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A degree that students take to transfer to a four year college or university and typically satisfies the the requirements for the first two years of a four year program. There are some associate degrees that are designed as terminal degrees that are not designed to transfer but gives the student all the necessary expertise for entry level positions in a specific field immediately after completion. Read the following in terms of associate degree types.

What is the difference between Associates of Arts, Associates of Science, and Associates of Applied Science?

Associate degrees fall into three main areas.

  • Associates of Arts (AA)
  • Associates of Science (AS)
  • Associates of Applied Science (AAS)

Each of the above degrees is designed to be completed after two years of study as a full-time student and provided the student takes the degree as prescribed by the college. In addition, most every community college requires that every incoming student be placement tested before they register for their first semester (unless they fall into an exemption category). This test is not an admissions test and has no bearing on a student's acceptance to the college. In fact, most students have already been accepted to the school before they take the test. It is not a test that is passed or failed, but simply to determine whether an individual needs to take some refresher courses before entering college level coursework. This is to ensure the student has the appropriate basic skills to succeed at the college level.

The test is broken down into four parts; two parts English and two parts mathematics. The English includes grammar (sentence sense), and reading comprehension. The math includes computation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, square roots, and percentages), and the equivalent of a high school algebra I. If the student scores low in any these areas, then they will be required to enroll in the indicated remedial course/s starting with their first semester. Thus, the two year degree plan may turn into a two and a half year, or possibly a three year plan depending on how much remedial work is needed. To limit this time, students have the option to enroll in summer session courses.

Now let us look at the inherent differences between the degrees:

Associates of Arts (AA)

The Associates of arts is really designed as a fully transferable degree to a four year college or university for those pursing a Bachelors degree. It serves to complete most of the four year institutions general education cluster area, which amounts to the first two years of a four year program. It also serves to complete any perquisite courses needed for the four year institutions curriculum major and minor requirements. Students are admitted to Junior level status provided they have completed the matching associate's level degree. In other words, Business AA to Business BA, Engineering AS, to Engineering AS etc. Thus, within this degree students will be required to have a well rounded educational foundation to include, English literature, history, social science, laboratory science, humanities, math, communications, etc. These courses are in addition to the student's major field of study.

Associates of Science (AS)

Within the AS degrees a student will notice there are less general education requirements, and more career oriented course work. You will find this in curriculums to include, Nursing, Engineering, some Computer Science and Allied Heath fields. Still, these programs should be fully transferable to four year institutions provided the degree matches that of the four year college or university's program of study, as mentioned above under AA degrees.

Associates in Applied Science (AAS)

The AAS degrees are very career oriented and designed to give the student all the expertise needed for entry level positions upon completion of the degree. Therefore, the student will notice most of the AAS degree is made up of professional phase courses particular to a specific field, and a very limited number of general education courses. This has promoted the myth, that all AAS degrees are not transferable to four year colleges and universities. I will admit, as the degree was originally designed; transferability was not the original intent of this type of degree. Therefore many AAS degree fields of study did not transfer to four year institutions very well. In fact, in some categories it was almost like starting over. Today this is not so. Community Colleges today have what is known as Joint Admissions or Dual Admissions articulations with four year institutions, where if the student completes the agreed upon program of study successfully, the four year institution will take the degree full faith in credit and grant the student Junior level status. This includes AAS degrees. However, it is strongly recommended that a student who is seeking to transfer to a four year institution at a later date, make an appointment with a Transfer Counselor at the Community College for the pros and cons of AAS transfer as well as more detailed information.

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6mo ago

A transfer associate's degree is a two-year degree program that is designed to prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or university. It typically includes a core curriculum of general education courses that can be transferred and applied towards a bachelor's degree program. This type of degree is especially useful for students who plan to continue their education and pursue higher-level degrees.

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Q: What is an transfer associate's degree?
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What transfer education directly results in a?

associate degree APEX


Can you earn an associate's degree and then go to an university?

Yes, it is possible to earn an associate's degree and then transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor's degree. Many universities have transfer agreements and pathways that allow students with an associate's degree to transfer to a four-year institution and continue their education. It is important to research and consult with academic advisors at both the community college and university to ensure a smooth transfer process.


Is there a school that will combine my associates towards a bachelor's degree?

Most all colleges and universities will evaluate your prior coursework toward a bachelor's degree. How many credits will transfer from your associates degree will be dependent on which program of study you choose.


Do you add associate's degree credits to get bachelors degree?

If you are in a transfer program at the associates level, and transfer to a four year college or university within the same field, your credits should be awarded toward your bachelors degree. In other words, an associate in business (transfer program), to a bachelor's in business should transfer well. Thus, two years at the associates level, and two additional years at the bachelor's level.


If you have an associate's degree in liberal arts and you want to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice what do you have to do?

Transfer to a four year college or university that offers the bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Submit your associates degree transcript to that institution and they will transfer all usable credits toward your criminal justice degree. With an associates in liberal arts, and transferring to a criminal justice program, most, if not all credits should be transferable.


Associate of arts in nursing?

Typically, an associates in nursing is an associates in science degree (AS).Typically, an associates in nursing is an associates in science degree (AS).Typically, an associates in nursing is an associates in science degree (AS).Typically, an associates in nursing is an associates in science degree (AS).Typically, an associates in nursing is an associates in science degree (AS).Typically, an associates in nursing is an associates in science degree (AS).


How long does it take to earn a bachelor's degree with an associate degree?

If you take a transfer program at the associates level, it would take two addition years to complete the bachelor's degree.


What do you get after an associate's degree?

After completing an Associates degree, those who wish to further their college education would transfer to a four year college or university to complete their Bachelors degree. Viper1


How many college credits transfer from associates in general studies to a bachelor in criminal justice?

Typically, most if not all credits should transfer between these two majors provided you took the associates degree at a regionally accredited college.


In the US do you need an Associate's degree to pursue a bachelor's degree?

No. But if you don't have a good High School record, having an Associates Degree may help you transfer to a 4-year Bachelor's degree program.


Initials for associate's degree in business and nursing?

It depends on the specific program of study. If you were in a transfer business program at a community college, it is typically an associates of arts degree. Therefore, it would be an A.A.. The nursing program at the two year level is an associates in science degree, therefore an A.S..


What kind of bachelor's degree can you get from an associates degree in arts?

You can pursue any bachelor's degree you want to. If you have completed an associates degree, the amount of courses that can be transferred from the associates degree will depend on which bachelor's degree you choose. Some associates degrees are fully transferable to a bachelor's within the same field. Others are very career oriented and do not transfer well, such as some associates of applied science degrees. Still, that depends on whether the college has articulation agreements with other four years colleges and universities. Do not choose a bachelor's degree solely on the amount of credits you can transfer, but because it will lead you to your overall career goals and objectives. It you you not have one, then you need to find your passion with vision. A clearly articulated picture of the future you intend to create for yourself. Once you have that, your path will become clear.