Types Of Associate Degree

Last Updated on December 25, 2022

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Associate degree programs are a great way to get a handle on the basics of a certain field. They’re not as comprehensive as bachelor’s degree programs, but they give you enough of an education to get your foot in the door and start building up your skillset.

Here are some of the most common types of associate degrees:

Associate in Arts (A.A.) – An Associate in Arts degree is one of the most popular types of associate degrees. It’s typically intended for students who want to pursue a four-year degree after graduating, but it’s also suitable for those who plan on entering the workforce right away. The A.A. program usually focuses on liberal arts subjects such as English, math, history, or science.

Associate in Science (A.S.) – An A.S degree is another popular type of associate degree that focuses on science and engineering topics like biology or chemistry. Students who earn an A.S. can go on to work in research laboratories or become medical technicians at hospitals after graduation.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – An AAS degree is similar to an AAS in that it prepares students for jobs after college graduation by providing them with hands-on experience working within their chosen field while still

.

The associate degree is a two-year degree. You should consider earning an associate’s degree if you want to pursue a career in an allied health profession, have already earned a high school diploma and have not taken college courses, or if you want to earn transferable credits that can be applied to a bachelor’s degree program. This article explains the associate’s degree requirements and provides information about jobs that require an associate’s degree.

Associate degree requirements are dependent upon the specific field of study. For most associate’s degree programs, a student will have to complete between 60 and 90 credit hours of coursework. Coursework in this type of degree program will teach students the basics of their field and may cover practical skills relevant to their future job duties. Additionally, students in an associate’s degree program will also have to complete some form of internship or supervised work experience with a business or nonprofit. Learn more about types of associate degrees .

How Many Different Kinds of Associate Degrees Do We Have?

There are 4 different kinds of associate’s degree programs offered by community colleges, technical schools and 4-year colleges and universities. These programs can typically be completed in two years or less and offer students the chance to pursue a postsecondary degree in a variety of topics without committing to a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. There are associate degrees that are designed to prepare students for entry-level careers, such as the Associate of Applied Science, and there are associate degrees designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year degree program, such as the Associate of Arts.

Types Of Associate Degree

There are four types of associate degrees: AA (Associate of Arts), AS (Associate of Science, AAA (Associate of Applied Arts) and AAS (Associate of Applied Science). The main difference is that the ‘applied’ courses are more focused on preparing students for a particular career, focusing on practical vocational skills, whereas the AA and AS are targeted more at students who want to go on to a bachelor’s degree, with a focus on preparation for higher levels of academic study.

Online associate degrees are also becoming more popular, due to their flexibility and affordability, allowing individuals to work while they study, often for a reduced price.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree

An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two-year undergraduate program that provides you with a liberal arts education in subjects such as mathematics, literature, history, psychology and life sciences. This associate of arts degree is usually considered to be a stepping stone to an undergraduate degree program.

University Canada West (UCW) provides you with the advantage of transferring to the Bachelor of Commerce or the Bachelor of Arts degree at the university. The UCW AA degree is also accepted for transfer into bachelor degree programs at all British Columbia degree-granting institutions provided other admission requirements are met.

The AA degree is comprised of 20 courses. While some of the electives that you can choose from are already mentioned above, there are some compulsory areas of study as well. Many of the core courses are completed in the first year of the program and manyof the electives are taught in the second year. The degree program is taught on-campus and online. Some of the skills you can develop after completing an Associate of Arts program are as follows:

  • Oral and written communication;
  • Ability to work in collaboration with others;
  •  Applying theoretical knowledge in real-life;
  • Research and evaluative skills;
  • Mathematical and scientific reasoning;
  • Analysis, synthesis and integration of knowledge.

Apart from the aforementioned skills, an Associate of Arts degree can provide you with learning experiences with regards to:

  • Appreciation of creativity and high intellect;
  • Accepting of a variety of world views;
  • Interest in life-long learning;
  •  Social responsibility.

The learning methods in an Associate of Arts degree usually include written assignments, lectures and class discussions, presentations and group study. In order to qualify, you must:

  • Have a high-school diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale) in hand;
  • Academic IELTS score of 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band or equivalent, if English is not your first language.

Associate of Science (AS) Degree

An Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed for students who will ultimately be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at a four-year college/university.

While certain courses are recommended, the requirements are essentially the basic first year and second year offerings appropriate for the first two years of many baccalaureate degree programs. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements of the program will be eligible to receive the associate of science degree.

Associate of Science Field of Study: Computer Science

The Associate of Science Field of Study: Computer Science is an academic transfer degree designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution and ultimately work professionally in areas centered around computer science.

Biology Associate of Science

The Biology Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution and ultimately work professionally in areas centered around biology.

Biomedical Engineering Associate of Science

The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Civil Engineering Associate of Science

The Civil Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.

Electrical Engineering Associate of Science

The Electrical Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Industrial Engineering Associate of Science

The Industrial Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering Associate of Science

The Mechanical Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) 

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The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is awarded to students in career technical programs who meet the requirements listed below.  Many career technical programs require more than 90 credits for an associate’s degree. 

The Associate of Applied Science is awarded to students who meet the following:

1. Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements

2. Associate of Applied Science Requirements

a. The final 16 credits that apply to the degree must include at least 8 credits at PCC that apply to the specific program requirements, excluding courses used solely for the General Education requirements. Students may apply to the department chair for an exception to this requirement if they can demonstrate currency in the field.
Students must earn 24 credits from PCC that apply to the specific program requirements excluding courses used solely for the General Education requirements. See specific program requirements in the Catalog.

b. General Education Requirements: Students must complete a minimum of four General Education courses taken from the General Education Distribution/Discipline Studies List. These courses must include at least one course with a minimum of 3 credits from each of the following categories:

• Arts and Letters

• Social Sciences

• Science/Math/Computer Science

No more than two courses may come from courses required by specific programs. Because of this restriction, it is possible that a course is acceptable as General Education for some students while it is not acceptable for others. Students should consult an advisor or faculty member in their AAS degree program for advice on General Education courses appropriate to their goals and interests.

General Education requirements will be waived for students who enroll at PCC with an AA, AAS, AGS, AS, BA, BS degree or higher from a regionally-accredited United States institution or foreign equivalent. Program-specific General Education requirements for some AAS degrees will not necessarily be waived. Students should consult their career technical program department for specific courses required for General Education.

c. PCC Basic Competency Requirements for Writing and Math in the AAS Degree:

Writing: Competency in writing must be demonstrated by either:

• Completing WR 121 with a C or better, or

• Completing with a C or better a lower division collegiate writing course for which WR 121 is a prerequisite

Students with AA, AAS, AGS, AS, BA, BS degrees or higher from a U.S. regionally-accredited institution or foreign equivalent will have the basic competency in writing (WR 121) waived. Other writing requirements specified by the program remain in effect.

Math: Competency in mathematics or computation must be demonstrated by:

• Completing with a grade of C or P or better MTH 58, MTH 63 or MTH 65, or

• Passing the PCC Competency Exam for MTH 65, or

• Completing with a grade of C or P or better a MTH course (minimum 3 credits) for which MTH 58, MTH 63 or MTH 65 or higher level math skills are a prerequisite, or

• Completing with a grade of C or P or better a career-technical computation course of 3 or more credits that aligns with and supports the program goals or intended outcomes, or

• Completing with a grade of C or P or better all courses that comprise 90 hours of embedded related instruction in computation that aligns with and supports the program goals or intended outcomes

d. Program Requirements:

All AAS candidates must complete a program of approved coursework in the major field. The Programs and Disciplines section of the Catalog contains these coursework requirements. No more than 3 credits (100-level courses and above) in Physical Education (PE) may be applied to an AAS degree unless specifically required by the program.

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 Associate of Applied Arts [AAA]

Associate of Applied Arts Degree

Associate’s degrees are usually found at 2-year community, vocational and technical colleges, though some 4-year colleges also offer them. An Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree is a specialized degree designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.

The focus of an AAA degree program is typically on a performing or visual art, and courses are aimed at providing you with extensive artistic training, sometimes including specialization areas. Most of the additional coursework comes from general education courses in the humanities and social sciences. Areas in which some AAA degree programs are available include:

  • Fine arts
  • Advertising art
  • Music
  • Commercial music

Important Facts About Associate of Applied Arts Degrees

PrerequisitesHigh school diploma or the equivalent
Common CoursesArt history
Computer graphics
Drawing
Fundamentals of design
Photography
SpecializationsAdvertising design, glass, fashion design, digital arts, photographic media arts, pre-art therapy, sculpting, art history, art education
Continuing EducationStudents of some programs may transfer into a bachelor’s program after graduation
Median Salary (2018)$46,660 (Arts and Design Occupations)
Job Outlook (2016-2026)4% growth (Arts and Design Occupations)

Professional Certificates and LicensesMany vocational or technical careers require professional certification or licensing. In some fields, professional certification and licensing are synonymous, in others they aren’t. It’s often the case that in order to receive a license, professional certification must first be achieved. Before pursuing a vocational career track, you’ll want to thoroughly investigate the certification and licensing requirements for your vocation in the state where you reside, as licensing and certification regulations will vary from state to state.

Professional certification programs focus almost exclusively on helping students develop technical skills that will prepare to perform a specific function or prepare for a particular job. In contrast, college degrees typically offer an extensive general education component and a more indepth, and well-rounded, understanding of a subject. For example, an electrician will typically pursue a professional certification and licensing in order to practice his trade, where an electrical engineer must complete a four-year college (“bachelor”) degree and may even be required to complete a graduate degree program.

Unlike traditional college degrees that take approximately four years to complete, certificates and licenses can be completed in one to two years. They are offered at community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and a select number of colleges and universities.

Associate’s Degree Requirements

Within five years of initial enrollment in credit courses at LSC, a student may graduate according to the catalog degree requirements in effect at the time of first enrollment or any subsequent catalog degree requirements provided the degree, the program, and requisite courses are still being offered. Course prerequisite changes need to be followed.

If a student fails to complete within five years all degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment, the student will be required to graduate under a catalog not older than five years. The five year initial enrollment period for specialized admissions programs begins upon acceptance into the program. Exception to this requirement may be approved in extenuating circumstances by the instructional vice president.

Students whose first year of enrollment in credit courses is prior to fall 1993 may graduate according to requirements in effect at that time provided the degree, the program, and requisite courses are still being offered.

  1. At least 60 semester hours of earned credit, 18 of which must be courses taken at LSCS and apply to the degree. Courses transferred from regionally-accredited institutions will be evaluated and applied to degree requirements if:
    • At least a grade of “D” was earned.
    • The cumulative GPA of the transfer courses applied to the degree or certificate must be at least a 2.00.
    • AAS graduates may be required to demonstrate skills/proficiencies in the discipline.
  2. Satisfaction of core competency requirements.
  3. At least a 2.0 cumulative GPA for LSCS courses applying toward their degree requirements.
  4. A cumulative 2.0 GPA on all credit courses earned at LSCS (graduation GPA).
  5. Completion of LSCS Student Success Initiative requirements (college level reading and writing, and at least completion of Math 0308) even if students are exempt from the Texas Success Initiative.
  6. Completed formal application for graduation on or before the announced deadline.
  7. All transcripts on file and all financial obligations to the college complete, including all records cleared in the library.

Associate Degree Jobs

So what careers with an associate’s degree are actually available? We analyzed employment and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data to find the 24 best associate degree careers taking salary, growth, and number of jobs into account. Many of these require the specific training of an associate of applied science degree, but some allow the broad education of an associate of arts degree. These jobs make an associates degree a wise decision.

Air Traffic Controller

Salary: $124,540
Job Outlook: 3%
Number of Jobs: 24,900By directing the flow of traffic through our nation’s airports, air traffic controllers help maintain the safety efficiency, and effectiveness of air travel. They issue landing and takeoff instructions and monitor the movement of planes on the ground and in the air. While many of the positions suggest a four-year degree, air traffic controller schools offer two-year associate degrees that focus specifically on the career.

Popular Pick: Associate of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Computer Programmer

Salary: $82,240
Job Outlook: -8%
Number of Jobs: 294,900Computer applications and software need proper code in order to function. It’s the job of a computer programmer to create this code. While many programmers will have a bachelor’s degree, you will certainly find employers who are willing to hire someone with an associate degree. The position, however, is expected to decline by 8%, losing as many as 22,600 jobs between 2016 and 2026. (But there are nearly 300,000 jobs, so opportunities are there.)

Sponsored Pick: Associate of Science in Software Development from Champlain College

Radiation Therapist

Salary: $80,570
Job Outlook: 13%
Number of Jobs: 19,100Working as a radiation therapist, you will treat cancer and other diseases using radiation treatments. These professionals generally work in hospitals, but they can also be found in physician offices and outpatient centers. Not only does this job command a salary of $80,570, it also has excellent expected job growth.

Popular Pick: Associate in Applied Science in Radiation Therapy from Amarillo College

Nuclear Technician

Salary: $80,370
Job Outlook: 1%
Number of Jobs: 6,900These highly-trained professionals assist in nuclear research and energy production by operating special equipment. They may monitor radiation levels, assist engineers, or work with physicists to create safe, reliable nuclear energy. In most cases, nuclear technicians will need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a related technology, but expect a minimal growth of only 1% in demand.

Popular Pick: Associate in Applied Science in Nuclear Technology from Lakeshore Technical College

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Salary: $75,660
Job Outlook: 10%
Number of Jobs: 20,100This profession works in medical imaging, using safe dose of radiation to generate information on a patient’s body, which then can be used by doctors to diagnose or administer treatments. This career usually requires an associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear technology program. At 10% expected growth, it should be a steady and well-paying career.

Popular Pick: Associate in Science in Radiology Technology from Barton County Community College

Dental Hygienist

Salary: $74,070
Job Outlook: 20%
Number of Jobs: 207,900As a dental hygienist, you’ll be responsible for cleaning teeth, talking to patients about proper dental hygiene, and assisting the dentist in whatever form is required. According the the BLS, all states require proper licensing and the career will grow by a potential 20% between 2016 and 2026.

Popular Pick: Associate in Science in Dentistry from Barton County Community College

Registered NurseSalary: $70,000
Job Outlook: 15%
Number of Jobs: 2,955,200A bachelor’s level education is a common choice, but an Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is a faster and more affordable option. Although many nurses will eventually move on to the four-year degree, a two-year program will help land a job and gain valuable experience.

Popular Pick: Associate of Science in Nursing from Excelsior College

Web Developer

Salary: $67,990
Job Outlook: 15%
Number of Jobs: 162,900If you have a knack for computers and complex coding, you could make a substantial income with only a two-year degree. Web developers generally need an associate degree, and the career field is expected to grow by 13%, so your services will likely be in high demand.

Sponsored Pick: Associate of Science in Web Programming from Rasmussen College

Aerospace Engineering Technician

Salary: $67,240
Job Outlook: 7%
Number of Jobs: 12,100Using computer-based modeling, robotics, and automation, aerospace technicians maintain the equipment that is used in air and spacecraft. They work with engineers and operators to implement test procedures, and they can also be involved in the design and construction of test facilities.

Popular Pick: Associate of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Medical Sonographer

Salary: $65,620
Job Outlook: 17%
Number of Jobs: 122,300Using special imaging equipment, medical sonographers create images of the body that can be used by physicians to assess and diagnose patients. A sonographer will be specially trained in the use of an ultrasonic imaging device, which uses sound waves and vibrations to create an image of a specified organ.

Popular Pick: Associate of Applied Science in Polysomnographic Technology from Oregon Institute of Technology

what is a bachelors degree?

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Bachelor Degree

When someone refers to a “college degree”, they’re typically referring to a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor degree is a four-year undergraduate degree offered by colleges and universities throughout the United States. It is the most popular of all undergraduate degrees among students and is the degree of choice among employers looking to fill entry-level career positions. A bachelor degree is also a prerequisite for most graduate schools and programs.

A bachelor degree has a general education component that typically includes several general education courses, which often include mathematics, English, foreign language, humanities, natural science and social science. Student’s who’ve completed an associate’s degree prior to entering a bachelor program, may be exempt from completing several, if not all, general education requirements. In addition to a general education component, bachelor degrees also have major requirements, and electives.

The two most common types of bachelor degrees are the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Arts (abbreviated B.A., BA, A.B. or AB) focuses on liberal arts, humanities and social science. The Bachelor of Science (abbreviated B.S., BS, B.Sc. or Bc.) usually focuses on technical and science related disciplines. However, what is considered a “liberal art” or a “science” varies from university to university, so an economics degree at one university may be designated with a B.A. while at a different school an economics degree is designated with a B.S. Other popular bachelor degrees include the following:

  • Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
  • Bachelor of Design (BDes, or SDes in Indonesia)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA, AB, BS, BSc, SB, ScB)
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BSE, BESc, BSEng, BASc, BTech, BSc(Eng), AMIE,GradIETE)
  • Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech. or B.Tech.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BSET)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • International Business Economics (BIBE)
  • Bachelor of Science in Business (BSBA)
  • Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
  • Bachelor of Administrative Studies
  • Bachelor of International Business Economics (BIBE)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom, or BComm)
  • Bachelor of Business (BBus or BBus)
  • Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS)
  • Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc)
  • Bachelor of Accountancy (B.Acy. or B.Acc. or B. Accty)
  • Bachelor of Comptrolling (B.Acc.Sci. or B.Compt.)
  • Bachelor of Economics (BEc, BEconSc; sometimes BA(Econ) or BSc(Econ))
  • Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management (BAOM)
  • Bachelor of Computing (BComp)
  • Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc)
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc IT)
  • Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology (BAppSc(IT))
  • Bachelor of Business Information Systems (BBIS)
  • Intercalated Bachelor of Science (BSc)
  • Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci)
  • Bachelor of Medical Biology (BMedBiol)
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BN, BNSc, BScN, BSN, BNurs, BSN, BHSc.)
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH)
  • Bachelor of Health Science (BHS & BHSc)
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (BSc)
  • Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin, BSc(Kin), BHK)
  • Bachelor of Aviation (BAvn)
  • Bachelor of Divinity (BD or BDiv)

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