Athens State is a two-year upper division university accommodating students with the classification of junior or senior level. All students are transfer students, since general education requirements must be earned prior to admission to the institution.

The process for admission, matriculation and graduation from Athens State is as follows:

(1) The University's Transfer Advising Center (TAC) is the centralized service office providing transfer advice to prospective students as to course credits that will be accepted at Athens, in accordance with the statewide articulation agreement (STARS).

(2) Athens State University provides transfer, admission, and attendance information about degree requirements in its catalog and on its website. There is an updated online catalog available on the website for the current academic year. All programs of study are listed by college.

(3) Students must complete a minimum of 124 semester hours to earn a baccalaureate degree; 33 of the last 39 semester hours of study must be completed at the University.

(4) The general education components must be transferred into Athens State according to the articulation guidelines. The general studies curriculum (areas I-IV) consists of core requirements and includes course requirements in written composition, humanities and fine arts, natural science and mathematics, history, social and behavioral science. The total hours from Areas I-IV required to transfer is 60 to 64 semester hours. An early admission may be permitted provided a student has completed at least 41 semester hours, including all general education requirements with a G.P.A. of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

(5) Undergraduate degree candidates must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of upper level (300/400) coursework in his or her major with Athens State University. School or departmental regulations may require more that the 15 semester hours of coursework in the major.

According to the STARS articulation agreement, the five areas of general education requirements are outlined as follows:

AREA I - Written Composition (6SH)

Effective written communication skills are essential in a literate society. Students must complete 6 semester hours in written composition.

AREA II - Humanities and Fine Arts (12SH)

Area II requires 12 semester hours in humanities including a minimum of 3 semester hours in literature, 3 semester hours in the arts, and the remaining semester hours from the humanities and/or fine arts, (disciplines in the humanities include, but are not limited to, philosophy, religious studies, speech, foreign languages, art, music, theatre, and dance).

AREA III - Natural Sciences and Mathematics (11 SH)

Study in the natural sciences and mathematics emphasizes the scientific method and applies quantitative or inductive reasoning. Minimum requirements include 11 semester hours with three semester hours in mathematics at the pre-calculus algebra level or finite mathematics level and 8 semester hours in the natural sciences which must include laboratory experiences. Disciplines in the natural sciences include but are not limited to, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

AREA IV - History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences (12 SH)

Study in history and the social and behavioral sciences deals primarily with the study of human behavior, social and political structures, and economics. Minimum requirements include 12 semester hours with a 3 semester hour course in history and 6 semester hours from among other disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. Disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology.

AREA V - Pre-Professional Hours (21 SH)

These courses are those which are deemed necessary and appropriate to the specific degree or major.