There are two types of associate degrees. One is an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS). This is a four year college transfer degree. A student takes the first two years at a community college and then transfers to a four year college. Students can select from a variety of academic programs, and also complete much of the required general education requirements for a bachelor degree.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a career and technical degree where the emphasis is mainly on skills and knowledge in a specific career area, and then the student is trained and gets a job after about two years. The training tends to emphasize hands-on learning. For example in most construction technology programs students will build a house from the ground up. Culinary Arts students will run a restaurant or catering service. Auto technology students will provide car servicing and repair for a small fee and cost of parts to car owners. This especially fits students who are more active in their learning and who do not like to sit. Commonly the AAS will not transfer well to a four year college without additional courses being required. There are cases where four year colleges will write articulation agreements with colleges to allow an AAS program to lead to a four year degree. The emphasis of the AAS degree is two years of training and then the student gets a job. On most community college websites career and technical programs will have the label of AAS as the resulting degree. Many community colleges will offer even shorter term programs as a certificate or a diploma which might require one semester of classes or one year.
Post-high school education has a lot of options for students today. Understand your options, choose an academic program, and go for it! By 2025, 68% of the jobs in Iowa will require come type of post-high school education. Book a career exploration appointment at your local ICAN Success Center, and the ICAN advisor can review the various options that are out there for you.
Steve - ICAN Council Bluffs Center
