshman and sophomore level. The AS degree also is “locked in,” which means the credits will transfer as a block into a baccalaureate degree program, even several semesters after the AS degree’s completion. This degree also provides core Agriculture courses which allow the student to seek employment in the Agriculture field while continuing his education.