Why an Associate of Arts at PSU? Pittsburg State University is developing an achievement culture that motivates students to persist to graduation and protects their investment in time and treasure every step of the way. Starting in 2023, Pitt State will be the first university in the state of Kansas to automatically award associate of arts degrees as students earn them. If they pause their pursuit of a four-year degree after earning the 60 hours required for an associate’s degree, they leave with it – and that increases their opportunity in the workforce and lifetime earning potential. When they return to complete their four-year degree, they have a simple starting point that removes much of the complexity around degree completion. Even if a student stays in school, they still earn the associate’s degree – meaning they get two degrees for the price of one.
Once a student meets the requirements for the associate’s degree, they are automatically awarded an associate of arts degree in General Studies from Pitt State unless they opt out. The student doesn’t need to take any action, and the associate of arts degree is awarded at no additional cost to the student. Also, beginning in 2024, Pitt State will retroactively awarding degrees to any student who earned it before leaving Pitt State before completing their four-year degree.
Information for current students