Exploring Degree Programs at Albany State University

Albany State University (ASU) provides a diverse range of academic programs tailored to meet various student aspirations, whether it's immediate workforce entry or further academic pursuits. The university offers both associate and bachelor's degrees, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers and advanced studies.

Associate Degree Programs: A Stepping Stone

ASU offers students several associate degree options. These programs are designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and skills, serving as either a direct pathway to employment or a springboard to a bachelor's degree.

Career Associate of Science Degrees

Albany State University offers eleven career Associate of Science degree programs through the Health Sciences Division or the Department of Nursing. These programs are structured to equip students with the necessary skills for direct entry into the workforce upon graduation.

These career-focused programs dedicate a significant portion, typically half or more, of their curriculum to a specific major field of study at the lower division level. The remaining coursework is devoted to general education, ensuring a well-rounded foundation. The course requirements for those career associate programs are presented under their pertinent academic department/division.

Transfer Associate Degrees: Paving the Way to a Bachelor's

For students aiming for a bachelor's degree, ASU offers two transfer associate degree options: the Associate of Arts in Core Curriculum and the Associate of Science in Core Curriculum. These programs are specifically designed to facilitate a smooth transition into a four-year bachelor's program. Transfer associate degree students are encouraged to consider remaining at ASU and completing their bachelor’s degree here.

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The primary focus of these transfer programs is to fulfill the core curriculum requirements typically expected in the first two years of a bachelor's degree. About two-thirds (42-43 hrs) of the course content of both of ASU’s transfer associate degree programs are devoted to the Core IMPACTS requirements of the core curriculum (general education) of a four-year bachelor’s degree, and the remaining 17-18 credit hours are taken in optional Field of Study lower division prerequisites appropriate for a particular upper division major at the baccalaureate level.

While these programs include "Field of Study" options, it's crucial to understand that these are not considered majors. Those program components are not sufficient to justify separate transfer associate degree programs but are merely recommended lower division course options for preparing to pursue a particular baccalaureate major in the last two years of a four-year degree. Instead, they are recommended lower-division course options tailored to prepare students for specific baccalaureate majors.

Core IMPACTS and Field of Study: A Closer Look

The Core IMPACTS curriculum forms the foundation of ASU's transfer associate degrees, ensuring students acquire a broad base of knowledge across various disciplines. Alongside this, the Field of Study component allows for focused exploration in areas aligned with a student's intended bachelor's degree major.

Several Core IMPACTS requirements exist for specific fields of study:

Biological Science: Requires students to complete Pre-Calculus (MATH 1113) in the Mathematics Area and the Principles of Chemistry I (CHEM 1211K) and Principles of Chemistry II (CHEM 1212K) sequence in the STEM Area.
Business: Requires students to complete College Algebra (MATH 1111) in the Mathematics Area and Pre-Calculus (MATH 1113) in the STEM Area with a minimum grade of C.
Computer Science: Requires students to complete Pre-Calculus (MATH 1113) in the Mathematics Area and Calculus I (MATH 1211) in the STEM Area. Students are also required to take one of the following lab science sequences in the STEM Area: (BIOL 2107K and BIOL 2108K) or (CHEM 1211K and CHEM 1212K) or (PHYS 1111K and PHYS 1112K) or (PHYS 2211K and PHYS 2212K). The extra credit hour from MATH 1211 will be counted in the Field of Study.
Engineering: Requires students to complete Pre-Calculus (MATH 1113)in the Mathematics Area and Calculus I (MATH 1211) as part of the STEM Area. Students must also complete the Principles of Physics I (PHYS 2211K) and Principles of Physics II (PHYS 2212K) sequence to complete the STEM Area.
Nursing: Students pursuing a career associate degree or a bachelor's degree in Nursing should follow the guidance from that degree for the correct math and science courses to complete in the Mathematics and STEM Areas.

Health Science Field of Study

To complete the Health Science Field of Study, 18 credit hours must be completed. An Anatomy & Physiology requirement must be completed and may vary based on the career program of interest.

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Option 1: The A&P series (BIOL 2411K & BIOL 2412K) or (BIOL 2251K & BIOL 2252K) is highly recommended to better prepare the student for all career programs. Career programs that require Option 1: Health Information Technology, Histotechnician, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, and Physical Therapist Assistant.
Option 2: Some programs will accept BIOL 1100K for the A&P requirement; however, it is not recommended for anyone that intends to transfer outside of Albany State University as BIOL 1100K will not transfer to another institution. Career programs that will accept Options 1 or 2: Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Services, Radiologic Science, and Respiratory Care. Credit cannot be given for (BIOL 2411K or BIOL 2251K) and BIOL 1100K. Student must choose one or the other. BIOL 1100K is not considered a prerequisite for (BIOL 2412K or BIOL 2252K). (BIOL 2411K & BIOL 2412K) or (BIOL 2251K & BIOL 2252K) are required for Bachelor degree programs at ASU. BIOL 1100K is not accepted as a pre-requisite course for baccalaureate degrees at ASU.

Additional credit hours in the Field of Study (10 or 14, see first two bullet points) If (BIOL 2411K & BIOL 2412K) or (BIOL 2251K & BIOL 2252K) were used to satisfy the A&P requirement, an additional 10 credit hours must be taken. If BIOL 1100K was used to satisfy the A&P requirement, an additional 14 credit hours must be taken. Any course option listed under a Core IMPACTS or Field of Study Area (except for HLTH classes) may be used to satisfy the Field of Study but cannot be used twice for the degree. Any ALHE, ACCT, BUSA, and EMTP course may also be applied to the Field of Study for the A.S. for Health Career Pathways. Choose from the following additional courses that are appropriate for the chosen career pathway (other options are available as noted in the previous two bullet points) ALHE 1023 EMT Practicum I ALHE 1025 Trauma for the EMT ALHE 1029 EMT Practicum II ALHE 1032 Advanced Life Support for the AEMT ALHE 1034 AEMT Practicum III ALHE 1036 Medical Emergencies for the EMT ALHE 1039 Essential Skills for the EMT ALHE 1110 EMS Systems and Operations ALHE 1120 Medical Terminology BIOL 2211K Introduction to Microbiology BIOL 2260K Foundations of Microbiology BUSA 2101 Survey of Computer Applications COHP 2120 Growth and Development for Health Professions NURS 1232 Pre-Nursing Seminar PSYC 2103 Human Growth & Development.

Bachelor's Degree Programs: In-Depth Learning and Specialization

Albany State University offers a wide array of bachelor's degree programs across various disciplines. These programs provide students with in-depth knowledge, critical thinking skills, and specialized training to excel in their chosen fields.

Popular Majors at Albany State University

The most popular majors at Albany State University include:

Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Business Administration and Management, General
Psychology, General
Elementary Education and Teaching
Mass Communication/Media Studies
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
Sociology, General

Student Life and Academic Environment

Albany State University prides itself on fostering a supportive and engaging environment for its students. The university's commitment to student success is reflected in its student-faculty ratio and freshman retention rate.

Student-Faculty Ratio

The student-faculty ratio at Albany State University is 22:1, indicating that students have relatively good access to their professors.

Class Sizes

The school has 49.5% of its classes with fewer than 20 students, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction in the classroom.

Freshman Retention Rate

The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 73%. This suggests that a significant majority of first-year students are happy with their experience at Albany State University and choose to continue their studies there.

Additional Considerations

Several important notes apply to course selection and degree requirements at Albany State University:

A prerequisite for some courses is ENGL 1101.
A prerequisite for some courses is EDUC 2110.
A prerequisite for some courses is EDUC 2120.
Courses in this Area MUST be approved by the student’s assigned academic advisor to ensure they meet the needs of the student’s academic and career goals.
Courses cannot be used to satisfy multiple areas of the check sheet.
Required for one or more pathways to BS Teacher Education programs.
Take both if ECON 2105 is taken in the Social Science Area.
The health & wellness requirement may be fulfilled by taking one - two (2) credit hour health or wellness course OR two one (1) credit hour health or wellness activity courses.

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