Associate in Science and Arts
Start Smart
then transfer your credits to a four-year college or university
One of the most versatile, flexible and adaptable degree programs available
Start here and expand your options academically
This degree is the first step toward so many occupations and professions, from criminal justice to law or medicine, from teaching to dentistry, from mental health counseling to forestry, from journalism to veterinary studies.
This degree can be the pathway to a lifestyle you choose rather than one that’s imposed on you. With a solid education background, you’ll be in the best position to craft the lifestyle you’re hoping for and to pursue what genuinely interests you.
(* You can browse a partial list of possible occupations below in case you are undecided at the moment!)
In addition, because you will be completing courses in what are traditionally known as the liberal arts, you can expect to grow as a person, to develop critical thinking skills, and to see the world from multiple perspectives.
You will finish your two years at Kirtland as a more well-rounded person, someone who is better equipped to navigate your future and respond to anything that comes your way than you were on the first day you arrived. You will feel prepared for advanced studies and the occupation of your choice, yes; but also prepared for life as a well-informed citizen and person, someone who can understand what’s going on in the world.
Whether you are absolutely certain of your career track and know you want to transfer to a four-year college or university, OR you’re still weighing your options, this is a great place for you to start.
Are you transferring?
If you already have firm plans for your future, we can guide you through the process of completing your associate degree at your preferred pace.
Kirtland credits transfer to your college or university. The Science and Arts program at Kirtland is customizable for your academic goals and field of study, and we’ll help guide your coursework so you waste no time or resources completing your degree.
Respected by transfer institutions
We have strong relationships with many of the four-year schools to which our students transfer. What we hear from them consistently is:
Kirtland students that come to us are ready for college.
They are very well prepared.
Are you undecided?
Customizable for your transfer needs and your personal or academic interests
You don’t have to make a firm life decision in order to enroll at Kirtland. Of course, there are required courses every student must complete; however, to a large extent this is customizable to your needs and interests. Talk to your advisor and they’ll help you set up your program of study.
Your ASA degree, if you continue your education after Kirtland, can put you on the path to many different occupations and professional careers. Here are just a few of the potential areas where YOU might make your contribution to others and to the world:
- Art director or studio owner
- Astronomer
- College professor
- Dentist
- Forestry professional
- Founder of a non-profit organization
- Journalist or news analyst
- K-12 teacher
- Lawyer
- Marine biologist
- Marriage counselor
- Medicinal plant chemist
- Mental health counselor
- Microbiologist
- Physical therapist
- Physician or surgeon
- Physician’s assistant
- Physicists and astronomers
- Producer/ director
- Professional artist
- Prosecuting attorney
- Psychologist
- Public relations specialists
- Radiologist
- Reporters, correspondents, and news analysts
- Social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Veterinarian
- and many more …
OR maybe this is you?
Perhaps one of these scenarios best describes your reason for considering Kirtland right now.
- You’re returning to college after being in the workforce and realize you want to change careers or climb the ladder in your current field.
- You want to get your general education requirements under your belt to complete another Kirtland degree program (or a program at another institution that we don’t offer).
With both ONLINE and ON CAMPUS options, either way you’ll have outstanding faculty on your side.
Choose online classes with faculty who are experts in online learning.
There are reasons that Kirtland is consistently ranked among the top 25 sources for online learning in America.
- We’re not newcomers to online education! We’ve been teaching online for over ten years.
- This is not a plug-and-play robotic interaction with students! We get personally acquainted with our students and make ourselves available to help them.
- Our classes are highly interactive.
- Our faculty put themselves and their personalities into the classes.
- Our faculty are very responsive to email requests for support.
- Kirtland also has a Center for Teaching and Learning that teaches new faculty how to be effective in teaching both online and in person. It’s important to us to maintain our high standards.
Choose to attend some of your classes on our beautiful campus, meet your classmates, and have even more interaction with faculty.
- For many learners it’s preferable to be physically on campus in order to have direct in-person interaction with our outstanding faculty, who collectively have over 100 years of teaching experience.
- Our faculty consistently receive glowing reviews from students!
- Faculty often form lasting connections with students and keep up with them long after they leave Kirtland.
More reasons to choose our transfer program
You’ll have every advantage as you pursue your studies.
Small class sizes
You’ll never get lost in a huge auditorium with hundreds of students when you’re working toward your ASA degree with us. Our class sizes are small enough that your professor in anatomy or English composition will know your name within a day! They’ll have conversations with you and take an interest in you. This is invaluable and rarely duplicated by larger colleges or universities.
State-of-the-art classrooms with latest technology
Not only do we have a beautiful campus with labs in many career areas that duplicate real-life work environments, we also use the latest in innovative instructional technologies in our ‘smart classrooms.’ Your classroom is equipped with smart boards, computer workstations, projection equipment, multiple software products to support instruction, and a variety of technology support.
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to each student’s success. They will do everything in their power to get you the right information and get your questions answered.
They will have conversations with you regularly, share all sorts of resources with you, and guide you in navigating the transfer process.
You can bring credits to Kirtland with reverse transfer
Did you transfer to a four-year university before you earned your associate degree? Students now have the option to transfer those university credits back to their community college to complete their associate degree through reverse transfer. Bring your credits with you when you return to Kirtland.
Science and Arts transfer classes and fields
Available courses include Art, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Geography, Geology, History, Humanities, Language, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physical Science/Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech.
Here’s a full list of Science and Arts courses at Kirtland.
Stay close to home
And if you live in Northern Michigan, attending Kirtland can save you many additional expenses by living at home or having a manageable commute.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! If you’ve made your decision, declare Associate in Science and Arts as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Choose the college or university where you intend to transfer your credits after Kirtland.
Step 4
Complete your program courses, including your general education courses. Take advantage of your advisor throughout your time at Kirtland; they’ll help you stay on track.
Step 5
Celebrate! Graduate with flying colors. You now have an Associate Degree in Science and Arts! You deserve a pat on the back.
FINAL STEP
Begin your next phase. Start your next educational journey at the transfer school of your choice.