Do you have to get a associate's degree before a bachelors?

Answer 1

Yes you can. It's a matter of preference. Personally, with the expense of four year institutions today, the community college is a great place to start. It would be much less expensive, better professor to student ratio, more individual attention, smaller classroom size, more family oriented etc. Still, this is just a personal opinion. It's up to you. Do you like being a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond. Some students just like that four year institutional environment, but you will pay for it. I teach at both the community college and university levels. In my experience, the students who start at the community college do better in their junior and senior years at the four year institution than those who started at the four year institution to begin with. The foundation you get at the community college is critical.

Answer 2

You do not have to start with an associates degree first, but can choose to go straight for the bachelors degree. It's a matter of preference. There are a number of issues you should consider first, before making your decision. Some would include:

* Your specific career goals and objectives * Program of study * Entrance requirements

* Expense * Geographical location * Classroom size and professor to student ratio * Individualized attention * Financial assistance

* Large or smaller student population * Student campus life * Student activities Below, I have indicated some information about the difference between the bachelors and associate degrees.

Associates vs. Bachelors

Associates Degree

An Associate degree is designed as a two year program of study as a full-time student provided the student takes the degree as prescribed by the college. Evidently it would take longer as a part-time student. Within the United States, the associates typically falls into three main categories; Associates of Arts (AA), Associates of Science (AS), and Associates of Applied Science (AAS). An associates of arts (AA), and associates in science (AS) degrees are typically designed for transfer to a four year college or university. Therefore, these degrees have a strong liberal arts emphasis and include a good balance of humanities, social science, and written communication along with the exact sciences especially in higher level math. They also have the foundational course work needed as prerequisites for the higher level courses at the four year institution. The AAS was typically designed as a terminal degree giving the student all the expertise needed to enter the workforce after completion of the degree. However, today, many AAS degree are transferable, but the student should meet with the transfer counselor for appropriate direction when it comes to the AAS degrees. Depending on the program of study and state mandates, the associates can take anywhere from 60to 64 credits to complete. Some programs of study (usually within the health related fields) may take a bit more in credits. Bachelors Degree

The bachelors degree is designed as a four year program of study provided the student takes the degree as prescribed by the college or university. Again, part-time students will take longer to complete the degree. How long it would take depends on the credit load taken per semester. Basically, within the United States there are two common categories; Bachelors of Arts (BA), and Bachelors of Science (BS). It depends on the institution and department within the school as to which focus they prefer.

The BA has a broader scope, with a strong emphasis on the humanities, theoretical and general knowledge in a recognized discipline, interdisciplinary field, or of a professional study.

The BS is more of a focused approach with a science base to include a balance of liberal arts, technological knowledge, math and computer oriented skills, and practical skills needed for a particular discipline within the field. The number of credits required depends on the program of study. In general, the bachelors can take between 120 and 128 credits to complete. Some programs of study may take more. For example, architecture.