Associate of Science in Professional Studies (ASPS)

Courses at Trident will be industry-relevant. As an Associate of Science in Professional Studies student, you will take a variety of classes, including Humanities and Fine Arts; Quantitative Skills; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Written and Oral Communication.

The Associate of Science in Professional Studies requires 60 credits for degree completion. You will take 32 semester credits of program core coursework and concentration coursework will vary based on the amount of transfer credits accepted. Students entering this program will transfer-in at least 12 credits from a completed professional certificate, diploma, or from a military training, occupation or rating.

Subject to additional college-or program-specific admissions requirements, the following standard admissions requirements apply:

• A diploma from an accredited or state approved high school, or its equivalent
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all high school coursework transcripts (if a student has less than 24 semester hours of post-secondary education)
• A certificate or diploma with at least 12 semester hours of transferable college credit or documented military training* as defined by Trident's transfer policy. *Proof of military service includes successful completion of basic training, documented in an official military transcript (JST, CCAF, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (international students only; see section on English Proficiency in the Trident University Catalog)
• A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all transferable coursework

If you plan to transfer-in potential credit, please review our transfer policy.

Did you know, you could potentially take fewer classes and shorten time to graduation by passing a Trident Challenge Exam*? Undergraduate students can demonstrate their knowledge and, if successfully passed, earn credit toward their degree. Talk to your Student Success Advisor about this and other Prior Learning Assessment opportunities!

*The ability to reduce time in school and/or reduce tuition toward the full cost of a degree program depends on the number of Trident Challenge exams successfully passed. Trident Challenge exam credits are non-transferable. Not all programs are eligible for a reduction in time and money. Courses eligible are subject to change. Students should not rely on potential challenge exam savings or eligibility when making an enrollment decision.

The following standardtransfer policies apply:

• Credits are considered for transfer from:
  • Any regionally or nationally accredited college or university
  • The American Council on Education (ACE)
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
  • The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
  • Excelsior
  • Other non-traditional forms of learning as deemed appropriate by College Deans or designees.
• Decisions on the transfer of credits are ultimately at the discretion of the College Deans or designees.
• Students may formally appeal transfer decisions to the Provost or designee. Appeals must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documentation or evidence such as a course syllabus.
• Students are urged to review the specific policy statement applicable to each degree program regarding maximum transferable credits to the program and concentration, or both.
• Transfer credits will not be included in the calculation of overall GPA.

Transfer students can review the full transfer credit policy in the Trident University Catalog.

Tuition cost for the associate program:

University Fees:

• Books and Supplies: $0
• Course Materials: $0
• Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
• Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
• Graduation Fee: $150
• Official Transcript: $10
• Other Expedited Shipping Fees: varies based on region
• Payment Plan Set-up: $35-$55 (non-refundable)
• Student ID Card: $10 (optional)
• Technology Fee: $0
• Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.

Seeking more information on the cost of attending Trident? Visit Trident's Financial Aid Resources page where you will find financial aid tools including Trident's Net Price Calculator and Shopping Sheet, a guide to assist in early financial planning for college.

Want to save time & money on your degree? Receive credit for eligible past experience and military service with Trident Fastrac*. Click here to learn more.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an induvial basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

An Associate of Science in Professional Studies is a degree program that is designed to help students prepare to pursue entry-level positions in organizations or to further their education toward a bachelor’s degree. Students who study in this program will explore topics related to business processes and applications. Upon graduation, you can enroll in one of Trident’s Bachelor’s degree programs or pursue a career path with an Associate degree.

An ASPS degree program at Trident provides you with the opportunity to study various subjects designed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Your classes may include guidance on how to communicate effectively in written and oral forms. In this program, students can study a variety of subject areas including humanities and fine arts, quantitative skills, social and behavioral sciences, and written and oral communication.

The Associate of Science in Professional Studies program at Trident requires a total of 60 semester credits. 12 semester hours of transferable college credit or documented military training are required for admission into this program. Additional credits for consideration may include transfer credits from a professional certificate, diploma, or a military occupation or ranking*.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Eligible students with military experience, active and retired, may be able to transfer-in between 12 and 28 credits.* Please refer to Trident Fastrac for more information.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Trident offers 8-week sessions for its students pursuing associate, bachelor, or master’s degree programs. Refer to the academic calendar for a schedule of class start dates.