What's the difference between an AS (Associate of Science) or AAS (Applied Associate of Science) Degree?
Associate of Science (AS) (two year degree)
- Focus: Academic and transfer-oriented.
- Goal: Designed to transfer into a 4-year bachelor’s degree program.
- Coursework: Includes general education courses (math, science, English) and some introductory major-related classes.
- Best for: Students planning to continue their education at a university.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)(two year degree)
- Focus: Career and skills-based.
- Goal: Prepares students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
- Coursework: Focuses more heavily on technical or vocational skills (e.g., veterinary tech, HVAC, nursing, welding).
- Best for: Students who want to train for a specific job and start working after two years.
Certificate
- Focus: Specific job skills or knowledge (e.g., welding, phlebotomy, business software).
- Credits: May or may not be for college credit. NCTA's Certificates are typically around 20 credit hours.
Goal: Helps you qualify for a job, advance in your field, or meet licensing requirements.