Associate's Degree

The Associate of Arts in Integrative Studies (AAIS) is a flexible, two-year degree ideal for students who are looking for academic accreditation either to advance their employment opportunities or as a stepping-stone toward a four-year degree. The associate and bachelor's programs for integrative studies are available as traditional daytime classes and in an evening, nontraditional format for adult learners. The associate's program for integrative studies can also be completed through the NKU Grant County Center in Williamstown.

AAIS students are advised through Amanda Laskowski in Norse Advising. The graduation process is explained in the BAIS degree section of this handbook.

When is the AAIS the right degree? You should talk with an advisor to be sure you are pursuing the degree that is right for you.

• • "The AAIS degree is all I need for my personal or professional goals."

Perhaps you are looking for job advancement or entry into a new job that requires only the AAIS degree. The AAIS degree requires only 61 credit hours and often can be achieved in two years.

• • "I want to start my college career at NKU but plan to transfer to another school for a particular program later."

The AAIS degree does require the basic general education classes that will transfer to any public institution in Kentucky (an in some cases to schools in Indiana and Ohio). Be aware, however, that some schools might require more general education. If you work carefully with an advisor and plan your AAIS degree path appropriately, what you transfer can be a good foundation for future work in a Bachelor's program.

• • "I want to earn a Bachelor's degree eventually but I want a degree to recognize my progress at 60 hours."

In this case it is important to plan your progress through the AAIS program carefully so that working on the AA degree does not force you to take classes that will delay your progress to graduation with a Bachelor's degree. If you are sure you want to earn a Bachelor's degree, it is often better to plan a path to that degree from the start. Having both an AAIS and a BA (or BS) degree does not add much to your resume since most employers will be interested only in the highest degree obtained.

• • "I am only seeking a college degree for personal goals and I want the greatest flexible to pursue my interests."

For personal goals alone, a degree or credential might not be important. Moreover, there is not much difference in the general education requirements for each degree (AAIS or BAIS). Working towards a Bachelor's degree can be just as rewarding and provide more opportunities for personal interests.

The AAIS graduates are capable of multidisciplinary thinking but perhaps not yet accomplished at interdisciplinary work. Graduates are able to see connections across different disciplinary courses perhaps across different colleges and they can see how different disciplines can contribute to a single problem or task. Graduates are ready to move into self-conscious interdisciplinary study.