Associate in Arts

Get started on your path to a bachelor’s degree with Jackson College’s Associate in Arts. This flexible transfer degree is ideal for students planning to continue their education at a four-year college or university. Whether you’re interested in the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, or education, the Associate in Arts provides a strong foundation while keeping your options open. Work with a student success navigator to build a personalized transfer plan that aligns with your career goals and the requirements of your intended transfer school.

Associate in Arts

This degree prepares students to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s in arts, humanities, or social sciences.

About the Program

The Associate in Arts (ARTS.AA) degree is a pre-baccalaureate program designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree. With a broad foundation in general education and the freedom to explore interests through electives, this degree supports pathways in the arts, education, humanities, social sciences, and more. Students work closely with a student success navigator to build a transfer plan aligned with their academic and career goals.

Art History: Prehistoric to 1400

This course provides a historical survey of architecture, sculpture, painting and the minor arts in the Western tradition from Prehistory through the Gothic period.

Communication Fundamentals

A basic course in verbal and nonverbal communication. Includes intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group and public communication. Emphasis is placed on principles, processes and practical applications of communication.

Introductory Biology

A one-semester introduction to biology for the non-major, emphasizing the scientific method and the basic principles of biology. This course focuses on structure and function of the cell, mechanisms for inheritance, ecology and evolution. Laboratory activities reinforce lecture topics and provide hands-on learning opportunities. This course is appropriate for non-science majors.

Writing Experience I

An intensive course in written composition with emphasis on the writing process, focus and development of the essay, and critical reading. The course teaches students to write clear, coherent essays appropriate to college-level writing and to read and respond critically to texts.

Career Outlook

The Associate in Arts degree prepares students for seamless transfer into four-year colleges and universities, where they can pursue a variety of majors. This degree is ideal for students interested in liberal arts fields like education, social work, psychology, criminal justice, communications, and more. Because of its broad curriculum, it opens doors to many career fields requiring strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Support classroom instruction and assist teachers in educational settings.

Help clients access services in social work, nonprofit, or government agencies.

Assist with public relations, social media, or content creation in business or media settings.

Apply strong interpersonal and communication skills in retail, corporate, or service industries.

Pay

Understanding potential earnings is an important part of exploring career options.

Median Pay $55,000/yr
Pay: Low End $35,000
Pay: High End $85,000

Salary estimates are based on data from America’s Career InfoNet and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Actual earnings vary by location, industry demand, business size, education, and experience. Check local job listings for the most accurate salary information.