Choosing Paths

There are two primary types of Associate's degrees: transfer degreesvocational or professional degrees. and

Transfer degrees form the foundation of a Bachelor's degree by enabling students to complete some or all of the general education requirements to transfer to

• An Associate of Arts (AA) degree, typically for majors in the social sciences or humanities or general studies.
• An Associate of Science (AS) degree, typically for majors in mathematics, natural sciences, or technology.

Occupational or professional Associate's degrees qualify students for entry-level positions that do not require a Bachelor's degree. Our colleges and universities offer occupational/professional degrees in fields such as computer programming, criminal justice, graphic design, paralegal studies and medical assisting. Occupational/professional Associate's degrees are often terminal, in that the credits may not be transferable to a bachelor's degree program.