Terminology and Degrees

For students wanting to earn more than one degree or certificate, at least 25% of the credit hours for each additional award must be unique. For example, a student earning two standard certificates would earn 15 credits for the first and at least 4 unique credits (approximately 25 % of 15) for the second. Likewise, a student earning two AAS degrees or one AS and one AAS degree would earn 60 credits for the first degree and at least 15 unique credits (25% of 60) for the second. Students cannot earn two AS degrees.

Degrees

Three degrees are offered at the College:  Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS), and Certificates.

1. Associate of Science (AS)

• A minimum of 60 credits are required.
• The AS degree, as a regionally accredited degree, is a transfer degree because it satisfies the majority of lower division general education requirements and should be accepted at four-year institutions.
• Depending on the requirements of the receiving institution, students may be required to complete additional courses to meet specific institutional graduation requirements.
• Required credits include religion, general education, college success course, internship, certificate requirements, and if applicable, electives.
• At least 50% of required credits must be earned directly from LDS Business College.
• Students earn the AS degree by completing 1 or 2 standard certificates or 1 specialized certificate.

2. Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

• A minimum of 60 credits are required.
• The AAS degree is not a transfer degree. This degree is provided in fields of study where additional education does not significantly increase employability.
• Required credits include religion, program required courses, program core courses, and if applicable, electives.
• Some individual course credits may transfer to other institutions depending on the requirements of the institution receiving the transfer request.
• At least 50% of required credits must be earned directly from LDS Business College.

3. Certificates

There are several certificates offered at the College and all certificates can be either completed as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the AS degree requirements. 

Certificates completed as a stand-alone certificate are only eligible for federal financial aid (pending FAFSA eligibility) if the certificate is more than 15 credits. 

All certificates are eligible for federal financial aid (pending FAFSA eligibility) as part of the AS degree requirements.

*Programs are not eligible for federal financial aid as a stand-alone certificate.