Associate in Science Degree

The Associate in Science (AS) degree shall be awarded upon the successful completion of a planned program of study comprised of the standard length established, including demonstration of the attainment of predetermined performance standards. Only courses designated at the 1000 and 2000 levels are applicable to this degree. A grade of "C" or higher is required for all Gordon Rule courses and general education courses whether they are being used to fulfill program or elective requirements. At least 25 percent of the credits toward the degree must be in courses completed at PHSC. By graduation, a PHSC degree-level grade point average (GPA), as well as a cumulative degree-level GPA of not less than 2.0 or "C" must be achieved. Students who wish to transfer credits from any AS degree at PHSC to another institution must accept the responsibility for securing approval in advance from that institution. PHSC offers several certificates that can be earned as students work toward AS degrees.

Associate in Science degrees are offered in the following specialized discipline areas:

1. Associate in Science in Accounting Technology

   The Associate in Science in Accounting Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as accounts receivable coordinators, accounts payable coordinators, bookkeepers, credit and collection coordinators, payroll coordinators, accountants, auditors and other accounting paraprofessionals in advanced professional accounting occupations. 

2. Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Administration

   The Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Administration offers a sequence of courses that provide the academic training for Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) for administrative and managerial positions in the field. In order to be awarded the Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Administration program, students must complete the requirements for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic's certification. The general education and specialized courses can be taken prior to or concurrently with an FAA 14 Part 147 aviation maintenance training program. Pasco-Hernando State College's Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Administration program focuses on the community's need for a highly-skilled, well-trained, and technically-competent aviation workforce that is designed to prepare students for employment in aviation fields as mechanics and maintenance technicians.

3. Associate in Science in Business Administration

   The Associate in Science in Business Administration degree shall be awarded upon completion of 64 semester credit hours. This program prepares students for transfer to the junior level of the State University System (SUS) of Florida, by providing academic courses which are parallel in both content and quality to those taught within the SUS. This program also will prepare students for employment for middle management positions in a variety of business environments.

4. Associate in Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology

   The Associate in Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in the drafting and computer design fields. This program emphasizes the theoretical knowledge and practical application required for a variety of drafting positions in the building and manufacturing industries.
5. Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis

   The Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as business programmers, information systems programmers, information system managers and programmers/analysts or to provide supplemental training for those previously or currently employed in these occupations.

6. Associate in Science in Crime Scene/Forensic Science Technology

   The Associate in Science in Crime Scene/Forensic Science Technology is to prepare students for employment in the field of criminalistics with a specialty in Crime Scene Technology. The student can be employed in, but is not limited to, positions of Crime Scene Technician, Crime Scene Photographer, Fingerprint Examiner and Classification Specialist, Crime Scene Lab Assistant, and Crime Scene Unit Supervisor. Crime Scene Technologists can be employed by state attorneys' offices, public defender offices, medical examiner offices, law firms and private industry, SOC Cod 19-4092 (Forensic Science Technicians).

7. Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology

   The Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to provide a professional background to those preparing for careers in law enforcement, corrections and private security. The program is designed for those who plan to pursue a two-year degree program in law enforcement. Students who wish to transfer any credits from this program to another institution must accept the responsibility for securing approval in advance from that institution.

8. Associate in Science in Cyber and IT Security

   The Associate in Science in Cyber and IT Security degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as cybersecurity and information technology networking security professionals.

9. Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene

   The Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene degree shall be awarded upon completion of 88 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as dental hygienists.

10. Associate in Science in Digital Media/Multimedia Technology

    The Associate in Science in Digital Media/Multimedia Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to provide students with the tools necessary to integrate graphics, sound, video, animation, text and sill images to create a variety creative productions.

11. Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services

    The Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services degree shall be awarded upon completion of 73 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students to provide advanced prehospital emergency care as paramedics. Instruction includes the knowledge and skills required to function under the direction of a physician, either directly or by written procedures.

12. Associate in Science in Engineering Technology

    The Associate in Science in Engineering Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in high technology industries such as advanced manufacturing. The program offers a sequence of courses that provide coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education in the manufacturing career cluster.

13. Associate in Science in Financial Services

    The Associate in Science in Financial Services degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as financial planners, register representatives, financial analysts, loan counselors and loan officers working throughout the financial services industry.

14. Associate in Science in Fire Science Technology

    The Associate in Science in Fire Science Technology shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The Fire Science Technology program is offered for individuals who are already in the fire service field and are seeking career advancement. This program will provide the training and courses required for certification as Fire Officer I and II, and will prepare the graduate for a variety of technical and supervisory positions within the fire service field. The program is approved by the State of Florida, Division of the State Fire Marshal - Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Florida State Fire College, 11655 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala, FL 34482-1436, telephone 352-369-2800. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as fire inspectors and investigators, fire science technicians, fire officers, fire safety inspectors, fire assistants, safety inspectors, building inspectors, fire insurance investigators/inspectors, fire fighters, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. This program does not prepare students for certification as fire fighters. A student must successfully complete the basic recruit program in fire fighting to become certified, pursuant to Chapter 633, Florida Statutes. This program is conducted in coordination with the Florida State Fire College (FSFC).

15. Associate in Science in Industrial Management Technology

    The Associate in Science in Industrial Management Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The program is designed for articulation for technical certificates issued at Florida technical centers and Florida state colleges. The programs traditionally are referred to as postsecondary adult vocational programs and run on a clock-hour basis. This program will give students the managerial and supervisory training needed to assist them in job advancement.

16. Associate in Science in Internet Services Technology

    The Associate in Science in Internet Services Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as Internet/Intranet technicians, web technicians, Internet/Intranet administrators, web administrators, Internet/Intranet developers, website developers, webmasters, Internet support specialists, Internet managers, web managers or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

17. Associate in Science in Marketing Management

    The Associate in Science in Marketing Management degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as marketing, advertising, and public relations managers, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these activities.

18. Associate in Science in Network Systems Technology

    The Associate in Science in Network Systems Technology degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to enter the workforce as data communications analysts, network technicians, computer security specialists, network security specialists, cybersecurity specialists, network specialists, network managers, network systems analysts, network systems technicians, network troubleshooters, WAN/LAN managers; or systems administrators. Students will select one of three degree specialties, Advanced Network Infrastructure, or Cybersecurity-Network Security.  Program completers will receive training that will prepare them to take the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), Certified Cisco Networking Associate (CCNA), A+, Security+, and Network+ certification exams. The Associate in Science degree in Network Systems Technology includes certificates in Network Infrastructure, and Network Support Technician.

19. Associate in Science in Nursing (RN)- Generic Track

    An Associate in Science in Nursing degree shall be awarded upon the completion of the AS in Nursing (RN) (Generic Track) program, which consists of 72 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare individuals to provide direct nursing care to patients in hospitals and other comparable health agencies. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464.008 and 464.018. An Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) degree shall be awarded upon completion of 72 semester credit hours. Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate is eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Nurse Practice Act, Chapters 464.008 and 464.018.

20. Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program, Licensed Practical Nurse and Paramedic Track

    The Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) ADN Transition degree shall be awarded upon completion of 72 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program track is to allow an entry point into the Associate Degree in Nursing program for the licensed practical nurse and paramedic. Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate received an Associate in Science Nursing degree and is eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in accordance with the regulations set forth in the Nurse Practice Act, Chapter 464.008 and 464.018, and to transfer to the State University System. Upon acceptance and enrollment into this program, LPNs will receive 17 advanced college-credit semester hours based on practical nursing education and paramedics will receive 11 advanced college-credit semester hours based on paramedic education, for the Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) - ADN Transition program only.

21. Associate in Science in Office Administration

    The Associate in Science in Office Administration shall be awarded upon completion of 60 semester credit hours. The purpose of this program is to prepare a person for office support positions such as administrative assistants, office supervisors and managers, and receptionists. The program prepares persons for immediate employment in a business office and provides training for both first-time job seekers and experienced employees who wish to advance in their careers.

22. Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies (Legal Assisting)

    The Associate in Science in Paralegal degree shall be awarded upon completion of 64 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students for employment as paralegal assistants in law offices, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions and title insurance companies. This program also is designed to provide supplemental training for persons already employed as paralegal assistants.

23. Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology

    The Associate of Science in Professional Pilot Technology degree shall be awarded upon the completion of 64 semester credit hours. The Associate of Science in Professional Pilot Technology degree program focuses on the community's need for a highly-skilled, well-trained, and technically-competent aviation workforce that is designed to prepare students for employment in aviation fields as pilots. 

24. Associate in Science in Radiography

    The Associate in Science in Radiography degree shall be awarded upon the completion of 77 semester credit hours. This program is designed to prepare students to become skilled members of health care teams. Students will learn to provide the patient care and technical expertise necessary to create a radiographic image used by physicians.

25. Associate in Science in Social and Human Services

    The Associate in Science in Social and Human Services degree shall be awarded upon completion of 60semester credit hours. The purpose of the program is to prepare human services specialists who will serve as paraprofessionals in community agencies.

26. Associate in Science in Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operation

    The Associate of Science in Unmanned Vehicle Systems Operation degree shall be awarded upon the completion of 62 semester credit hours. The Associate  in Science Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operation program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Transportation Distribution  and Logistics career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Transportation Distribution and Logistics career cluster.