Transfer programs

The advantages of an M State transfer degree

Transfer degree programs are designed for students who plan to continue their degree studies at a four-year college or university. By earning an M State associate degree -- also called a transfer degree -- students fulfill the first two years of many bachelor's degree programs.

M State offers Transfer Pathway degrees and Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees.

  • You'll enjoy a four-year college experience on a two-year college campus
  • Small class sizes mean a personalized education
  • Our low cost per credit makes M State an exceptional educational value
  • You'll have an opportunity to explore your career interests
  • Courses are taught by faculty with master's or doctorate degrees in their field of study
  • Spartan Centers offer academic assistance on all M State campuses
  • Online courses are available
  • Student life activities provide opportunities for campus involvement
  • Scholarships are available
  • Faculty and staff help students build a solid foundation for success at a four-year university

Associate of Arts degree

An Associate of Arts degree is intended for transfer to a college or university that awards baccalaureate degrees. It requires completion of a 60-credit academic program in the liberal arts and sciences. In order to obtain an AA degree, students must successfully complete the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 60 semester credits numbered 1000 or above.
  • Achieve an overall GPA of 2.00 and a GPA of 2.00 within the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).
  • Earn at least 20 of the 60 credits at M State.
  • Complete a minimum of 40 credits from the MnTC and fulfill individual requirements in each of the 10 MnTC goal areas.

Over half of the students who enroll at M State plan to earn an AA degree and continue their education at a four-year institution. The AA degree is offered on our campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena and online.

M State Transfer Pathways

M State offers a number of Transfer Pathway degrees designed specifically for students intending to complete a four-year degree in certain fields after graduating from M State.

Each of the Transfer Pathways offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an associate degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated bachelor's degree programs at Minnesota State universities.

M State currently offers:

The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing each pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State universities enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degrees will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor's degree programs in a related field at:

  • Bemidji State University
  • Metropolitan State University
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Minnesota State University Moorhead
  • Southwest Minnesota State University
  • St. Cloud State University
  • Winona State University.

Associate of Fine Arts degree

An Associate of Fine Arts degree requires completion of a 60-credit (or more) academic program in particular disciplines within the fine arts. The AFA degree is designed to transfer in its entirety to a baccalaureate degree program in a related fine arts discipline. An AFA requires a minimum of 24 credits selected from at least six of the 10 goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. The requirements for the specific disciplines are:

  • An AFA in Art requires a minimum of 24 credits selected from at least six of the 10 goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.
  • An AFA in Music requires at least 30 credits selected from at least six of the 10 goals areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.

Associate of Science degree

An Associate of Science degree is awarded upon completion of a 60-credit academic program in a scientific, technological or other professional field. The AS degree is designed to transfer in its entirety to one or more related baccalaureate degree programs. The AS degree requires a minimum of 30 credits selected from at least six of the 10 goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.

Career preparation

An associate degree is excellent preparation for continued studies in the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences. Some of the most popular degrees pursued by our associate degree graduates include:

Accounting
Agribusiness
Anthropology
Architecture
Biology

Business
Chemistry
Communications

Computer Science
Counseling
Criminal Justice

Dentistry
Early Childhood Education
Economics

Education

Education
Engineering
English

Environmental Sciences
Fisheries and Wildlife

Health Care
Health Occupations
History
Human Services

International Business
Law
Law Enforcement
Mass Communications
Mathematics

Medicine

Medicine
Music
Nursing
Optometry
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Physics
Political Science

Psychology
Sociology
Social Work
Sport Management
Veterinary Medicine
Visual Arts