Academics
Quality counts and we have it. Jefferson boasts 60+ programs, certificates, and microcredentials that can lead you to a path of success. You can transfer to a 4-year college and save money by taking your first two years here, or you can earn a degree that leads you right to a career after two years of study.
Flexible education
- 60+ programs, certifications and microcredentials, including nine you can earn entirely online
- 11 microcredentials, short programs consisting of industry-specific classes bundled together to achieve a digital badge
- Classes to fit your schedule—choose from 4-, 8-, or 15-week classes offered daytime or evening
- In-person, online, and hybrid courses (including classes at Fort Drum and the Lewis County Education Center in Lowville.)
- On-campus bachelor’s and graduate programs offered by partner schools
- Precertification allied health and online non-credit training for building job-ready skills
Personalized support
- Average class size of just 17 students
- Academic advisors to help you chart your path
- Targeted support for first-time college students, students that need extra help, and military/veteran students
- Robust College Library with resources to help you succeed
- Full-service job placement and career counseling services
Learn about the degree options you can find here at Jefferson
Career programs A.A.S.
Jefferson offers the A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science) degree to prepare you for entry into a special commercial or technical field after graduation. This degree is the equivalent of two years of full-time study and will give you the credentials and jobs skills needed to start your professional career.
The College also offers several certificate programs to prepare you for the workforce, or for those already employed, to advance your career. These certificate programs are typically more industry-focused. The certificate program is a short-term training program designed to sharpen specific skills and consists of special sequences of courses. In some cases, credits earned in the certificate programs may be applied toward an associate degree in the future.
Associate in Arts (A.A.)
At a minimum, there should be 45 semester credit hours of work taken in the humanities, the natural sciences and mathematics, and the social sciences. The exact balance within the 45 credit hours among these major fields is at the College's discretion but should include a reasonable distribution of work in these categories.
Associate in Science (A.S.)
At least 30 semester hours of credit should be offered in the humanities, the natural sciences and mathematics, and the social sciences. The exact balance within the 30 credit hours among these major fields is at the College's discretion but should include a reasonable distribution of work in these categories.
Transfer Agreements
Jefferson’s A.A. (Associate in Arts) and A.S. (Associate in Science) degree allow
you to complete the first two years of study toward a bachelor's degree. We have agreements that provide nearly seamless transfer to many schools, including but not limited to:
- Cornell University
- Clarkson University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Syracuse University
- SUNY Oswego
- SUNY Potsdam
A special dual admission agreement with SUNY Potsdam allows you to be accepted at both colleges simultaneously and transfer seamlessly while continuing upper level classes on the Jefferson campus. This option is available for a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Childhood Education/Early Childhood (birth to grade 6).
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The degree has a minimum of 21 semester hours of credit drawn from the liberal arts and science areas, comprising work distributed in the humanities, the natural sciences and mathematics, and the social sciences. In general, the 21 credit hours should be distributed with balance among the major areas.
Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.)
The degree is intended for students looking for professional skills to complement technical skills gained in a specialized area. There are up to 20 credits built into the program to allow for prior learning assessment (PLA) to be considered. The remaining coursework is focused on the professional area.
Microcredentials
Microcredentials are a great way for new or working professionals to position themselves for career advancement. These credit-bearing courses are packaged for industry-specific areas to provide the student with targeted education, skills and experience that will enhance their employability and earning potential. They may also be used as an entryway for a new student who is exploring degree pathways. Microcredentials are typically 3-4 classes and can be completed in as-little-as 15 weeks (one semester). Upon successful completion of a microcredential, a student will receive a transcript and a digital badge for use on resumes, digital portfolios and professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Microcredentials FAQ
Degree Requirements
You must satisfactorily complete the curriculum requirements of an academic program to qualify for an associate degree, along with meeting all other college requirements for graduation as listed in the Academic Information section.
You may petition for course substitutions but must obtain formal notification of approval before altering a program of study. Any changes must meet the NYS Board of Regents general requirements for associate degrees.