Board of Governors Adult Degree Completion

Associate in Applied Science
60 Credit Hours

Purpose
The Board of Governors A.A.S. Adult Degree Completion Program is an alternative, non-traditional, degree program designed for adult students seeking a degree completion opportunity. The degree is flexible in its design and responsive to adult students’ diverse needs and interests. Adult students with a broad range of life and educational experiences may combine a core of academic courses with credits earned through prior learning experiences to structure a unique associate degree program. The Board of Governors A.A.S. is designed to graduate students who are prepared to become active, socially responsible members in their communities and places of employment. 

The Board of Governors A.A.S. program requires 60 credit hours which include a general education core of 21 hours and 39 hours of general electives encompassing a broad range of content areas while providing for optimum flexibility. The required general education courses assure the development of essential skills and competencies necessary for an associate degree level graduate. Students are encouraged to explore various options for obtaining credit for prior learning experiences including course articulation, standardized exams, challenge exams, credential validation and portfolio credit.

Students who choose to earn credit for college-level learning acquired through professional work experience or other life experiences must complete the portfolio development course and submit a portfolio. The portfolio provides the opportunity for equating documented, college-level, experiential learning to college credit. College courses successfully completed at regionally accredited institutions may be transferred into the program and applied toward the credit hour requirements. A minimum of 12 credit hours are required in residency at Southern in order to be eligible for the Board of Governors A.A.S.

Students are eligible for admission to the program two years after graduation from high school. In cases of those passing a high school equivalency examination, admission must be two years after their high school class graduated.

The full Board of Governors Adult Degree Completion Program is available at all campus locations.

General Education Core: 21 hours

Program Coordinator: 304.236.7618