Associate in Arts (AA) Degree
The Associate in Arts degree (AA) is a general studies degree. It can stand alone, giving you the skills to enter the workforce. Or, it can be the first steps towards earning a bachelor degree at a four-year university.
Associate in Arts Degree (AA) Requirements
An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a minimum of 60-degree applicable semester units, including:
- Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher (Title 5 §55063);
- Completion of at least 50% of the area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade;
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or IGETC;
- Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.