Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer (SAAT)
Biology

What is the SAAT in Biology? The Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer (SAAT) degree is a pathway designed specifically to align with the bachelor’s degree program in Biology at the University of Central Florida (UCF). If you’re considering this program with the goal of attending a university other than UCF for your bachelor’s degree, please discuss your interests with an Academic Advisor.

Credit Breakdown: While a general AA focuses on general education and electives totaling 60 credits, the SAAT includes required major prerequisites and core coursework, meaning it can require 60 to 87 credits total depending on your background in math, sciences, and foreign language.

The UCF Advantage: Completing the SAAT ensures you are ready for upper-division admission and reduces your time to degree after you transfer. Students who complete the program will be admitted to UCF and into the College of Sciences as a biology major.

Diploma Recognition: Students who successfully complete the pathway will have “Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer Degree” reflected on their diplomas.

Admissions: This program is open to all students admitted to the institution, with the same admission requirements as the standard AA program. There is no separate application process. Click here to apply for admission.

Coursework: The pathway requires 36 credits of general education, plus specific science sequences in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, as well as Calculus, Statistics, and electives. Click here for a breakdown of the required coursework.

Grades: All courses within the program pathway must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. There are no additional GPA requirements for entrance.

Flexibility: Courses are offered in a mix of face-to-face, hybrid, and fully online modalities, and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Financial Aid: Participating in the SAAT pathway does not change your eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, or grants. Click here to learn more about Financial Aid.

Excess Hours: Any credits taken outside of the defined SAAT credits will be considered excess hours and will not be eligible for financial aid. Federal financial aid will only pay for courses required for the degree or eligible certificate, including remedial coursework. Courses listed under “Courses Not Counted Toward Program” on a Degree Audit will not receive federal funding.

Summer Term (Prior to Fall 2026 Launch): Payment expectations will be situational based on the student’s declared program of study leading up to the fall launch. Non-degree-seeking students will likely need to pay out of pocket or explore options with Financial Aid.

Transferring Elsewhere or Changing Majors: The guaranteed alignment and admission only apply to UCF. Because the SAAT is major-specific, changing your major may reduce these alignment benefits. However, you have the option to switch back to a regular AA pathway at any time, though you may have to meet new requirements. Please be sure to discuss your plans with an Academic Advisor.

Timeline at UCF: Once transferred, you will need an additional 35 credits of upper-level biology courses at UCF, which can be completed in as little as 3 semesters, depending on your course load. It is expected that you can start at UCF immediately after completing the SAAT, provided you meet deadlines and other admission requirements.

The time needed to complete the SAAT in Biology degree depends on the number of credits earned each semester. If a student enrolls full-time, the pathway can be completed in 2-3 years.

Coaching & Guidance: SAAT students will be assigned an Academic Advisor for support while enrolled at LSSC. Advisors must ensure students complete the DirectConnect to UCF form so they are connected with a UCF Success Coach for guidance leading up to enrollment. You may also complete the DirectConnect to UCF form here.

Electives: Electives are specifically built into the pathway to fulfill both the SAAT requirements and support the baccalaureate prerequisites.

Admission Timing: DE students cannot be admitted into the SAAT program until they have graduated from high school. However, advisors can help them plan for it and complete requirements while still in DE.

Application Process: When transitioning to a traditional college student after high school, DE students must submit a readmit application and select the appropriate SAAT. If a DE student initially submits a readmit app for a general AA and later decides to switch, they must submit a program change form. For support with this process, contact our Enrollment Service Center.

UCF Classification: If a student completes the SAAT as they graduate high school and goes directly to UCF for their first term, they are classified as First-Time-in-College (FTIC). If they enroll at our institution or another college after high school graduation, before heading to UCF, they are considered a Transfer.