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What is the Difference between AS and AAS Degrees?
By
Zach Skillings
Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.
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Annie has spent the past 18+ years educating students about college admissions opportunities and coaching them through building a financial aid package. She has worked in college access and college admissions for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, Middle Tennessee State University, and Austin Peay State University.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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If you’re thinking about earning an associate degree, you may already know that you have a few different options. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are both great options for students interested in a career related to science, technology, engineering, or math. However, there are some differences between these two programs to consider when choosing between AS and AAS degrees.
AS vs AAS: What’s the difference?
The Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are similar in a lot of ways. They are both two-year undergraduate degrees oriented around math, science, or technology. They’re also both great degrees for students who want to obtain the education they need to quickly launch their careers.
However, there’s one key difference between AS and AAS degrees. AS degrees are better-suited for students who want to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree, while AAS degrees prepare students to immediately enter the workforce after graduation. Keep reading to learn more about each type of degree and which one might be better for you.
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What is an AS degree?
- They are typically considered “transfer degrees” because they provide an academic foundation for students to transfer to a four-year school and earn their bachelor’s
- Students in AS degree programs take general education requirements such as English, math, and science courses
- Generally AS degrees take 2 years to complete and are commonly offered at community colleges
These credits usually transfer to another institution upon completion of the program. To make the transfer process easier, many community colleges have agreements with four-year schools. This allows students with an AS degree to transfer seamlessly without losing credits.
There are many jobs you can get with an AS degree that do not require further education. The advantage of earning an AS degree is that you can work in your field for a while and then return to school and earn a bachelor’s degree down the road to advance your career.
Below are some common AS degree programs:
- Business administration
- Paralegal studies
- Criminal justice
- Human services
- Accounting
Related: Complete guide to undergraduate degrees
What is an AAS degree?
- AAS degrees prepare students to enter a career directly after graduation
- Courses are oriented around skills-based training
- Education involves hands-on projects in the field, instead of classroom work
Additionally, AAS degrees cut out most of the general education requirements that are found in AS programs. As a result, students can expect the majority of their coursework to be directly related to their desired field. This can be appealing for students who have a firm grasp on their intended career path. Some students don’t want to spend time taking courses outside their desired field.
The downside of AAS programs is that they don’t prepare students to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs. While it is possible for AAS degree graduates to continue their education at another institution, the transfer process is usually more difficult.
Below are some common AAS degree programs:
- Web design
- Nursing
- Radiologic technology
- Welding
- Carpentry
- HVAC
Which degree should I pursue?
If you’re debating between an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science, consider the questions below:
- Are you looking to immediately enter the workforce?
- Do you plan to pursue a higher degree after completing your associate degree?
- What jobs do you desire to work in after obtaining an associate degree?
Pursuing an AS degree
With an AS degree, you’ll fulfill general education requirements. The credits earned can later be applied to a bachelor’s degree. This is great for students who want to quickly find work in their field, or who may not have the financial resources to pursue a bachelor’s degree at this time. It also leaves the door open for continuing their education in the future. By starting at community college and then transferring to a four-year school, students can save a lot of money and build up their GPA in the process.
Pursuing an AAS degree
AAS degrees are better suited for students who are certain about their career path. These students don’t plan to earn a bachelor’s degree. With an AAS degree, you’ll receive the practical training needed to find work in your field. You also won’t have to worry about completing an excess number of general education courses unrelated to your career path. For these reasons, AAS degrees are a solid option for students who want to maximize their time in the workforce and minimize their time in school.
Key Takeaways
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Frequently asked questions about the difference between AS and AAS degrees
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