Not sure how to take the next step in your education? An associate degree can be a smart first step. Associate degrees typically take about two years to complete. Choosing between an Associate of Arts (A.A.) vs an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree depends on your career goals and academic interests. Understanding how both programs align with your career goals can make all the difference. Whether you’re a working adult, recent high school graduate, or someone considering a career change, both degrees can prepare you for rewarding careers or serve as stepping stones toward a bachelor’s degree.
Let’s explore the differences between an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science degree, and how each option can shape your future.
What Is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a college-level academic credential that provides foundational education in a chosen area of study. Most programs require 60 credits and can be completed in about 24 months of full-time enrollment.
Both the A.A. and A.S. degrees are designed to help students start or advance their education and career paths. The key difference lies in their focus: the A.A. centers on liberal arts and humanities, while the A.S. emphasizes math, science, and technical disciplines.
An associate degree gives students the flexibility to explore academic interests while gaining transferable skills for the workplace. Whether you plan to continue to a bachelor’s program or enter a career field right away, earning this degree can be a practical way to move forward.
What Is an Associate of Arts Degree?
An Associate of Arts degree provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts, helping students develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Coursework typically includes subjects such as English composition, psychology, history, communications, and social sciences.
Common majors include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Education, and Public Administration, all of which are offered at FNU.
The A.A. degree is often the preferred path for students planning to transfer to a bachelor’s program.Â
According to a 2023 study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, about 41% of students who earn an associate degree go on to earn a higher degree or credential.Â
The pathway emphasizes adaptability and provides a solid base for nearly any associate of arts degree job. While the Associate of Arts degree focuses on communication and liberal arts, students who enjoy rigorous coursework in science, mathematics, and technology may prefer the A.S. path.
What Is an Associate of Science Degree?
The Associate of Science degree prepares students for careers in STEM, healthcare, and other technical disciplines. Coursework typically includes biology, chemistry, algebra, anatomy, and computer applications, providing students with a strong foundation in analytical and applied skills valued by employers.
This path is ideal for individuals who want to enter the workforce sooner or pursue a bachelor’s degree in fields such as nursing, engineering, or information technology. Graduates can gain access to technical associate of science degree jobs in medical laboratories, clinical offices, and technology-driven environments where scientific knowledge and technical precision are essential.
An A.S. degree blends academic theory with hands-on application, offering a direct bridge between education and employment.Â
Whether you plan to advance your studies or launch a career right after graduation, this degree provides the technical foundation and flexibility to pursue a wide range of professional opportunities.
Associate of Arts vs. Associate of Science: What’s the Difference?
The fundamental distinction between an A.A. vs A.S. degree is their core missions. The choice that students make directly impacts which credits are prioritized in their first two years of college and, subsequently, which bachelor’s degree they are best prepared to pursue. The A.S. requires more math and science credits, while the A.A. requires more humanities and social sciences.
Below is a summary of the characteristics of both degrees to provide a clear comparison of how they are structured:
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Primary Focus: Humanities, Social Sciences, Liberal Arts
Common Courses: English, History, Psychology, and Communications
Skills Acquired: Communication, critical analysis, cultural awareness
Ideal for Students Who: Plan to transfer to a bachelor’s program
Transfer Majors: English, History, Law, Education, General Studies
Degree Path: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Duration & Credits: 2 years (60 credits)
Associate of Science (A.S.)
Primary Focus: Science, Math, Technology, and Healthcare
Common Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, and Computer Science
Skills Acquired: Analytical reasoning, quantitative problem-solving, and technical skills
Ideal for Students Who: Seek technical or healthcare-focused careers
Transfer Majors: Biology, IT, Nursing, Accounting, and Engineering
Degree Path: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Duration & Credits: 2 years (60 credits)
Understanding the differences between the two associate’s degrees is the foundation for smart academic planning. This clarity can help with choosing the degree that strategically fits long-term goals, whether those require further education or allow for immediate mobility into the job market.
Career Opportunities for A.A. and A.S. Graduates
Earning an associate degree is a significant step forward in professional development by leading to entry-level roles that offer stability and greater earning potential than a high school diploma alone. The financial upside of achieving this level of education is greater than many younger students may think.Â
According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, associate degree holders earned a median weekly wage of approximately $1,099.Â
Interestingly enough, many of the roles accessible with an A.S. or A.A. often span diverse, thriving sectors.
For the Associate of Arts degree, careers generally fall into administrative, service, and support roles. Jobs often include positions like paralegal, teacher’s aide, and administrative assistant, where strong communication and organizational skills are prized.Â
The Associate of Science degree, conversely, often leads to roles in technical fields like lab technician, dental assistant, and IT support specialist.
Regardless of which degree a student pursues, they will gain the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in the roles listed above or to transition into an advanced academic program.Â
Next, let’s look at how to decide which associate degree aligns with your goals.
How to Choose Between an A.A. and an A.S. Degree
The decision between an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science degree requires careful self-assessment of academic strengths and professional aspirations. Because both degrees are primarily designed for transfer (to a four-year bachelor’s program), your first question should be about your intended bachelor’s degree major.
Ask yourself three guiding questions to simplify the process: “Do you plan to transfer to a public or private university?” “Are you interested in humanities or technical studies?” and “Do you want immediate job placement or long-term flexibility?”
 If your long-term goal is to pursue fields like journalism, social work, or law, an A.A. degree is ideal. If you want to work in healthcare, science, or technical industries (or anticipate needing advanced math and science), the A.S. degree best prepares students for these career paths.
Choosing the right associate degree now can help minimize lost credits and time, ensuring a smoother, more cost-effective path to a bachelor’s degree.Â
What About an Associate of Applied Science Degree?
Many students encounter a third category: the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, which can be confusing to compare with the A.A. and A.S. programs. The A.A.S. degree is generally designed for direct workforce entry, focusing heavily on applied, occupation-specific skills with fewer general education credits. It is designed to prepare graduates for a specific technical trade and is often referred to as a “terminal degree.” Roles such as dental hygienist, web developer, and chemical technician can be acquired with this type of associate’s degree.
While FNU currently offers A.A. and A.S. degrees, not A.A.S., many of its A.S. programs deliver similar hands-on, career-focused learning while maintaining strong transferability to bachelor’s programs. This approach gives students the best of both worlds: technical skill development and academic mobility.Â
The distinction among the three degrees is simple: an A.A. focuses on liberal arts and transfer, an A.S. balances a STEM focus with transfer, and an A.A.S. emphasizes immediate, vocational employment.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Future at FNU
While you can change your career path later, starting your education with a solid foundation is an important decision, and the right environment makes all the difference. Both the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees offer affordable, flexible academic pathways that help students move forward with confidence.
At Florida National University, students benefit from programs designed with flexible schedules and personalized academic support that fit students with real-life responsibilities.
No matter your plans for the future, explore FNU’s associate degree programs to see which aligns best with your interests, and connect with an FNU advisor for guidance on building your path to success.
Associate’s Degrees FAQs
Still have questions about associate degrees? Here are quick answers to some of the most common topics students ask when exploring A.A. and A.S. programs.
How Long Are Most A.A. Programs?
A typical A.A. program requires 60 credits and takes a full-time student two years to complete. FNU offers flexible scheduling and generous transfer policies that may help students finish faster.
Is an Associate’s Degree Worth It Compared to a Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes, an associate’s degree is highly valuable. While a bachelor’s degree generally leads to higher long-term earnings, the associate degree provides a faster path to a higher salary than a high school diploma. It reduces the cost and time required to begin your higher education.
Is an A.A. Really Worth It?
Absolutely. If your goal is to pursue a four-year degree in a liberal arts field (like education or communication), the A.A. is the most direct and cost-effective way to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
What Are the Financial Benefits of Starting With an Associate Degree?
The main benefits are lower tuition costs for the first two years of college and the ability to enter the job market sooner. Starting with an associate degree can significantly reduce your overall student debt.
What Is Better, an A.S. or an A.A.S. Degree?
Neither degree is universally “better.” It all depends entirely on your objective. The A.S. is the superior choice if you plan to transfer to a B.S. program. The A.A.S. is the superior choice if you want to immediately enter a specific technical trade and have no plans for a bachelor’s degree.
