Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree

Preparing to attend college is an exciting time in your life, yet it comes with some decisions that may prove difficult. What type of degree should I earn? What career field is best suited to me? Do I need an associate degree to get a bachelor’s degree?

Here, we’ll take a look at the basics of college degrees and answer some common questions. Only you can decide which degree is best for you, but becoming fully informed is an important step in the process.

In This Article:

• Associate Degree Meaning
• Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree: Spotlight on Baccalaureate Programs
• How To Decide Between an Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree
• How To Transition From an Associate to Bachelor’s Degree
• Can I Transfer My Associate Degree Credits to GCU?

Associate Degree Meaning

One of the main differences between associate and bachelor’s degree options is that an associate degree requires fewer credits for completion. This means that students typically complete these programs in less time. Students earning an associate degree can prepare for a specific career.

The credits that students earn during an associate degree program can be counted toward a bachelor's degree, meaning you can begin taking classes at an accredited or approved community college and earn an associate degree and then use those credits to continue your education and earn a bachelor's degree.

Types of Associate Degrees

There are several different types of associate degrees. One type of associate degree, a transfer degree, is completed with the goal of transferring to a four-year college or university. The coursework completed in a transfer associate degree may help you get into any university that accepts that earned credit.

For example, students who earn an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) generally use those degrees to transfer to four-year institutions, where they might earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Other types of associate degrees include the Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). These can transfer into various bachelor’s programs, depending on the chosen field. Some students might earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which can pave the way for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Courses of Study in Associate Degrees

Associate degrees cover a wide range of topics. Because they can lead directly to careers or to other university systems, students who want to earn an associate degree can study just about anything, including art, business, communication, dental hygiene, automotive repair, electronics, education and culinary art.

Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree: Spotlight on Baccalaureate Programs

Bachelor's degree programs are available at colleges and universities. Some community colleges may also offer a few bachelor’s degree options. A bachelor's degree provides more advanced instruction in a particular academic area than an associate degree. This is because it requires more credits to complete. 

For many industries, a bachelor's degree is the minimum level of education needed to find work. In fact, by 2031, estimates suggest that 72% of jobs will require postsecondary education, and 37% will require a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.¹

Types of Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's degrees are available in just about every subject area. You can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in many subjects, such as science, education and the humanities. Or, you could earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). 

Coursework in a Bachelor's Degree Program

Students often begin a bachelor's degree by completing the general education courses. These courses are considered the core curriculum and often include subjects such as languages, math, English, science and history.

Students earning a bachelor’s degree are able to take electives, which are courses in specific areas of interest that may or may not apply directly to the degree program. Students also take courses specifically within their academic program that are required to earn their degrees.

A student in a bachelor's degree program can also earn a minor or emphasis in a certain area. This is a way to take a set of classes together that amounts to an emphasis or specialty that complements the major. For example, some people may earn a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in accounting.

How To Decide Between an Associate Degree vs. Bachelor's Degree

Now that you understand a bachelor’s and associate degree’s meaning, it’s time to consider which option best suits your needs. There are many different things to consider when deciding between an associate degree vs. bachelor’s degree. These include:

Time

The most basic difference between associate and bachelor's degrees is the time that it takes to finish your coursework. As noted, an associate degree can generally be completed in less time than a bachelor’s degree, depending on your scheduling preferences. In both cases, part-time students would take longer to earn their degree.

The extra time required to complete a bachelor’s degree serves as a chance for students to expand their expertise in their field of study and be taught additional skills for their future career.

Cost

Because an associate degree is a shorter college experience, it generally costs less. Exact cost per credit will vary from school to school, but in general, associate degrees include fewer credits; therefore, students pay lower total tuition. The greater cost of a bachelor’s program compared to an associate degree is a sound investment for many students, considering the increased employment opportunities the higher-level degree makes available to graduates.¹

Level of Coursework

Associate degrees can lead to specific fields, such as skilled vocational work and technical programs like nursing. These associate degree programs include a highly specific set of courses that help you prepare for that specific job. A student completing an associate degree can also take a general studies path in order to transfer credits. A bachelor's degree requires that you choose a subject-specific major. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree will be introduced to a higher level of education, with courses that provide both breadth and depth into their chosen field. In some programs, students are required to complete a final project, such as a research paper or capstone project.

Career Goals

Students with an associate degree may have the opportunity to get started quickly in roles like dental hygienist, nurse, cosmetologist, computer programmer or paralegal. Usually, a student with an associate degree can begin these jobs in technical or skilled labor areas right after graduation but may wish to continue their education to promote greater career development.

Students interested in pursuing a career in fields like business management, engineering and education often require at least a bachelor's degree to find work. Students who intend to earn more advanced degrees like master’s or doctoral degrees must have a bachelor’s degree before they advance to this step in their education. 

Are You Undecided About Your Career?

What if you don’t know exactly what your career goals are? An associate degree can be a good choice for those who are unsure, as it can allow you to work on college-level coursework and gain exposure to a variety of different subjects at the collegiate level without committing to a bachelor’s degree program. During an associate degree program, you can explore a variety of interests and figure out what’s best for you.

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree could also allow you to do this to a somewhat more limited extent. Depending on the school’s policies and procedures, you might not need to declare a major right away. Or, you might declare a major and then decide to switch to a different major later on. (School-specific deadlines may apply to switching majors; switching majors after your sophomore year may extend your graduation timeline.)

Do I Need an Associate Degree To Get a Bachelor’s?

You can use your associate degree as a foundation from which to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Many students choose to complete general education coursework at a community college, which often will have a lower tuition rate than a university. Then, they can transfer to a larger university and earn a bachelor’s degree.

However, you certainly aren’t required to first earn an associate degree before a bachelor’s. The bachelor’s degree is also an “entry-level” degree, meaning you can enroll in a bachelor’s program right after high school.

How To Transition From an Associate to Bachelor’s Degree

Many students choose to transfer credits completed for their associate degree into a bachelor’s degree program at a college or university. Each school has different policies about how many or what type of transfer credits they accept from an associate degree program.

AA and AS programs are sometimes called transfer degrees because they are designed to provide around half of the credits needed for most bachelor’s degrees over the course of the program. For the most part, students who transfer credits can get on track toward graduating on the same schedule as students who directly enrolled in a bachelor’s after high school. Be sure to double check the transfer policies for your university or reach out to your admissions counselor with any questions.

Can I Transfer My Associate Degree Credits to GCU?

Grand Canyon University is a transfer-friendly school, which means we welcome inquiries from students who are interested in transferring here. Prospective students can use our transfer course search tool to enter their community college transcripts and find out how many credits will count toward a degree at GCU. Next, submit your transcripts and talk to a GCU transfer specialist. Get started today at the College Transfer Center. 

If you are ready to earn your college degree, there is a lot to consider. At Grand Canyon University, we offer over 100 bachelor's degrees, with programs available on campus or online. Contact a university counselor at GCU if you are interested in learning more about why a bachelor's degree is a good choice for your career goals or if you have an associate degree and want to talk to us about transfer credit. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.