What Are the Requirements for an Associate of Science in Eaton?
Learn the key requirements for earning an Associate of Science in Eaton, including credit hours, GPA standards, general education courses, transfer opportunities, career pathways, and program options available through Edison State Community College.
July 1, 2026
If you're exploring career advancement opportunities in west-central Ohio, earning an Associate of Science (A.S.)in the Eaton area is one of the most efficient paths to a bachelor's degree or a rewarding career. The core requirements include completing a minimum of 60 credit hours, maintaining a 2.0 GPA, finishing at least 30 general education credits across subject areas like mathematics, natural sciences, communication, humanities, and social sciences, and completing program-specific coursework aligned with your intended major. Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of every requirement, program pathway, and transfer option available to students planning to earn their science degree near Eaton.
Edison State’s Associate of Science Pathway
Edison State Community College's Associate of Science provides students with a strong academic foundation in science, mathematics, and general education while preparing them for continued education and future career opportunities. The program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution while building critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Students work with academic advisors to develop educational plans aligned with their interests and long-term goals. Through transfer pathways, flexible scheduling options, student support services, and hands-on learning opportunities, the Associate of Science pathway offers an affordable and flexible way to begin a college education close to home.
Key Takeaways
- An Associate of Science requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, including at least 30 general education credits and additional program-specific coursework.
- Students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA to graduate; some competitive programs require a 2.5 GPA or higher for admission.
- General education requirements span communication, mathematics, natural sciences (with lab), humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences.
- Edison State holds over 50 transfer agreements with four-year universities, ensuring A.S. credits apply toward a bachelor's degree.
- Program-specific tracks—such as health care, accounting, and criminal justice—carry additional requirements, including prerequisite courses, internships, and minimum grade standards.
Core Associate of Science Requirements
Students pursuing an Associate of Science generally complete:
- General education coursework
- Mathematics and science requirements
- Program-specific coursework
- Elective credits
- Minimum GPA requirements
The Associate of Science is structured as a transfer program, meaning it’s designed to prepare students to continue into a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university, so it’s important to understand what an Associate of Science is before selecting a degree pathway. The degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. These 60 credits break down into two main components: a general education core of at least 30 general education credits and an additional 24 credit hours of major-aligned or elective coursework.
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to graduate and remain in good academic standing throughout the program. Core degree requirements usually include coursework in math, science, and English. Edison State's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy further requires that students must complete at least 67% of all attempted credits and finish the degree within 150% of the required credit hours—meaning within 90 attempted credits for a 60-credit program—to retain financial aid eligibility.
Full-time students can typically complete the Associate of Science in two academic years, although understanding how long community college programs take to complete helps students plan for different enrollment options and academic goals. Part-time students have extended timelines, and Edison State offers flexible scheduling—including online, hybrid, and weekend options—to accommodate working adults. Students must complete an approved program to earn the degree, and all prerequisite courses must be finished before enrolling in advanced, major-specific coursework.
General Education Course Distribution
At the heart of every A.S. is the Ohio Transfer Module (OT36), a statewide general education framework guaranteeing that 36 credit hours of general education coursework fully transfer to all Ohio public institutions. A minimum of 30 general education credits is required for an A.S., and Edison State requires completion of the full 36-credit OT36 core. Students must complete one course in each general education area at minimum, distributed as follows:
- Communication Arts (6–9 credit hours): Communication courses typically require six to nine credit hours for A.S. programs. Students must complete two English composition courses and one speech communication or oral communication course.
- Mathematics, Statistics, and Logic (3–6 credit hours): Mathematics coursework usually requires three to six credits at the college algebra level or higher. Students may take statistics, logic, or a higher-level math course depending on their intended transfer major.
- Biological and Physical Sciences (6 credit hours): Natural sciences coursework must include laboratory experiences for A.S. degrees. Six credit hours of lab science are required, drawing from disciplines such as general biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, or environmental science.
- Arts and Humanities (6 credit hours): Six credits from the humanities category, drawn from at least two disciplines. Options include literature, philosophy, history, art appreciation, fine arts, foreign language, and other liberal arts courses. At least one course must be an introductory humanities course.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credit hours): Six credits from at least two different content areas. Eligible courses span sociology, economics, American government, psychology, and other social sciences and behavioral sciences disciplines.
- Computer Literacy (0–3 credit hours): Up to three credits may be required, covering competency in computer applications or computer science fundamentals.
One of the arts/humanities or social/behavioral sciences courses must carry a diversity designation. Programs may require specific courses to fulfill general education credits, so students should consult their catalog and advisor when preparing for their first year at a community college. Completion of general education courses alongside science electives is required for an A.S., and elective courses in A.S. programs are often tailored to the student's intended transfer major.
Choosing an Academic Pathway
Students can use the Associate of Science as a foundation for a variety of future academic and professional goals. Coursework may support future studies in:
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Technology
- Mathematics
- Business
- Agriculture
- Social Sciences
Depending on their planned transfer major, students may work with advisors to select courses that align with bachelor's degree requirements and career interests.
Transfer Opportunities and Academic Planning
One of the primary purposes of an Associate of Science is to prepare students for continued education. Through transfer-focused coursework and academic advising, students can create educational plans that align with bachelor's degree programs and long-term career goals.
Edison State offers transfer pathways and university partnerships that help students continue their education while benefiting from affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and local support services.
Hands-On Learning and Student Support
Students pursuing an Associate of Science may have opportunities to participate in internships, laboratory experiences, projects, and other practical learning activities that support classroom instruction.
In addition to academic coursework, students can access services such as tutoring, advising, transfer planning, career counseling, and other support resources that help them stay on track toward graduation.
Why Students Choose Edison State
Edison State is the primary institution serving Eaton and the surrounding communities in west-central Ohio. The College offers a range of A.S. and associate degree options tailored to meet regional employment needs.
Priority programs include the Physical Therapist Assistant (accredited by CAPTE), Medical Laboratory Technology (accredited by NAACLS), and Accounting programs. Additional tracks span criminal justice, social services, agriculture, and more. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science focus on transfer to four-year colleges, with the A.S. emphasizing science-related majors. The Associate of Applied Science prepares students for specific careers, and the Associate of Fine Arts is for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Academic Credit Certificates consist of 30 to 36 credits for students who want a shorter credential.
Edison State holds over 50 transfer agreements with colleges and universities across Ohio, ensuring that A.S. credits satisfy the requirements for bachelor's degree programs at public four-year institutions. The Wright Path Program is one example of a pathway where students complete their first two years locally and then enter junior year at a partnering university. Associate of Science programs often provide transfer pathways to four-year universities, and the Ohio Transfer 36 framework guarantees that general education credits are accepted statewide.
For students with existing credit from military service, professional certifications, high school dual enrollment through College Credit Plus, or work experience, Edison State's Prior Learning Assessment options can reduce the time and cost to completion. Flexible scheduling—including online, hybrid, and evening classes—allows Eaton-area residents to pursue their degrees while managing work and life responsibilities. Learn more about how long community college programs take to complete to plan your timeline.
Build Your Future with the Right Education
Earning an Associate of Science in Eaton can provide a strong foundation for continued education, career exploration, and long-term professional growth. By completing general education coursework, science and mathematics requirements, and transfer-focused classes, students can prepare for bachelor's degree programs and future opportunities across a variety of fields.
Edison State's Associate of Science pathway combines flexible scheduling, transfer opportunities, academic advising, student support services, and hands-on learning experiences to help students build a successful educational future close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credit hours are required for an A.S. in Eaton?
An Associate of Science requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. This includes at least 30 general education credits through the Ohio Transfer Module and approximately 24 additional credit hours in program-specific or elective coursework. At least 15 general education credits are required for the degree as a baseline, though Edison State's A.S. program requires the full OT36 core of 36 credits.
What is the minimum GPA requirement for completing an A.S. at Edison State?
Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to graduate with an A.S. However, certain selective programs—such as Physical Therapist Assistant—require a minimum 2.5 GPA for program admission. Students also need to complete at least 67% of attempted credit hours to satisfy academic progress standards.
Can I transfer my Edison State A.S. credits to a four-year university?
Yes. Edison State holds over 50 transfer agreements with Ohio colleges and universities. The Ohio Transfer 36 framework ensures all general education coursework completed under the OTM transfers fully to any Ohio public institution. Programs like Wright Path also allow students to transition directly into a partner university's junior year.
What career pathways are available through A.S. programs in the Eaton area?
Edison State offers A.S. and related associate degree tracks in accounting, medical laboratory technology, criminal justice, social services, agriculture, computer science, and health care fields. The applied science associate degree prepares students for direct employment, while the A.S. is designed for students who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree.
How long does it typically take to complete an A.S.?
Full-time students can generally complete the A.S. in two academic years (four semesters). Part-time students will take longer depending on course load and availability. Edison State offers online, hybrid, and evening classes to help students stay on track.
Does Edison State offer Prior Learning Assessment for A.S. programs?
Yes. Edison State provides Prior Learning Assessment options for students who have relevant learning from other institutions, military experience, professional certifications, or significant work experience. PLA credits can satisfy portions of the general education core or certain technical coursework, potentially shortening the time to degree completion.
How does Edison State help Associate of Science students prepare for transfer?
Edison State provides transfer-focused coursework, academic advising, university partnerships, and transfer pathways that help students continue their education while building a strong academic foundation.
