answersLogoWhite

0

Associates (Community College Level) vs. Bachelors (Four Year College or University)

Community College Level

An Associate degree (two year community college) 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 60 to 64 credits to complete. Some programs of study (usually within the health related fields) may take a bit more in credits.

Four Year College or University Level

The bachelors degree (four year college or university) 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. The following are some differences between community colleges, and four year colleges and universities.

Community College

Many individuals start at the community college level for a variety of reasons to include:

  • Community colleges are less expensive to start out with. You can cut the cost of a four year degree almost in half by starting at a community college first, and then transferring to four year college or university to finish up the last two years.
  • There are typically smaller classroom sizes at the community college with a better professor to student ratio, which means more individualized attention.
  • Some students do not meet the entrance requirements of the four year college or university, thus they start at the community college first, then transfer later.
  • The community colleges are typically more family oriented, with a strong sense of community.
  • Some students like to be close to home, thus they start at their home county community college.

Four Year Colleges and Universities

  • Four year institutions are usually larger, with a number of activities not offered at the community college level. For example, fraternities, and sororities, College Football, etc.
  • Some colleges may have top name lecturers, within large lecture halls which are preferred by many students.
  • Some individuals like the four year institutions environment (the university atmosphere).
  • There are students who can major in special program curriculums not offered by the community college.

In the end, it is a matter of preference. Do you like being a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond? Whichever you choose, you must be happy with your school, its offerings, the services provided, and environment. If you're not happy, you will not fair as well.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Odd number of a's and even number of b's in regular expression automata?

[(aa + bb) + (ab+ba)(aa+bb)*(ab+ba)]*[a + (ab+ba)(aa+bb)*b]


Solution of compilers principles techniques and tools?

Describe the languages denoted by the following regular expressions: a) a(a|b)*a. b) ((e|a)b*)*. c) (a|b)*a(a|b)(a|b). d) a*ba*ba*ba*. !! e) (aa|bb)*((ab|ba)(aa|bb)*(ab|ba)(aa|bb)*)*.


Can you get a AAA certificate after a BA?

Yes, if you can do that IF you want the AA degree in an additional major. If you already have a BA from one major, though, then you are essentially considered to have completed the AA as well as the BA. There is no good reason to re-take the classes. If you are asking this because you have a BA are thinking you might want a Master's in another field, then graduate schools are really not as picky about what your actual BA is in. Technically, you can get into medical school with a degree in English Lit. I would suggest checking with the schools you are interested in if you are thinking about changing fields. Good luck!


How do you solve the exercises from the text book compilers principles techniques and tools second edition?

Describe the languages denoted by the following regular expressions:a)a(a|b)*a.b) ((e|a)b*)*.c)(a|b)*a(a|b)(a|b).d)a*ba*ba*ba*.!! e)(aa|bb)*((ab|ba)(aa|bb)*(ab|ba)(aa|bb)*)*


How do you list undergraduate degrees?

You would list them AA/AS BA/BS


If you have an AA in one field do you need to go to school for four more years to get a BA in a different field?

No, not if your credit hours from you AA are accepted at the college you want to finish your BA at. I know someone that had a AA in Business and went two more years for the BA in Teacher Education. They told her as long as the credits are accepted you are fine, no matter what the field.


Can you get a BA in elementary education if you have an AA in general studies most colleges are saying no that i have to have an AA in elementary education help ideas please?

Depending on the school you can get a BA in elementary education if you have an AA in general studies. You may have to take some core classes but you should have no problem with it.


What was Henry hudsons major event?

ba ba ba ba banna


If you have a ba degree how long much longer would it take to get an AA degree?

If you are applying to a community college to take an AA, most have a transfer credit limit. They may transfer anywhere from 32 to 40 credits if they are usable toward the AA which could be 60 to 64 credits to complete. Still, I'm wondering why you would want to obtain an AA after already completing a BA. The AA degrees are typically designed to transfer to a four year college or university to pursue the BA or BS. Their are many with a BA and BS that take an associate in applied science being that it is very career oriented. In other words, nursing, physical therapy, etc., but rarely do I ever see someone taking the AA after having a BA or BS. Well, you most have your reasons.


What is a major in history a BA or a BS?

BA.


Do you need a AA degree in business to get a master's degree?

No but you will probably complete the requirements for an AA & maybe even a BA long before you achieve your masters.


When was Major League Roller Hockey AA created?

Major League Roller Hockey AA was created in 1998.