Students completing an associate degree through LSSC have a wide range of options for continuation into a bachelor’s program. Lake-Sumter State College offers a BAS in Leadership (with various concentrations), a BS in Elementary Education, and a BS in Nursing. The State University System (SUS) in Florida also offers more than 200 different bachelor’s degrees for students to consider after completing a degree at LSSC.

Many university programs of study have additional requirements that must be met in order to be accepted into certain degree programs. In addition, some programs use a competitive selection process or have limited access. In such programs, consideration for admission may include such criteria as a higher grade point average (GPA), higher test scores, specific entrance exams, additional courses, auditions, and/ or portfolios. When specific courses, known as Common Program Prerequisites, are required, the courses should be completed as part of the A.A. degree.

Students are responsible for working closely with an academic advisor while enrolled at LSSC, and to directly contact their intended university in order to verify requirements unique to their academic and career goals. Students who are undecided about career goals are strongly encouraged to contact a career advisor for assistance.

Degree Completion and Transfer Preparation

Students are advised to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for their last semester to confirm that all of their degree requirements will be met at the end of the upcoming semester. Students must declare an intent to graduate by submitting a Graduation Application. The Graduation Application must be submitted in myLSSC by the advertised deadline.

Note:  The LSSC diploma and transcript will reflect the Associate in Arts degree without a specific designated transfer major.

Before planning to pursue a bachelor's degree at Lake-Sumter or another institution, students are advised to:

• Meet regularly with an academic advisor to monitor progress toward your degree or certificate 
• Consider which program and college or university you wish to pursue
• Consult the catalog or specific department website pages for that college or university to confirm which specific courses should be taken within your two-year degree
• With the help of an LSSC Academic Advisor, design a specific academic pathway plan for your intended bachelor's degree, including appropriate course sequencing
• Contact the admission or transfer services office at the transfer institution to obtain information relating to application deadlines, transfer policies, financial aid opportunities, and other available assistance
• Plan to meet and/or exceed the admission requirements for the institution and program you intend to enroll in
• Complete the A.A. or A.S. degree and prerequisite courses prior to pursuing a bachelor's degree
• Apply to graduate with the A.A. or A.S. degree by submitting a Graduation Application in myLSSC by the advertised deadline

Degree Works Audit

Degree Works is a web-based academic advising, degree audit, and transfer articulation tool. Degree Works gives students the ability to track their progress within a program using an easy-to-read audit that lists program requirement. Additionally, the Degree Works tool allows students to do “what if” scenarios that show their progress should they change to another academic program or degree.

Through the use of Degree Works and other advising planning materials, a Lake-Sumter Academic Advisor can help any student develop an academic plan that is aligned their degree and bachelor level plans.

It is important to remember prerequisites to bachelor's degrees are subject to change. Students should confirm updates with their intended bachelor level institution and view the current academic year’s Common Prerequisite Manual at www.floridashines.org.

Program Transition Checklist

In order to have a smooth transition from the A.A. or A.S. degree at Lake-Sumter (LSSC) into a bachelor’s degree at LSSC or to transfer to a four-year college or university, students should plan and prepare while earning the A.A. or A.S. degree at LSSC.

First Two Semesters

• Meet with a Career Advisor to explore or affirm your career interests and identify the necessary education or training credentials
• Meet with your assigned Academic Advisor to establish a clear pathway by exploring degree programs, necessary prerequisites, and possibilities for continuation to a bachelor’s program. You can also use www.floridashines.org, Florida's official online advising website, which provides information on major planning, transfer services for admission, financial aid scholarships, and special programs.
• If interested in guaranteeing admission to UCF, be sure to register for DirectConnect to UCF and meet with a UCF advisor

30-45+ Credit Hours

• Meet with your assigned Academic Advisor prior to registration of your final semesters to review your Degree Works status, complete a degree audit, and confirm course selections for graduation
• Complete the online LSSC Graduation Application prior to the advertised deadline
• Complete your bachelor's degree admissions application for your intended institution and program
• Apply for financial aid and scholarships at the institution you plan to enroll in for your bachelor’s program
• Verify whether the institution and program you plan to enroll in for your bachelor’s program requires certain immunization records or other documentation beyond your admissions requirements
• Order an LSSC transcript for the institution you are applying to for your bachelor’s program. They may require a transcript while you are still at LSSC. If so, be sure to request another copy when your final LSSC grades and associates degree post.

Transfer Tips

Credit Hours

• Select courses carefully as excess hours may impact eligibility for financial aid
• Be aware of Florida’s excess hours policy and how excess hours may impact tuition cost
• Some bachelor's degrees may require more than 60 credits at LSSC in order to complete all prerequisites

Foreign Language

• Determine the transfer institution’s foreign language requirements
• Some colleges and universities may have both admission and graduation foreign language requirements

Course Selection

• Students are strongly encouraged to complete the elective area requirement of the A.A. with prerequisite courses that relate to their intended four-year degree
• Start LSSC English and math courses early and continue in the sequence until completed
• Most common program prerequisites require the courses to be completed with grades of C or higher

FloridaShines

Students are encouraged to utilize transfer resources provided by FloridaShines at www.floridashines.org. FloridaShines is an information-rich website of free online tools and resources to help students succeed in school and earn a college degree. Among the many features available on FloridaShines is the ability to easily research and compare all public colleges and universities in Florida, search for courses, and so much more.

FloridaShines allows students to:

• Search college & university profiles
• Access career planning tools
• Find degree program requirements
• Complete an admission's application 
• Access an unofficial transcript
• Link to any Florida college or university’s website
• Use the college transfer center
• Access financial aid information
• Request transient study at another Florida state college or university