Program Overview
Applied Arts and Sciences Associate in Applied Science Degree
Overview for Applied Arts and Sciences AAS
Jobs that require multidisciplinary, hybrid skills sets not traditionally associated with one occupation are growing at twice the rate of the overall job market, are higher paying than their more specialized counterparts, and are immune to the threat of automation.
RIT's online associate of science in applied arts and sciences is a customizable degree for students who would like to combine different disciplines or topic areas tailored to their career goals and interests. This program is also ideal for students who may have prior college learning or would like to change or expand their areas of expertise. In this program, you will work closely with an advisor to design your plan of study, all tailored around your career aspirations and goals.
While this associate degree is a stand-alone credential valued by employers, the course work may also be applied to RIT’s individualized program bachelor’s degree.
Applied Arts and Sciences Degree: Online or On-Campus
The applied arts and sciences AAS degrees offers you an opportunity to create an individualized undergraduate program of study. The degree requires you to complete at least 60 credit hours of course work comprised of general education courses along with course work in one or two professional concentration area. Each concentration is customized by you, with guidance and advice from your academic adviser, and crafted from courses that provide you with expertise in specific areas of study. Courses may be chosen from throughout RIT's nine colleges and from nearly all of our degree programs. A sampling of concentration areas include:
- Business Studies
- Communication
- Computer Graphics
- Criminal Justice
- Health Systems Administration
- Leadership
- Literature
- Organizational Change and Leadership
- Project Management
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Technical Communications
- Web Design and Development
- Women and Gender Studies
The applied arts and science degree may be completed on campus, online, or by combining on-campus and online course work.
Curriculum for Applied Arts and Sciences AAS
Applied Arts and Science, AAS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- SOIS-101: Individualized Study Seminar
- UWRT-150: First Year Writing: FYW: Writing Seminar (WI) (General Education)
- General Education - Artistic Perspective
- General Education- Social Perspective
- Open Electives
- Professional Concentration Courses
- Second Year
- SOIS-201: Paradigms & Worldviews (General Education)
- SOIS-202: Individuals & Society (General Education)
- General Education- Ethical Perspective
- General Education- Global Perspective
- General Education - Social Perspective
- Professional Concentration Courses
Total Semester Credit Hours: 60
Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing associate degrees are required to complete one Wellness course.
Note for online students
The frequency of required and elective course offerings in the online program will vary, semester by semester, and will not always match the information presented here. Online students are advised to seek guidance from the listed program contact when developing their individual program course schedule.
Admissions and Financial Aid
First-Year Admissions
This degree offers students the opportunity to create individualized undergraduate programs of technical and professional study. Applicants should speak directly to a first-year admissions counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Transfer Admissions
This program offers students the opportunity to create individualized undergraduate programs of technical and professional study through its applied arts and science program. The applied arts and science program is particularly appropriate for individuals who have prior college-level learning, are interested in changing majors, have unique ideas about how they want to design their academic areas of study, or want to prepare themselves for a career that requires skills and expertise from several disciplines. Applicants should speak directly to a transfer admissions counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Additional Information
Online Study Restrictions for Some International Students
Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization. Learners from the Crimea region of the Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria may not register for RIT online courses. Nor may individuals on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the United States Commerce Department’s table of Deny Orders. By registering for RIT online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai)
Overview:
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai) is a branch campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, RIT Dubai offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, computing, and design. The institution is committed to providing students with a high-quality American education in a dynamic and international setting.
Services Offered:
RIT Dubai provides a wide array of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support Center:
- Offers tutoring, study skills workshops, and other resources to enhance academic performance.
Advising Resources:
- Provides guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and personal development.
Health and Wellness:
- Offers access to healthcare services, counseling, and wellness programs.
Athletics and Recreation:
- Provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs.
Student Leadership:
- Encourages student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership initiatives.
Student Accommodation:
- Offers on-campus housing options for students.
Parking and Transportation:
- Provides parking facilities and transportation services for students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
RIT Dubai fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can engage in a variety of activities and experiences, including:
Student Life at RIT Dubai:
- Offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, participate in social events, and explore cultural activities.
New Student Orientation:
- Provides a welcoming introduction to campus life and resources.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Offers students practical work experience through co-op and internship opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
American Degree:
- RIT Dubai offers a true American degree, recognized globally for its quality and rigor.
State-of-the-Art Campus:
- The campus features modern facilities and technology to support learning and research.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Provides students with valuable work experience and career development opportunities.
Study Abroad Options:
- Offers students the chance to study at other RIT campuses or partner institutions around the world.
Global Connectivity:
- RIT Dubai is located in a dynamic and international hub, providing students with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
Academic Programs:
RIT Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Design
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
- Masters of Science in Engineering Management
- Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
- Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
- Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
Other:
- RIT Dubai has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with dedicated labs and centers supporting student projects and research.
- The institution boasts a diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
- RIT Dubai has a high employability rate, with over 80% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.
- The institution has a strong network of alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career support.
