Academic Programs
Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates
Saint Paul College offers academic and technical programs and awards degrees, diplomas and certificates under the authority of the Board of Trustees for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. For specific information on academic programs at Saint Paul College, please refer to the College Catalog or individual program Web pages.
Associate in Arts Degree (AA)
The AA degree is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60 semester credits in liberal arts and sciences and is designed to constitute the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. The AA is a liberal arts degree intended primarily for students who plan to transfer to another college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. No specific major is listed in conjunction with the degree; however, students may choose to concentrate in a particular field of study in preparation for a planned major or professional emphasis at a four-year college or university. An AA degree must include the entire Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (40 semester credits), which, pursuant to Minnesota Statute, must transfer to any institution in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system or the University of Minnesota. Students are to develop an educational plan in consultation with a Saint Paul College Transfer Specialist to assure that degree requirements are fulfilled as requirements may vary depending upon the major and transfer college.
Associate in Science Degree (AS)
The Associate in Science (AS) degree is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60 semester credits in a designated field or area which transfers to a baccalaureate major in a related scientific or technical field. The AS degree provides a balance of liberal arts education and career-oriented classes. The AS degree prepares students for direct employment; however, articulation agreements must exist between the institution awarding the Associate in Science degree and an institution awarding a related baccalaureate degree. An Associate in Science degree shall include a minimum of 30 semester credits in general education as described in the MnTC distribution requirements for the AS degree.
Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is awarded for successful completion of a program of 60-72 semester credits and is intended for students who desire immediate employment upon graduation. At Saint Paul College, the AAS program shall include a minimum of 20 semester credits of liberal arts and sciences courses as described in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum distribution requirements for the AAS degree.
Diploma Programs
Diplomas are awarded for successful completion of 30-72 semester college-level credits and are intended for students who desire entry-level employment skills or career advancement. Students in diploma programs are required to complete technical courses as well as general education courses.
Certificate Programs
Certificates are awarded for successful completion of 9-30 semester college-level credits. Certificates are awarded for successful completion of a program intended to provide students with entry-level employment skills or to enhance a student’s technical skills.
Internships
Some major program areas require an internship. For other areas, an internship is optional. When students are ready to complete this phase of their training, they should consult with their faculty advisor to set up and coordinate the internship. While completing the internship, the student remains registered at Saint Paul College. Students are not excused from tuition payment and must continue to meet course and Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for all courses in which they are enrolled. In some cases, successful completion of an internship is a prerequisite to earning a degree, diploma, or certificate.