Associate in Science Degree

The Associate in Science (AS) degree shall be awarded upon the successful completion of a planned program of study comprised of the standard length established, including demonstration of the attainment of predetermined performance standards. Only courses designated at the 1000 and 2000 levels are applicable to this degree. A grade of "C" or higher is required for all Gordon Rule courses and general education courses whether they are being used to fulfill program or elective requirements. At least 25 percent of the credits toward the degree must be in courses completed at PHSC. By graduation, a PHSC degree-level grade point average (GPA), as well as a cumulative degree-level GPA of not less than 2.0 or "C" must be achieved. Students who wish to transfer credits from any AS degree at PHSC to another institution must accept the responsibility for securing approval in advance from that institution.

Associate in Science degrees are offered in the following specialized discipline areas:

1. Associate in Science in Accounting Technology
The Associate in Science in Accounting Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 64 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as accounts receivable coordinators, accounts payable coordinators, bookkeepers, credit and collection coordinators, payroll coordinators, accountants, auditors and other accounting paraprofessionals in advanced professional accounting occupations.
2. Associate in Science in Business Administration
The Associate in Science in Business Administration degree shall be awarded upon completion of 64 semester credit hours. This program prepares students for transfer to the junior level of the State University System (SUS) of Florida, by providing academic courses which are parallel in both content and quality to those taught within the SUS. This program also will prepare students for employment for midmanagement positions in a variety of business environments.
3. Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis
The Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis degree shall be awarded upon completion of 63 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as business programmers, information systems programmers, information system managers and programmers/analysts or to provide supplemental training for those previously or currently employed in these occupations.
4. Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology
The Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology shall be awarded upon completion of 64 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to provide a professional background to those preparing for careers in law enforcement, corrections and private security. The program is designed for those who plan to pursue a two-year degree program in law enforcement. Students who wish to transfer any credits from this program to another institution must accept the responsibility for securing approval in advance from that institution.
5. Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene
The Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene degree shall be awarded upon completion of 88 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as dental hygienists.
6. Associate in Science in Drafting and Design Technology
The Associate in Science in Drafting and Design Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 62 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the drafting and computer drafting fields. The program emphasizes the theoretical knowledge required for a variety of drafting positions in the building and manufacturing industries.
7. Associate in Science in E-Business Technology
The Associate in Science in E-Business degree shall be awarded upon completion of 63 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in e-business such as computer specialists; database technicians; security specialists; Web content specialists, developers, technical systems and network analysts, Web security specialists and Internet technical support specialists in information technology. The program also will provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in the industry.
8. Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services
The Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services degree shall be awarded upon completion of 73 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students to provide advanced prehospital emergency care as paramedics. Instruction includes the knowledge and skills required to function under the direction of a physician, either directly or by written procedures.
9. Associate in Science in Engineering Technology (pending approval by SACSCOC)
The Associate in Science in Engineering Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in high technology industries such as advanced manufacturing. The program offers a sequence of courses that provide coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education in the manufacturing career cluster.
10. Associate in Science in Financial Services
The Associate in Science in Financial Services degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as financial planners, register representatives, financial analysts, loan counselors and loan officers working throughout the financial services industry.
11. Associate in Science in Fire Science Technology
The Associate in Science in Fire Science Technology shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The Fire Science Technology program is offered for individuals who are already in the fire service field and are seeking career advancement. This program will provide the training and courses required for certification as Fire Officer I and II, and will prepare the graduate for a variety of technical and supervisory positions within the fire service field. The program is approved by the State of Florida, Division of the State Fire Marshal - Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Florida State Fire College, 11655 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala, FL 34482-1436, telephone 352-369-2800. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as fire inspectors and investigators, fire science technicians, fire officers, fire safety inspectors, fire assistants, safety inspectors, building inspectors, fire insurance investigators/inspectors, fire fighters, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. This program does not prepare students for certification as fire fighters. A student must successfully complete the basic recruit program in fire fighting to become certified, pursuant to Chapter 633, Florida Statutes. This program is conducted in coordination with the Florida State Fire College (FSFC).
12. Associate in Science in Health Information Technology
The Associate in Science in Health Information Technology shall be awarded upon successful completion of 70 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level health information technicians who improve the quality of health care by organizing and managing health information data.
13. Associate in Science in Human Services
The Associate in Science in Human Services degree shall be awarded upon completion of 65 semester credit hours. The purpose of the program is to prepare human services specialists who will serve as paraprofessionals in community agencies.
14. Associate in Science in Industrial Management Technology
The Associate in Science in Industrial Management Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The program is designed for articulation for technical certificates issued at Florida technical centers and Florida state colleges. The programs traditionally are referred to as postsecondary adult vocational programs and run on a clock-hour basis. This program will give students the managerial and supervisory training needed to assist them in job advancement.
15. Associate in Science in Information Technology Security
The Associate in Science in Information Technology Security degree shall be awarded upon completion of 63 semester credit hours. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as information technology security professionals.
16. Associate in Science in Internet Services Technology
The Associate in Science in Internet Services Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 63 semester credit hours. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as Internet specialists.
17. Associate in Science in Network Systems Technology
The Associate in Science in Network Systems Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 63 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as cabling specialists, network control operators, data communications analysts, network technicians, computer security specialists, network specialists, network managers, network systems analysts, network systems technicians, network troubleshooters, WAN/LAN managers; or systems administrators.
18. Associate in Science in Nursing (RN)- Generic Track, Licensed Practical Nurse and Paramedic Track
An Associate in Science in Nursing degree shall be awarded upon the completion of the AS in Nursing (RN) (Generic Track) program, which consists of 72 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare individuals to provide direct nursing care to patients in hospitals and other comparable health agencies. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464.008 and 464.018. An Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) degree shall be awarded upon completion, by licensed practical nurses or paramedics, of 72 semester credit hours. This program is designed to allow an entry point into the associate degree in nursing program for the licensed practical nurse or the paramedic. Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Nurse Practice Act, Chapters 464.008 and 464.018.
19. Associate in Science in Office Administration
The Associate in Science in Office Administration shall be awarded upon completion of 63 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare a person for office support positions such as administrative assistants, office supervisors and managers, and receptionists. The program prepares persons for immediate employment in a business office and provides training for both first-time job seekers and experienced employees who wish to advance in their careers.
20. Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting)
The Associate in Science in Paralegal degree shall be awarded upon completion of 64 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as paralegal assistants in law offices, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions and title insurance companies. This program also is designed to provide supplemental training for persons already employed as paralegal assistants.
21. Associate in Science in Radiography
The Associate in Science in Radiography degree shall be awarded upon the completion of 77 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students to become skilled members of health care teams. Students will learn to provide the patient care and technical expertise necessary to create a radiographic image used by physicians.