What Is an Associate Degree In Applied Science? Perhaps you’ve been out of school for a while and have decided that it’s time to add new skills or change careers. Or maybe you’re fresh out of high school and are trying to decide if college is even the right choice for you. Either way, an associate degree in applied science (A.A.S.) might be a great option. In this article, we’ll look at what an A.A.S program is, whether it’s right for you, and how long it takes to earn an AAS degree compared with some other types of degrees (and why).
An associate degree in applied science (A.A.S.) is considered a terminal degree, meaning it prepares students for entry-level work or further study, but not for a four-year bachelor’s degree program
A terminal degree is one that prepares students for entry-level work or further study, but not a four-year bachelor’s degree program. In other words, it’s the final step before you start your career. Some examples of other terminal degrees include:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.) – A terminal degree in liberal arts or humanities
- Associate of Science (AS) – A terminal degree in science or mathematics
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – A terminal degree in applied science
A.A.S programs are offered in both on-campus and online formats, with some hybrid options that combine the two.
Online programs are typically more flexible than their on-campus counterparts because they allow students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The flexibility of online courses allows students who have other responsibilities outside of school (such as a full-time job or family) to fit their coursework around those demands by studying at night or during vacation breaks.
These types of programs also tend to be cheaper than their in-person equivalents because there is no need for campus facilities or classroom space; this savings can be passed along to students through lower tuition rates and fees, making an AAS degree more affordable than other types of degrees such as bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees.”
An A.A.S. offers training and knowledge in a hands-on field that can be earned more quickly than most bachelor’s programs and while working full time at many schools
An A.A.S. offers training and knowledge in a hands-on field that can be earned more quickly than most bachelor’s programs and while working full time at many schools. An A.A.S.’s curriculum is usually more heavily geared toward practical application and real-world experience than it would be if you were to pursue the same degree through a traditional four-year program, which usually means you’ll have a better chance of being hired after graduation as well as higher starting salaries and higher lifetime earnings potential compared to those with only an associate or bachelor’s degree from their respective fields of study.
In addition, some people may prefer to start with an AAS before moving on to earn their BS because colleges often offer scholarships for incoming freshmen who are enrolled in AAS programs; this means students could potentially save thousands of dollars on tuition costs by applying for these scholarships rather than applying directly into their desired Bachelors Degree program – even if they’re not awarded them!
A.A.S. degrees are available in varied fields, such as business, health care, construction and technology
A.A.S. degrees are available in a variety of fields and can lead to a career in your chosen field, even if you don’t have any previous work experience. Some examples of A.A.S.-level programs include:
- Business
- Health care (nursing)
- Construction/technology
There are several benefits of an A.A.S., including the option to use credit from prior work experience to earn your degree more quickly and the potential for higher starting salaries than those with just a high school diploma or GED would typically earn since AAS graduates often have specific job skills and knowledge typically learned on the job or on the job training opportunities such as apprenticeships, internships and co-op programs that allow them to apply what they’ve learned in class to “real life” situations before graduation.
AAS degrees are available in varied fields, including business, health care, construction and technology. Most programs take two years of full-time study (or three years if you’re earning credit for prior learning) and can often be completed online or through hybrid courses that combine online coursework with some on-campus classes at nearby community colleges or four-year universities where they may offer similar majors within their own departments but don’t yet offer online degrees themselves.
Top Schools Offering Associate Degree In Applied Science
West Virginia State University
The associate degree program is a two-year program. The program is offered in a variety of areas including, but not limited to: Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. The School of Technology & Engineering offers the following degrees within this area:
- Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in Manufacturing Processes & Materials Management
- Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Manufacturing Technology
Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western State University is a public university in St. Joseph, Missouri, United States. It was founded in 1905 as St. Joseph Junior College. In 1963, the name was changed to Western Missouri State College and, in 2005, it was again changed to Missouri Western State University.
Southwestern Community College
Southwestern Community College is a two-year public institution located in Creston, Iowa. The school offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, including accounting, biology, business management, computer science and more. Southwestern Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
University of Illinois Springfield
If you are looking for a career in the field of Applied Science, then an Associate Degree may be right for you. The University of Illinois Springfield offers this degree program and is one of the best schools in the area. The program can be completed in two years and includes courses such as:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Human Growth & Development
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Microbiology
Lake Land College
Lake Land College is a two-year, public college located in Mattoon, Illinois. It offers an accredited associate degree in applied science through its business division. This program offers students the opportunity to earn an associate degree and learn about topics like:
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Computer Information Systems
Lake Land College also offers several minors that can be paired with this major, including:
- Accounting
- Business Management
Students who successfully complete this program will have gained valuable skills in business management and computer information systems. They will also be prepared for careers in accounting or information technology fields.
Kansas City Kansas Community College
An associate degree in applied science is a two-year degree program that provides students with the technical and professional skills to pursue careers in engineering, computer science and other technology-related fields. An associate’s degree in applied science covers core classes like math, physics, chemistry and biology. It also includes specialized courses related to your chosen major field of study.
To earn an associate’s degree in applied science, you must complete 60 credits of coursework at a community college or university. Your credits can transfer over to many different universities as well if you choose to continue your education past two years of coursework at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC).
Conclusion
An associate degree in applied science (A.A.S.) is a great option for students who want to gain the knowledge and skills they need to enter a specific industry and advance their career. With an AAS, you can earn an associate degree in two years or less while working full time, which means you’ll be able to get back into the workforce sooner than if you had pursued a four-year bachelor’s degree program instead.
An AAS will prepare students with the training necessary to succeed at an entry level position by providing hands on experience through internships and co-op programs that allow them apply what they’ve learned in class “real life” situations before graduation day comes around!
