Associate in Arts (AA) | Williston State College

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Associate in Arts (AA)

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Associate in Arts (AA)

Embark on a journey of exploration and learning with our Associate of Arts (AA) program. Designed to ignite your passion for knowledge and prepare you for a seamless transition to a bachelor's degree, this program opens doors to endless possibilities.

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What You'll Learn

What You’ll Learn:

The Associate of Arts (AA) program at Williston State College offers a comprehensive education that prepares you for a wide range of future academic and career opportunities. Throughout the program, you’ll develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills across various disciplines, giving you a strong foundation for both personal and professional growth. Here’s what you can expect to gain from your AA degree:

Critical Thinking & Analytical Skills:
  • Engage with complex ideas and issues from multiple perspectives.
  • Learn how to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to make well-informed decisions.
  • Develop problem-solving techniques that can be applied across various fields and industries.

Communication Skills:

  • Hone your ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms.
  • Gain confidence in public speaking and presenting ideas in group discussions.
  • Learn how to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences, making your ideas more impactful.

Cultural & Social Awareness:

  • Study the social, historical, and cultural contexts that shape human experiences.
  • Learn how to navigate and understand different cultures and societal structures.
  • Develop empathy and ethical reasoning by engaging with diverse perspectives in global and local contexts.

Humanities & Fine Arts:

  • Explore creativity, self-expression, and critical analysis through the study of literature, art, music, and philosophy.
  • Gain an appreciation for cultural achievements and their impact on societies.
  • Develop interpretive and reflective skills that allow you to understand the human experience.

Social Sciences:

  • Understand human behavior, social dynamics, and institutions through courses in psychology, sociology, political science, and economics.
  • Learn how social forces shape individuals and communities and how you can contribute to positive social change.

Math & Natural Sciences:

  • Develop quantitative reasoning skills by applying mathematical concepts to real-world situations.
  • Understand scientific principles and methods that explain natural phenomena and how they apply to modern issues like climate change and technology.
  • Gain hands-on experience in laboratory settings, enhancing your ability to conduct scientific research and experiments.

Ethical & Civic Responsibility:

  • Explore the importance of ethics and civic engagement in today’s world.
  • Learn about social responsibility and how you can contribute meaningfully to your community.
  • Develop a framework for making ethical decisions in both personal and professional contexts.

Personal & Professional Development:

  • Build essential time management, collaboration, and leadership skills.
  • Prepare for successful transfer to a four-year university or entry-level career opportunities.
  • Cultivate lifelong learning habits that will serve you in any career or field of study.

With this solid academic foundation, you will be prepared to explore diverse career paths or further your education at a four-year institution. The Associate of Arts degree is an excellent stepping stone toward a wide array of professional opportunities, including education, business, public service, communication, and the arts.

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Course Requirements

Course Requirements

  • English Composition: ENGL 110 and either ENGL 120 or ENGL 125 (6 credits)
  • Public Speaking: COMM 110 (3 credits)
  • Humanities & Social Sciences: Humanities, Fine Arts, History, and Social Sciences (18 credits total)
  • Math & Sciences: Math (at least MATH 103 or higher), One Lab Science course, One Computer Science course (9 credits total)
  • Wellness: 2 credits
  • College Strategies/Transitions: UNIV/WSC 100 Digital and Financial Literacy for Success or UNIV 101 (1 credit)

Additional Requirements

  • GPA: Minimum 2.00 (C average)
  • On-Campus Credits: At least 16 credits must be completed at the college.
  • Grading Limits: Maximum of 12 credits with Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading. Program approval needed for more than 12 credits.
  • Credit by Exam: Up to 15 credits through CLEP subject exams (no general exams).
  • Prior Learning Credits: Up to 15 credits.
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Possible Career Paths & Salary Ranges
Career Roles

Career Roles

  • Social Worker: Salary Range: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
    Role: Help individuals and families cope with challenges in their lives.
  • Teacher (K-12): Salary Range: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
    Role: Educate students in elementary, middle, or high school.
  • Human Resources Specialist: Salary Range: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
    Role: Manage employee relations, recruitment, and organizational development.
  • Marketing Specialist: Salary Range: $45,000 - $70,000 per year
    Role: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products or services.
  • Paralegal: Salary Range: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
    Role: Assist lawyers by maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
  • Public Relations Specialist: Salary Range: $45,000 - $70,000 per year
    Role: Create and maintain a positive public image for clients or organizations.
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Estimated Cost of Attendance
Estimated Cost of Attendance On Campus Estimated Cost of Attendance Off Campus Off Campus with Parent
$19,519 $23,086 $14,468

Summary:

Earning your AA degree means completing a variety of introductory courses across several subjects, maintaining a C average, and meeting all specific credit and course requirements. This degree sets you up for success when transferring to a four-year college and pursuing various rewarding careers.

AA at WSC



Faculty

Steven

Steven Grunenwald

Associate Professor of English
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens Hall 115D
701.774.4255
Richard K.

Richard K. Stenberg

Associate Professor
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens Hall 115F
701.774.4262
James

James Skinner

Art Professor
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Ave
Western Star Building, C125
701.774.6233
Ryan

Ryan  Freels

Communication Instructor
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens Hall 115B
701.774.4503
Logan

Logan Rutledge

Music Instructor
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens Hall 240
701.774.4527
Matt

Matt Peterson

Associate Professor
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens Hall 115C
701.774.4280
Dr. Katie

Dr. Katie Renville M.Ed. PsyD

Instructor of Psychology
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens 115G
701.774.4238
Wyatt

Wyatt  Olson

Instructor of English, Arts & Human Sciences Chair
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Ave
Stevens Hall 115E
701.774.4286
Kirby

Kirby Lund

Associate Professor of English
Arts and Human Sciences Department
1410 University Avenue
Stevens Hall 115H
701.774.4595
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