Terminology and Degrees

For students wanting to earn more than one degree or certificate, at least 25% of the credit hours for each additional degree or certificate must be unique. For example, a student earning two certificates would earn total credits for the first certificate and then would need 25% unique courses of the total credits for the second. Likewise, a student earning two AAS degrees or one AS and one AAS degree would earn 60 credits for the first degree and at least 15 unique credits (25% of 60) for the second. Students cannot earn two AS degrees.

Degrees

Three degrees are offered at the College: Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS), and Certificates.

Associate of Science (AS)

• A minimum of 60 credits are required.
• The AS degree, as a regionally accredited degree, is a transfer degree because it satisfies the majority of lower division general education requirements and should be accepted at four-year institutions.
• Depending on the requirements of the receiving institution, students may be required to complete additional courses to meet specific institutional graduation requirements.
• Required credits include religion, general education, college success courses, internship, certificate requirements, and if applicable, electives.
• At least 50% of required credits must be earned directly from Ensign College.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

• A minimum of 60 credits are required.
• The AAS degree is not a transfer degree. This degree is provided in fields of study where additional education does not significantly increase employability.
• Required credits include religion, program required courses, program core courses, and if applicable, electives.
• Some individual course credits may transfer to other institutions depending on the requirements of the institution receiving the transfer request.
• At least 50% of required credits must be earned directly from Ensign College.

Certificates

• There are several certificates offered at the College and all certificates can be either completed as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the AS degree requirements.
• Certificates completed as a stand-alone certificate are only eligible for federal financial aid (pending FAFSA eligibility) if the certificate is more than 15 credits.
• All certificates are eligible for federal financial aid (pending FAFSA eligibility) as part of the AS degree requirements.

*Programs are not eligible for federal financial aid as a stand-alone certificate.