Associate of Arts vs. Associate of Science vs. Associate of Applied Science: What’s the Difference?
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- An associate of arts (AA) focuses on liberal arts and general education.
- An associate of science (AS) focuses on science, business, and other professional pathways.
- An associate of applied science (AAS) prepares you to enter the workforce.
- The best associate degree type for you depends on your interests and career goals.
Whether you're a recent high school graduate or a working professional looking to enhance your skills, earning an associate degree can be a great way to kickstart your career or pursue further education.
Associate degree programs are 60 credits and typically take two years of full-time study to complete. With an associate degree, you can expect to complete general education coursework and gain introductory knowledge of your major.
Many students pursue an associate degree to enter the workforce quickly or to complete general education courses and other prerequisites before transferring to a four-year college or university.
We'll explore the differences between an associate of arts, associate of science, and associate of applied science and help you decide which degree type aligns with your career goals and educational plans.
Featured Online Associate Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is an Associate Degree?
There are three general types of associate degrees you can earn:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
AA programs include general education and the liberal arts, whereas AS programs include general education courses but focus more on business and STEM subjects
In contrast, AAS programs often focus on technical skills and prepare you to take on specialized roles in the workforce, such as in nursing or web design.
| Factor | Associate of Arts (AA) | Associate of Science (AS) | Associate of Applied Science (AAS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Length | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Number of Credits | 60 | 60 | 60 |
| Sample Concentrations |
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| Sample Courses |
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What Are the Most Popular Associate Degree Subjects?
The most popular subjects for associate degrees are often those that provide practical skills and lead to career opportunities upon graduation.
These include fields such as business administration, nursing, computer science, criminal justice, and early childhood education.
Each of these disciplines offers a variety of specialization options, allowing students to tailor their studies to their personal interests and career goals.
What to Know Before Getting an Associate Degree
Before deciding to pursue an associate degree, there are several factors to consider.
Cost
The cost of an associate degree can vary significantly depending on the institution you choose. Community colleges generally offer the most affordable options compared to four-year universities.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that for the 2021-22 academic year, students attending a public, in-state two-year college paid an average tuition cost of $3,564.
Be sure to factor in costs for textbooks, course materials, and any necessary equipment or software. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs can help offset these costs.
Prerequisites
While associate degree programs are generally more accessible than bachelor's programs, there may still be prerequisites you need to meet.
These could include a high school diploma or equivalent, minimum GPA, and prerequisite courses. Some programs may also require placement tests in subjects like math and English.
Certifications and Bootcamps
In some fields, certifications or bootcamps can provide similar skills and knowledge to an associate degree in a shorter timeframe.
These can be a good option if you're looking to enter the workforce quickly or if you want to upgrade your skills in a specific area. However, keep in mind that these don't provide the general education that an associate degree does, and they may not be recognized by all employers or institutions.
Flexibility
Many associate degree programs offer flexible options to accommodate working students or those with other commitments. These might include part-time study options, evening or weekend classes, and online or hybrid formats. Consider your personal circumstances and learning preferences when evaluating these options.
Accreditation
It's important to ensure that the institution you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that the institution and its programs meet certain standards of quality and that other institutions and employers will recognize the credits you earn.
Accreditation can also impact your eligibility for financial aid and the transferability of your credits. Always ensure that any school or program you're considering is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
AA vs. AS vs. AAS: Which Degree Is Right for You?
In deciding between an AA, AS, or AAS degree, consider your career goals and educational plans.
If you aim to enter the workforce quickly in a specific technical field, an AAS degree might be the best fit.
If you plan to transfer to a four-year college, an AA or AS degree could be more suitable, depending on what you plan to major in. In any case, it's crucial to do your research and consider all your options before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate Degrees
Is it better to get an associate degree or a bachelor's degree?
The best degree for you depends on your life circumstances and career goals. Compared to a bachelor's degree, an associate degree takes around half the time to complete; however, it focuses mostly on introductory coursework.
Meanwhile, a bachelor's degree allows you to dive deeper into your field of study and opens the door to research opportunities and graduate school.
One of the advantages of earning an associate degree from an accredited school is that you should be able to transfer many (or all) of your credits to a four-year institution. If you're unsure whether a bachelor's is right for you, enrolling in an associate degree program can help you decide while you earn transferable credits.
It can also be a more cost-effective way to complete general education courses or introductory courses in a field of study you're interested in — the annual tuition at two-year institutions tends to be lower than at four-year institutions.
What is the most useful associate degree?
The most useful associate degree for you will depend on what you want to do with your career.
For example, if you don't know what kind of degree you want, you could pursue an AA in general studies and take a variety of courses to explore different fields and find what inspires you. By doing this, you'll also earn credits that can count toward your general education requirements if you transfer to a four-year university.
An AAS, on the other hand, prepares you to join the workforce immediately upon graduation. If you know what you want to do and want to start working as quickly as possible, an AAS degree could be a good fit.
What is the highest-paying associate degree job?
High-paying associate degree jobs include nuclear technology, radiation therapy, web development, and network engineering.
These jobs tend to require an AAS. Concentrations include nuclear medicine technology, radiologic technology, web design, and networking and cybersecurity.
Is an associate degree easier than a bachelor's degree?
Many consider an associate degree easier than a bachelor's degree. Associate degrees are a shorter commitment than a bachelor's degree. These degrees typically take around two years to complete and consist primarily of lower-level coursework.
How long does it take to finish an associate degree?
It takes around two years to earn an associate degree. Some accelerated programs may shorten that time by having you take more than 15 credit hours in a semester or attend summer classes.
Other programs might require you to take prerequisites before your major courses, depending on which classes you took in high school. This could extend your graduation timeline.
Another factor that may affect how long it takes to earn an associate degree is your personal circumstances. For example, if you already have a job and hope to earn a degree while you continue to work, you may need the flexibility of a part-time associate degree program. These can take 3-4 years to complete.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 22, 2024.
