What is the difference between a SAAT degree and DirectConnect to UCF?

DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission to UCF, consistent with university policy, for students who complete an associate degree (A.A.) or statewide articulated (A.S.) degree from one of our partner state colleges. However, admission to a specific major is not guaranteed.

A SAAT degree provides a specialized transfer pathway aligned with a specific UCF bachelor’s degree program. Students who complete an approved SAAT degree and meet all applicable admission requirements are guaranteed admission to the corresponding UCF major, consistent with university policy.

Related FAQs

SAAT degrees are offered through participating state colleges and are developed to align with specific bachelor’s degree programs at designated universities. Not every state college offers the same SAAT programs, and not every SAAT degree is designed for transfer to UCF.

Yes. A SAAT degree is one of several pathways students can take to continue their education at UCF. Students who are not enrolled in a SAAT program may explore other transfer opportunities, including DirectConnect to UCF.

DirectConnect to UCF guarantees admission, consistent with university policy, to students who complete an associate in arts (A.A.) or statewide articulated associate in science (A.S.) degree at a participating partner college.

Learn more about DirectConnect to UCF at directconnect.ucf.edu.

Students who complete an approved SAAT degree and meet all applicable admission requirements are guaranteed admission to the corresponding UCF bachelor’s degree program, consistent with university policy.

Credit hour requirements vary by program and participating college. While traditional A.A. degrees generally require 60 credit hours, SAAT degrees may require additional coursework to satisfy the prerequisites of the intended bachelor’s degree program.

Visit your participating college’s SAAT program page or contact an academic advisor to learn more about the specific requirements of your degree.

A traditional associate in arts (A.A.) degree generally requires 60 credit hours and provides a foundation for students planning to transfer to a university.

A Specialized associate in arts Transfer (SAAT) degree includes coursework aligned with the requirements of a specific bachelor’s degree program. Because SAAT degrees may incorporate additional major prerequisites, they can require more than 60 credit hours.

SAAT pathways are available for select UCF bachelor’s degree programs through participating state colleges. Available programs vary by college and may include Biology, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Health Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering.

Visit the participating colleges section of this page to explore available SAAT pathways and learn more about individual program requirements.

Yes. SAAT pathways are designed to help students complete the lower-division and prerequisite coursework needed for their intended UCF major.