Baccalaureate Degrees FAQs

How long does it take for a new degree program to be approved and classes begin?
Overall, it may take about 18 months to two years. First, the approval process for the State of Florida must be followed. Once the State Board of Education renders its approval, a separate application must be submitted to SACS. The program can then begin after all approvals are received.

What are the baccalaureate program prerequisites?
The prerequisites vary for each program. It is best to check the individual program Web page for details on any prerequisite.

Are the baccalaureate programs offered online?
All programs are available fully online.

I have a bachelors degree in another field . . .
Holding a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college/university means all general education requirements are met. The program prerequisites will still need to be taken, however, if they were not part of your prior bachelor's program.

What is the foreign language requirement for baccalaureate degrees?
Students must have completed Florida's foreign language requirement prior to the completion of the bachelor's degree. This can be met several ways, but normally is two semesters of a sequential language in college, or two years of sequential credit in high school. Grades in each course must be D or higher. For full details, consult the SCF Catalog.

If I hold an A.S. degree and want to pursue one of the baccalaureate programs, will I need to also meet the international/intercultural requirement?
No, the international/intercultural requirement only applies to the A.A. degree.

What are the fees?
Current State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota fees for upper division courses are approximately $10 more per credit hour than lower division fees for instate residents.

What do I need to do to enroll in the baccalaureate programs?
Applications are being accepted for all programs. Program applications are available on their respective program Web pages.

A student applies and is accepted for the fall term but cannot take classes that fall. Is an additional application needed for spring registration?
No. Since the spring term is under the same Catalog as the fall term, student can just register for classes in the spring.

I am wondering about scholarships/financial aid.
The B.S. or B.A.S. student is eligible for all our scholarships and financial aid unless the award calls for a student in an associate degree program. At this time, however, the employee scholarship at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (for college employees) does not apply to upper division courses.

Do you offer any Bachelor of Arts degrees?
The current legislation only allows state colleges (such as State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota) to offer workforce preparation degrees that demonstrate community need and support. This does not mean that future legislation might change, but we do not see any change coming in the near term.

Will courses taken to obtain an A.A.S./A.S. degree transfer over to the new programs?
In most cases, students with A.A.S. will need to take additional general education courses.

For students holding a A.A.S. or A.S. degree, does the student need to have the 36 credit hours in general education completed prior to enrolling in the upper-level division classes?
The completion of the general education courses would not need to be completed prior to enrolling in upper division and can be taken along with upper division classes.  Thus, completion of the 36 general education hours would have to be completed in order for graduation from baccalaureate program.

What benefits are offered to Veterans?
Some Veterans (and certain spouses and dependents) may be eligible for VA educational benefits. Information regarding those benefits is located on the Veteran Students web pages. In addition, there is a common misconception by some Veterans that they are not eligible to receive financial aid in addition to their VA educational benefits. We encourage all to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application as well as apply for scholarships.

I am interested in teaching in one of the baccalaureate programs.
Contact the program director about available teaching positions. Position advertisements will be posted on the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota website. Please check the website employment page periodically for opportunities.