University of Phoenix acknowledges that many service members have already achieved an education equivalent to an associate degree through college coursework, military training, and national testing programs. The University of Phoenix Associate of Arts Degree through Credit Recognition allows service members to fulfill most of their degree requirements by recognizing approved college-level learning no matter where service members are located throughout the world. The Associate of Arts degree includes the option of a professional focus. The University does not certify students in their professional focus but acknowledges their qualifications by recognizing their American Council on Education (ACE) certified training received through the Armed Forces. Students need a minimum of 15 semester hours in a related field to qualify for one of the professional focuses listed below. The focus will be printed on the student's official University of Phoenix transcript. Degree requirements, and degree completion information is below.
Professional Focus
Below is a list of focuses for the Associate of Arts Degree through Credit Recognition.
- Aerospace Physiology Technology
- Allied Health Management
- Allied Health Sciences
- Aviation Technology
- Biomedical Technology
- Business Administration
- Cardiopulmonary Technology
- Computer Science Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Electronics Technology
- Health Care Technology
- Histologic Technology
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Environmental Science
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Nuclear Technology
- Occupational/Environment Health
- Operating Room Technology
- Pharmacy Technology
- Physical Therapy
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Technical Management
- Technical Studies
- Technology Instruction
- Urological Laboratory Technology
**Note: Students enrolled in this degree program are ineligible to receive Federal Student Financial Aid.
Degree Requirements
Students are required to have a minimum of 60 credits to complete the Associate of Arts Degree through Credit Recognition. Students are required to have a 2.0 minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) in all coursework completed at University of Phoenix. Acceptance of coursework from regionally accredited colleges and universities and nationally accredited associate's degree granting institutions will be based upon prevailing University of Phoenix transfer credit policies. All of your credits accepted in transfer to the University (grades of "C-" or better) will be posted on the University of Phoenix transcript. This includes transfer credits earned in excess of the minimum 60 credits required for graduation. Details on Math and English Prerequisites and specific Liberal Arts Requirements are below.
Math and English Prerequisites
In line with the mission of the University's General Education program to ensure that bachelor degree seeking students have reached baseline levels in basic skills before entering into the professional programs, students must satisfy prerequisites in the areas of written communication and mathematical reasoning.
All bachelor degree seeking students must satisfy math and English prerequisites prior to enrolling in any course that requires math or English prerequisites.
Written Communication
- Earn a passing grade in COMM 215
- Achieve a passing score on the College Composition CLEP exam.
- A grade of "C-" or better in a comparable course from a regionally or approved nationally, accredited institution.
Mathematical Reasoning
- Earn a passing grade in MTH 209
- Achieve a passing score on Mathematics (or higher) CLEP exam.
- A grade of "C-" or better in a comparable course from a regionally or approved nationally, accredited institution.
Liberal Arts Requirements
The liberal arts component of the General Education Program is comprised of 36 credits distributed among traditional liberal arts categories. The purpose of this component is to ensure that students are exposed to a breadth of traditional liberal arts essential to a baccalaureate experience, and is distributed as follows:
Communication Arts, 6 credits (3 credits must be in English/Composition)
Coursework in the Communication Arts primarily focuses on the development and application of writing, speaking, group process, and interpersonal communication skills.
Mathematics, 6 credits
Coursework in the mathematics area develops quantitative and analytical skills in the fields of mathematics and advanced logic. The area does not include courses in which mathematics is merely an applied component (such as finance and accounting), nor does it include mathematics foundation courses below the level of college algebra.
Social Sciences, 6 credits
Coursework in the social science promotes understanding of human behavior as well as the structure and dynamics of social systems. Emphasis is on the discovery of patterns in social processes and institutions, both past and present. Courses in anthropology, sociology, ethnic and gender studies, geography, political science, psychology, history, and certain communications courses focusing on mass media and society typically satisfy these requirements.
In accord with the General Education requirements, Nevada students must take six units of social science credits. However, three of those units may be HIS 311 Nevada and the U.S. Constitutions which is required for Nevada students.
Science/Technology, 6 credits (3 credits must be in Phy/Bio Science)
Coursework in the sciences provides students with an understanding of nature and the physical world, along with knowledge of the methods scientists use to study the world around them. Courses in astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, geology, and environmental science typically satisfy requirements in this area. Certain courses in geography or aerospace studies which emphasize the earth's physical characteristics, weather, and climate are included in the science category, along with highly specialized coursework in the social sciences such as physical anthropology, archaeological field methods, and psychology courses which focus on human physiological processes. Technology refers to the applications of scientific knowledge in making and using tools to enhance material culture. Coursework in the area of technology which satisfies general education requirements includes engineering, materials science, electronics courses that emphasize theory and design, and computer science. Courses which focus primarily on the social and environmental conflicts which arise over the uses of technology usually satisfy requirements in the social sciences and humanities.
Humanities, 6 credits
Coursework in the humanities focuses on the development of ideas and values, appreciation of cultural and artistic achievements, and the evaluation of human experience. Courses in general humanities, philosophy, literature, fine arts, music, theater, and religious studies normally satisfy requirements in this area. Certain courses in political science and intellectual history emphasizing the development of cultural thought processes may also satisfy humanities requirements.
COMM 299
The COMM 299 Written Communication for AACR is a required course taken at the University of Phoenix and receives 3 Communication Arts credits. This course is designed for you to analyze your learning experiences and to communicate them effectively. You must receive a grade of "C" or better.
Additional Liberal Arts, 6 credits
Students will pursue more depth in the liberal arts by selecting two additional courses in any of the liberal arts categories listed above.
Degree Completion
When all degree requirements have been satisfied, students will receive a diploma and an official University of Phoenix transcript. (Diplomas require approximately two weeks to process.)
Students, who fall short of the 60 credits necessary to complete their degree, will have various degree completion options:
Credits may be earned from:
- University of Phoenix
- Prior Learning Assessment, including:
- Licenses and foreign language evaluations
- Professional training and coursework, including certificates
- Coursework from regionally accredited or candidate for accreditation colleges and universities
- Passing scores for national testing programs such as CLEP, DANTES and Excelsior
- American Council on Education recognized military training and experience in the Armed Services
For more information on credit transfer, click here or call 800.366.9699 and ask to speak with a military enrollment representative.