Associate of Arts and Sciences

Associate Degree

Explore the associate of arts and sciences degree program at UW-Eau Claire – Barron County

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire – Barron County's associate of arts and sciences (AAS) degree is a two-year, general education, liberal arts-based academic program with training in the fine arts and humanities, mathematical and natural sciences, and social sciences. The award certifies a student as having satisfactorily completed half the number of credits required for a baccalaureate degree program and meeting certain curricular requirements. 

Offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, the AAS degree encourages students to develop special talents, discover new areas of interest, strengthen leadership skills and heighten self-confidence through participation in a variety of educational opportunities. This may include extracurricular activities, the fine arts, social activities, study abroad, service-learning projects and so much more. 

While pursuing your degree, you'll be a part of a supportive campus community in which students have the advantage of individual attention, small classes and guidance from expert faculty and advisors. Whatever your path, here, you'll find everything you need to achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

Once completed, your AAS degree can serve as a foundational degree for a bachelor's degree program within and outside the UW System. The program also provides a seamless transition for students to finish their bachelor's degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus. The AAS degree is only available to UWEC-Barron County students. Both an in-person and online degree option are available. 

Preparing you for what's next

UW-Eau Claire – Barron County provides a quality liberal arts general education that is accessible, affordable and prepares students for a world of success. Our top-notch curriculum, combined with life-changing learning opportunities, promotes lifelong learning, leadership, service and responsible citizenship.

Here, you can get a quality education that will help prepare you for your dream career, the real world and whatever else comes next. 

Why complete my associate of arts and sciences degree at UW-Eau Claire?

Flexible options. Both an in-person and online AAS degree are available. The in-person associate degree program meets you where you are on your journey to higher education or attaining specific career goals, and fulfills the general education requirements for most colleges and universities across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The UW Collaborative online AAS degree creates the educational foundation you can grow with — whether you’re seeking a full degree, need to complete a prerequisite course, need to take individual courses to supplement your studies, prefer online classes or need to complete your degree in less time.

A collaborative advising model. While pursuing your associate of arts and sciences degree, you'll work closely with your assigned faculty or academic staff member, who will act as an advisor for both educational and career guidance. You can connect with your advisor to discuss academic progress, career considerations, transfers, schedule planning or anything else you need help with. 

Outside-the-classroom learning. Here at UWECBC, countless opportunities to grow — both personally and professionally — will be available to you. Participate in a service-learning project, study abroad or join an on-campus student organization. Providing experiential, real-world learning is one of our top priorities. 

Direct path to UW-Eau Claire. Students who complete their associate of arts and sciences degree and wish to complete a bachelor's degree are able to seamlessly transfer to the Eau Claire campus. 

Quick facts

Associate of arts and sciences degree details
  • Program length: two years
  • Offered: in person, online
  • Campus: Rice Lake

I was surprised by how quickly the administrative staff got to know me. It felt like I mattered and that my goals were important. The genuine care that faculty and staff show students is invaluable and makes the UW-Eau Claire – Barron County experience special.

Chrystalina Peterson Associate of Arts and Sciences

Associate of arts and sciences degree program curriculum

The associate of arts and sciences degree is rooted in a broad-based liberal arts education, which allows you to think creatively and critically, and prepares you to excel in your future career or while pursuing additional degrees. 

Delivered by both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Eau Claire – Barron County faculty, courses applied to this degree come with a variety of course prefixes and course delivery formats. Students can choose to pursue their degree at the Rice Lake campus or online. 

What classes do associate of arts and sciences students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the in-person associate of arts and sciences degree in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the online associate of arts and sciences degree in the UWEC course catalog. 

Department information

College of Arts and Sciences

Schofield Hall 220
105 Garfield Avenue
 Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the College of Arts and Sciences department website