AS degree stands for “Associate degree”. It is totally different from a bachelor’s degree. It takes one a long time to obtain a bachelor’s degree than it takes one to obtain an associate degree.
Having an associate degree can help you get into a bachelor’s program to complete your studies. Having a bachelor’s degree can give better opportunities for your career than having an associate degree can.
AS Degree definition:
This is a degree that gets one prepared to further their education or gets one prepared to earn a bachelor’s degree. It is called an undergraduate degree.
How Is the AS degree seen in other countries?
Australia:
In Australia, AS degrees are awarded to courses more academically concentrated than most diploma courses. It was created to articulate most bachelor’s degrees.
Canada:
In Canada, the education system is not homogenized. It differs per area. Some areas in Canada do not recognize associate degrees but in British Columbia, an associate degree is recognized and can help you further into getting a bachelor’s degree.
Netherland:
In Netherland, associate degree courses don’t articulate to bachelor’s degrees.
Read this: How long does it take to get a Bachelor’s Degree?
Hong Kong:
It is a general qualification in Hong Kong.
Mexico
In Mexico, an As degree is entirely different from a bachelor’s program.
United States
In the United States, an associate degree can be earned after a two-year program. We have an Associate of Arts (AA), an Associate of Science (AS), and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
Read this: AA vs AS Degree: What you didn’t know
How Long does it take to obtain an AS degree:
It takes two years to obtain a typical associate degree but it differs when people are doing it coupled with a job. Some people get to do theirs in about 3 years while some 4 years and above depending on how hectic your work is.
Kinds of AS degrees:
We have three major kinds of associate degrees but then it depends highly on the course you want to offer. If it is an art course, a vocational course, or a science course. They include:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Arts (AA)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
They are focused more on vocational and practical courses. These are the main Associate of Applied Science courses.
- Customer relationship management
- Entrepreneurship
- Human services
- Paralegal studies
- Web design
Read this: AAS degree (Everything you need to know)
Associate of Science (AS)
They concentrate on science and maths. The career opportunities here vary. The jobs gotten with this qualification include:
- Accounting and auditing clerks
- Administrative assistants
- Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
- Computer
- Database coordinators
- Dental hygenist
- Geologic and petroleum technicians
- IT systems administrators
- Medical transcriptionist
- Occupational Therapy assistant
- Physical therapy assistants
- Realtors
- Registered nurses
- Sales managers
- Ultrasound technician
- Respiratory therapist
- Veterinary technicians
- Web developer
Associate of Arts (AA)
The courses here cover mostly arts subjects. They cover subjects like music, fine art, and literature. Those that study any of these art courses will have to advance their studies and specialize and probably have a bachelor’s degree.
The jobs gotten with this qualification include:
- Educational positions
- Managerial positions
- MRIT. Magnetic resonance imaging technologist
- Paralegall and legal assistant
- Sales
- Web developers
Common As degree titles include:
- Associate of Applied Business (AAB)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Associate of Applied Technology (AAT)
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)
- Associate of Business Administration (ABA)
- Associate of Electrical Engineering Technology (AEET)
- Associate of Electronics (AE)
- Associate of Engineering (AE/AEng)
- Associate of Engineering Technology (AET/AEngT)
- Associate of Forestry (AF)
- Associate of General Studies (AGS)
- Associate of Industrial Technology (AIT)
- Associate of Nursing (AN) or Associate Degree Nurse/Nursing (ADN)
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Science in Computer Assisted Design (AS-CAD)
- Associate of Technology (AT)
What to consider before picking a particular course to get your associate degree in:
Before you consider enrolling into an As degree course these are you must first check:
- If that will lead you to your required choice of career.
- What kind of bachelor’s degree will you get if you decide to further.
- What courses are your strength and weakness?
- Do you want to school online or go to school?
- Check the flexibility of the courses if you want to do part-time.
- How much does it cost?
- How convenient is it?
- How long will it take to finish studying the course?
Final tips:
The AS degree will give you a stepping stone to getting a bachelor’s degree faster. On the other hand, you’ve got prior knowledge of some of the basic things that will be taught during the bachelor’s degree years.
Awesome one, I hope this article on “AS degree” answered your question.
Share this Information
