The State University System (SUS) in Florida offers more than 200 different bachelor’s degrees that students can pursue 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 with Career Development Services for career exploration assistance.

In addition, many university majors without Common Program Prerequisites may be pursued with the completion of the A.A. degree.

Preparing to Graduate

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 once they register for their last semester of classes 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 transfer, students are advised to:

• Meet regularly with an academic advisor to monitor progress toward your degree or certificate 
• Consider which program and university you wish to pursue
• Consult the catalog or specific department website pages for that university to confirm which specific courses should be taken at LSSC
• With the help of an LSSC Academic Advisor, design a specific academic transfer plan for your intended university major 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 university and program
• Complete the A.A. or A.S. degree and prerequisite courses prior to transfer
• Apply to graduate with the A.A. or A.S. degree by submitting a Graduation Application in myLSSC by the advertised deadline

Degree 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 that college and university prerequisites 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.

Students access Degree Works through the link found in myLSSC. Internet Explorer and Firefox are recommended browsers for accessing Degree Works.  

Transfer to University 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. degree at LSSC.

During a student's first two semesters at LSSC:

• Visit Career Development Services to explore potential careers and set up an appointment with a Career Advisor
• Meet with your assigned Academic Advisor to explore majors, review prerequisites, and establish a transfer plan
• If interested in guaranteeing admission to UCF, be sure to register for DirectConnect to UCF and meet with a UCF advisor
• 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
• Research universities and four-year colleges
• Visit potential transfer schools and take a campus tour
• Research the foreign language requirements, as some universities and some majors have both admission and graduation language requirements

45+ Credit Hours

• Meet with your assigned Academic Advisor prior to registration for last semester to complete a degree audit and confirm course selection
• Complete the online LSSC Graduation Application prior to the advertised deadline
• Apply for any financial aid/scholarships at the transfer college or university
• Verify with the transfer institution immunization requirements and documentation
• Order an LSSC transcript for the transfer college or university

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 transfer options will 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 Florida’s Student Hub of Innovative Educational Services, 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