Miami Dade College (MDC) is a public community college in, you guessed it, Miami-Dade County, Florida. MDC offers a wide range of degree programs designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The AA degree program at MDC is a two-year associate’s degree program that requires students to complete a minimum of 60 college credits. The program is designed to provide students with a broad liberal arts education, which includes courses in English, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. In addition to the general education requirements, students must also complete specific courses in their chosen field of study.
MDC’s AA degree program is open to all students, including international students and racial-ethnic minorities. The college also offers an online program for students who prefer the flexibility of online learning. Students who complete the AA degree program at MDC can transfer their credits to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree. Overall, pursuing an AA degree at MDC is a good idea for students who want to save money on tuition, gain college credit, and explore career opportunities.
What are AA Requirements?
Miami Dade College offers an Associate of Arts (AA) degree program that prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university. To earn an AA degree, students must complete a set of general education requirements, which are designed to provide a broad foundation of knowledge in various academic disciplines.
The general education requirements for the AA degree program at Miami Dade College include courses in communication, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Students must complete at least 60 credit hours, including:
- 36 credit hours of general education courses
- 24 credit hours of electives
In addition to the general education requirements, students must also fulfill the college’s foreign language requirement. This can be done by completing two years of a single foreign language before high school graduation or by completing two semesters of a foreign language at the college level.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for the AA degree program may vary depending on the student’s major or intended transfer institution. Students should work closely with an academic advisor to ensure they are meeting all of the necessary requirements for their individual academic goals.
Overall, the AA degree program at Miami Dade College provides a solid foundation for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degree. By completing the general education requirements and foreign language requirements, students will have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future academic pursuits.
Miami Dade College AA Requirements
Miami Dade College offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree program that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in general education. The AA degree program is ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Core Requirements
To earn an AA degree from Miami Dade College, students must complete a total of 60 credits. Of those 60 credits, 36 credits are dedicated to core requirements. These core requirements include:
- Communication (9 credits)
- Humanities (9 credits)
- Mathematics (6 credits)
- Natural Sciences (7 credits)
- Social Sciences (6 credits)
Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in each course to fulfill the core requirements.
Elective Requirements
The remaining 24 credits required for the AA degree are elective credits. Students can choose from a wide range of courses to fulfill these requirements, including courses in the arts, business, education, health sciences, and more.
It is important to note that students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university should choose elective courses that are applicable to their intended major. Miami Dade College offers academic advising services to help students select the appropriate courses for their intended major.
In conclusion, Miami Dade College’s AA degree program provides students with a strong foundation in general education and prepares them for transfer to a four-year college or university. By completing the core and elective requirements, students can earn an AA degree that is recognized and respected by colleges and universities across the country.
Core Requirements
Miami Dade College offers an Associate of Arts (AA) degree that requires students to complete a set of core requirements. These core requirements are designed to provide students with a broad foundation in various disciplines, including liberal arts, science, and general studies.
The core requirements for the AA degree at Miami Dade College include 36 credit hours of general education courses that cover a range of subjects. These courses are divided into six categories, each of which is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education:
- Communication
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Cultural Diversity
The communication category requires students to take two courses in English composition, while the humanities category requires students to take two courses in the humanities. The mathematics category requires students to take one course in mathematics, and the natural sciences category requires students to take two courses in natural science.
The social sciences category requires students to take two courses in social science, and the cultural diversity category requires students to take one course in cultural diversity. In addition to these categories, students must also complete a course in computer proficiency.
Overall, the core requirements for the AA degree at Miami Dade College provide students with a solid foundation in various disciplines. By completing these requirements, students are well-prepared to pursue a variety of degree programs or transfer to a four-year university.
Elective Requirements
Miami Dade College’s AA degree requires students to complete a certain number of elective credits in addition to their general education and major requirements. Elective courses allow students to explore areas of interest or fulfill prerequisites for their intended transfer major.
Students must complete a minimum of 24 elective credits to satisfy the AA degree requirements. These credits can be taken in any subject area as long as they are college-level courses and not remedial or developmental courses.
Elective courses can be taken at Miami Dade College or transferred from another accredited institution. Students should consult with their academic advisors to ensure that their elective choices align with their academic and career goals.
For students pursuing an Arts degree, at least six of the elective credits must be in the arts. These courses can be in visual arts, music, theatre, or dance.
Elective courses can also be used to fulfill the College Credit Certificate requirements. These certificates are designed to provide students with specialized skills and knowledge in a specific field, such as business, computer programming, or healthcare.
Transfer students should note that elective credits may not transfer to their intended four-year institution. It is important to research transfer requirements and consult with an academic advisor to ensure that elective courses will transfer and count towards their intended major.
Overall, elective courses provide students with flexibility and the opportunity to explore their interests while fulfilling degree requirements.
Why Pursue an AA Degree?
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is an excellent starting point for students who are unsure about their career path or want to save money on tuition fees. Miami Dade College offers a comprehensive AA program that provides students with a solid foundation in general education courses such as math, science, humanities, and social sciences.
Pursuing an AA degree can lead to many advantages, including:
Bachelor’s Degree
An AA degree can serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. Many universities accept AA transfer credit and allow students to transfer into their programs as juniors. This means that students can save money on tuition fees by completing their general education courses at Miami Dade College before transferring to a four-year institution.
Career Opportunities
An AA degree can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates with an AA degree can work in fields such as business, education, healthcare, and social services. Many entry-level positions require an associate degree, and some employers even prefer candidates with an AA degree over those with only a high school diploma.
Job Numbers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for individuals with an associate degree is bright. The bureau predicts that job growth for associate degree holders will be faster than average for all occupations. This means that graduates with an AA degree can expect to have a better chance of finding employment than those with only a high school diploma.
Life Experiences
Pursuing an AA degree can be a life-changing experience. Students have the opportunity to explore different fields and discover their passions. They can also meet new people, form connections, and gain valuable life skills such as time management, critical thinking, and communication.
In conclusion, pursuing an AA degree at Miami Dade College can be a smart and rewarding choice for students who want to save money on tuition fees, explore different fields, and gain valuable skills.
Benefits of Starting at a Community College
Starting at a community college like Miami Dade College (MDC) can provide several benefits for students. Here are some of them:
Cost-effective College Degree
Community colleges are often more affordable than four-year universities. MDC offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree, which is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree (the same thing as baccalaureate degrees). By starting at MDC, students can save money on tuition and fees while completing their general education requirements.
Financial Aid
MDC offers several financial aid options for students, including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Students can also apply for scholarships and grants from private organizations and the college itself. Financial aid can help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
Opportunity for Racial-Ethnic Minorities
Community colleges often serve a diverse student population, including racial and ethnic minorities. MDC is located in Miami-Dade County, which has a large Hispanic population among its total number of students. By attending MDC, students can benefit from the college’s diverse community and cultural resources.
Advanced Placement
MDC offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students. By taking AP courses and exams, students can earn college credits before they graduate from high school. These credits can be transferred to MDC or other colleges and universities.
Senior Year
High school seniors can also take advantage of MDC’s Dual Enrollment program. Dual enrollment courses allow seniors to take college courses while still in high school. By completing college courses during their senior year, students can get a head start on their college education.
Good Idea
Starting at a community college can be a good idea for many students. It can provide a cost-effective way to earn a college degree, access to financial aid, a diverse student population, and opportunities for advanced placement and dual enrollment. By starting at MDC, students can set themselves up for success in their academic and professional careers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Miami Dade College offers a comprehensive Associate in Arts (AA) program that prepares students for transfer to a four-year university. The program requires students to complete 60 credits, including general education courses, electives, and prerequisites for their intended major.
Miami Dade College’s AA program provides students with a solid foundation in critical thinking, communication, and quantitative reasoning skills. The program also offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services.
There are a number of reasons to check out MDC, but overall, Miami Dade College’s AA program is a great choice for students who want to save money on tuition by completing their first two years of college at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. With its high-quality education and supportive resources, Miami Dade College is an excellent option for students seeking a strong academic foundation.
