School of Arts & Humanities · Associate degree
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts
Build a broad foundation for whatever comes next.
Not sure which major fits yet, or want a degree you can earn in about two years? MVU’s AA in Liberal Arts builds your skills in writing, speaking, math, science, and the humanities, drawing on the same general education core as MVU’s bachelor’s degrees.
60
credit hours
2 years
for full-time students
On campus or online
choose what fits
42+ hours
of general education core
Why a liberal arts AA
A flexible start that keeps your options open
Explore widely, strengthen the skills every field relies on, and earn a degree along the way.
Explore before you choose
Take courses across many subjects while you figure out where your interests lead.
A step toward a bachelor’s
Your courses come from the general education core that MVU’s Bachelor of Arts students complete, so your work builds toward what’s next.
On campus or online
Study on campus in Marshall or online, whichever fits your life.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Earn a college degree in about two years.
- Explore different subjects before choosing a major.
- Build a foundation for a bachelor’s degree or for work.
- Strengthen your writing, speaking, and problem-solving.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Write clearly and use research responsibly.
- Speak with confidence.
- Apply the basics of scientific inquiry.
- Use math to analyze and solve problems.
- Explain the role of art and creativity in society.
- Evaluate ethical perspectives, including your own.
- Understand the diversity of the cultural and social world.
How the degree works
How your 60 credit hours add up
Here’s how the degree is built. Your advisor helps you choose courses each term.
01
General education core
At least 42 hours in social science, writing, speaking, science, math, and the humanities and fine arts.
02
One more math course
3 more credit hours of mathematics beyond the Bachelor of Arts requirement.
03
One more science course
4 more credit hours of science beyond the Bachelor of Arts requirement.
04
Electives
At least 7 hours of electives, plus any more you need to reach 60 credit hours.
Good to know: Up to 3 credit hours of applied music or PE activity courses can count toward your 60. The Writing Intensive and Service Learning requirements for bachelor’s degrees don’t apply to this AA.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
The general education core gives you choices in every area. See every course option in the catalog’s General Education Core Curriculum.
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science (3 hours)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts (12 hours) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education (6 hours) from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
Additional requirements for this AA (14+ credit hours)
- Mathematics: one more 3-credit course
- Natural science: one more 4-credit course
- Electives: at least 7 credit hours, plus more as needed to reach 60
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 60 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a C or higher in every degree requirement, with no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete your last 15 credit hours at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation (the degree isn’t awarded automatically) and pay the $100 graduation fee.
- You can’t receive the liberal arts AA in the same academic year as a bachelor’s degree.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
How long does it take?
The AA in Liberal Arts is a two-year degree for full-time students.
Can I take it online?
Yes. The degree is available on campus and online. Ask Admissions which courses are offered online each term.
Will my credits count toward a bachelor’s degree?
At MVU, the AA draws on the same general education core as the Bachelor of Arts, so those courses count toward a bachelor’s here. You can’t receive the liberal arts AA in the same academic year as a bachelor’s degree. If you plan to transfer to another school, ask that school how your credits will transfer.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 60 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every degree requirement.
- Your last 15 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, online options, or how the AA fits into a bachelor’s degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
AA in Liberal Arts