General Studies
Associate in Arts Degree
If you’re planning on getting a bachelor’s degree, then the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree is for you. It’s equivalent to the first two years at a state university. The only difference? At about half the cost, an associate degree from Valencia College is a much more affordable way to start out.
And when you've earned your A.A. at Valencia College, you may choose to stay here to earn your bachelor's degree. You can also transfer to a four-year university as a junior, including the University of Central Florida, which guarantees* admission through DirectConnect to UCF®.
*All A.A. graduates are guaranteed admission into one of Florida's 12 state universities as a junior (but not necessarily to the school or program of their choice). Admission consideration must be consistent with university policy.
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Visit a Career CenterThe general studies A.A. provides a basic liberal arts education, with courses focused in five key areas: communications, humanities, mathematics, science and social science. It also includes plenty of elective courses (courses you choose) so that you can focus your studies toward a specific major or simply explore subjects that interest you.
If you already have an intended university major, you can start preparing for it by following a Degree Pathway. It will serve as a guide for which courses to take in order start fulfilling the prerequisites that you’ll need.
Need Help?
For general enrollment questions, assistance is available through our virtual Answer Center or by contacting Enrollment Services.
Programs and Degrees
Associate in Arts
An A.A. degree takes about two years to complete and will prepare you to transfer to a Florida public university as a junior. With an A.A. Degree Pathway, you can meet most upper division prerequisites for a specific major.
- Advertising/Public Relations
- Architecture
- Art, Studio/Fine Art
- Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Dance Performance
- Dietetics (UF CALS)
- Digital Media
- Early Childhood Education
- Economics
- Elementary Education
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental Management (UF CALS)
- Environmental Studies
- Exploratory
- Food Science (UF CALS)
- Health Informatics and Information Management
- Health Sciences
- Health Services Administration
- History
- Horticultural Sciences
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Mathematics
- Music Performance
- Natural Resource Conservation (UF CALS)
- Nutritional Sciences (UF CALS)
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Plant Science (UF CALS)
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Secondary Education
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Theatre
Start Right Pathway Plan
You are encouraged to develop an education plan that includes the courses required for your A.A. degree and the CPPs needed for transfer to your intended bachelor's major. For course sequencing recommendations, visit the Degree Pathways website.
Continuing Education provides non-degree, non-credit programs including industry-focused training, professional development, language courses, certifications and custom course development for organizations. Day, evening, weekend, online and distance learning courses are available.