Types of college degrees explained

It can be hard to choose a degree. There are so many letters!  A.A., A.S., A.A.S., B.A., B.S. and more!

If you're feeling confused, start by asking one question: What do I want my education to help me do?

This will narrow down your choices. That's because some degrees prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. Others get you ready to start or advance your career. Short-term career certificates help you build job-specific skills. And they may help you earn a degree.

At College of Lake County (CLC), you don't have to figure this out alone. A College and Career Navigator (CCN) can help you explore your goals. And choose the best degree to get you where you want to go.

Quick summary

• Associate vs. bachelor's degree? Your goals and available time determine which is right for you. Compare the two.
• What is an Associate of Art (A.A.) degree? A two-year transfer degree with significant benefits. Learn more.
• What is an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree? A two-year, STEM-focused transfer degree. Learn more.
• What's the difference between A.A. and A.S. degrees? It really depends on your goal. Explore the difference.
• What is an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree? A two-year degree that prepares you for a career now. Discover career-ready credentials.
• What is an Associate in Engineering Science (A.E.S.) degree? A two-year transfer degree for engineering students. Learn more.
• What is an Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree? A two-year transfer degree for art and music students. Explore further.
• What are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees? Four-year bachelor degrees. Compare the difference.
• Which degree or certificate is right for me? Identify your goal to get the right credential. Explore common goals.
• FAQs about college degrees. Get answers.

Associate degree vs. bachelor's degree?

Start with the biggest distinction.

An associate degree typically takes about two years of full-time study. A bachelor's degree typically takes about four years.

You can earn an associate degree from CLC. Then transfer the credits earned to a four-year college or university to complete your bachelor's degree, saving you time and money. Or you can choose an associate degree that prepares you to enter the workforce.

Here's a quick guide:

*Full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester. Part-time students are enrolled in less than 12 credit hours per semester.
**Limited enrollment programs may take more than two years to complete. Explore A.A.S. degrees.

Choosing the right degree depends on

• what you want to study
• the career you're considering
• whether you plan to transfer

What is an A.A. degree?

A.A. stands for Associate in Arts.

At CLC, an A.A. is a transfer degree that typically requires 60 to 64 credit hours. It aligns with the first two years of a bachelor's degree program.

Despite the word "arts," an A.A. isn't just for students studying art.

CLC offers A.A. degrees in business administration, accounting, psychology, education, history and other areas.

An A.A. may be right for you if you want to:

• earn an associate degree before transferring
• complete general education and introductory courses at CLC
• earn a bachelor's degree in the humanities, social sciences, business, education or similar fields
• save up to $33,000 in tuition and fees, alone, by completing the first part of your bachelor's degree at CLC (Source: 2025 CLC Community Impact Report)

With an A.A., you choose specific classes based on your intended major and where you want to transfer.

What is an A.S. degree?

A.S. stands for Associate in Science.

Like the A.A., CLC's A.S. is primarily a transfer degree and typically requires 60 to 64 credit hours. The difference is in the courses you take.

The A.S. parallels the first two years of science-related bachelor's degree programs. It can include more math and science coursework. It is typically for students studying biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics.

That makes the A.S. a good option for many students interested in STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.

Science majors can have highly structured course sequences. You may need to complete several math and science courses as part of your A.S. before you transfer. And you may need to complete some general education courses after you transfer.

That's why choosing classes based only on the letters A.S. isn't enough. Meet each semester with your Academic Success Advisor who can help you choose courses that fit your intended major and transfer school.

What's the difference between an A.A. and A.S. degree?

Both are associate degrees designed primarily for students who plan to transfer.

The biggest difference is what you plan to study after you transfer.

An A.A. is for students who want to earn a bachelor's degree in the liberal arts, like humanities or psychology. It also is for those pursuing business or similar degrees.

An A.S. places greater emphasis on math and science. Typically, it is for students pursuing science-related bachelor's degrees.

One isn't better than the other. The better degree is the one that fits the bachelor's program you plan to pursue.

Explore A.A. and A.S. transfer degrees

What is an A.A.S. degree?

A.A.S. stands for Associate in Applied Science.

Here's the easiest way to remember the difference:

A.A. and A.S. = primarily transfer
A.A.S. = primarily career

CLC offers A.A.S. degrees in many specialized career fields. An A.A.S. combines college-level education with specialized coursework that develops skills for a particular career. A.A.S. degrees are available in business administration, hospitality and culinary management, information technology, digital media and design, welding, HVAC and automation, robotics and mechatronics, among many others.

Depending on the program, your education may include

• labs
• clinical experiences
• specialized equipment
• internships
• apprenticeships
• other hands-on learning

An A.A.S. can be a good fit if your main goal is to:

• enter the workforce after earning your degree
• prepare for a specific occupation
• build specialized technical skills
• advance in a career you're already in

Full-time students typically complete an A.A.S. degree in two years. However, it can take more than two years to earn an A.A.S. in a limited enrollment program. Limited enrollment programs include addictions counseling, medical imaging, dental hygiene, health information technology, nursing, surgical technology and legal studies.

Have questions about a limited enrollment A.A.S. program? Talk to a College and Career Navigator.

Can you transfer with an A.A.S. degree?

Sometimes — and this is where planning matters.

An A.A.S. is not designed to be a transfer degree. So, you shouldn't assume that every course will apply toward a bachelor's degree.

But earning an A.A.S. doesn't necessarily close the door on earning a bachelor's degree.

CLC has transfer opportunities for certain A.A.S. programs and some individual courses within an A.A.S. may transfer. How those credits transfer depends on the program and four-year school. Explore articulation agreements for A.A.S. degrees.

Interested in preparing for a career and eventually earning a bachelor's degree? Tell your College and Career Navigator from the beginning. Planning ahead can help you make choices that support both goals.

Explore A.A.S. career degrees

What if I want career skills in less time?

A degree isn't your only option.

CLC also offers career certificates. These help you develop skills for a specific career without having to complete an entire associate degree.

Depending on the program, certificates can take about four months to 1.5 years to finish. A certificate is a good option if you want to

• enter the workforce quickly
• change careers
• add skills to advance in a job

And a certificate doesn't have to be the end of your education.

Some CLC programs offer stackable credentials. That means some of the college credits you earn for one certificate may also apply toward another certificate or an associate degree.

Think of it as earning concrete accomplishments along the way to achieving a bigger goal.

You get college credentials sooner and stay on your path to earning an associate degree, if you so choose:

Earn a certificate → build your skills → earn another certificate → apply credits toward completing an associate degree

You can stack certificates in many CLC programs. Welding is one of them. You can start with a four-month General Welding Certificate. Then earn specialized certificates or an A.A.S. degree. You also can stack certificates.

Not every certificate works the same way, however. Talk to a College and Career Navigator to learn which credentials stack toward your long-term goal.

Explore career certificates

What is an A.E.S. degree?

A.E.S. stands for Associate in Engineering Science.

Think of this as a specialized transfer degree for future engineers.

CLC's A.E.S. is for students planning to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in areas such as:

• mechanical engineering
• electrical engineering
• civil engineering
• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• computer engineering

The program parallels the first two years of engineering programs at many universities.

Engineering programs often have very specific requirements. Courses required by one university may not be the same as another university.

If engineering is your goal, identify potential transfer schools early. Work with your CLC advisors to build your academic plan and make sure you stay on track.

Explore A.E.S. transfer degree

What is an A.F.A. degree?

A.F.A. stands for Associate in Fine Arts.

The A.F.A. is a specialized transfer degree. It is for students who want to continue studying fine arts at a four-year college or university.

At CLC, students can pursue A.F.A. degrees in areas such as art and music.

Fine arts programs often require students to take a specific sequence of courses in their field. You also may need to complete general education requirements. The specific courses will depend on your intended bachelor's program and transfer school.

Meet each semester with your Academic Success Advisor who can help you choose CLC courses that meet these requirements.

Explore A.F.A. transfer degrees

What are B.A. and B.S. degrees?

B.A. stands for Bachelor of Arts.
B.S. stands for Bachelor of Science.

Both are bachelor's degrees that take about four years of full-time study from start to finish.

You won't earn a B.A. or B.S. directly from CLC. Instead, CLC can help you complete the first part of your general education. Then you'll transfer to a four-year college or university to finish your bachelor's degree.

What's the difference between a B.A. and B.S.?

There isn't one universal answer.

A B.A. often includes a broader liberal arts curriculum, while a B.S. may require more courses focused on science, math, technology or the major itself.

But colleges set their own degree requirements. The same subject might be offered as a B.A. at one university and a B.S. at another.

Rather than choosing based on the letters, look at the courses required for the major at the university you're considering.

Explore transfer planning

Which college degree or certificate is right for me?

You don't need to memorize all the acronyms. Instead, start with your goal.

I want to earn a bachelor's degree.
Explore a transfer degree such as an A.A., A.S., A.E.S. or A.F.A. Your intended bachelor's degree major and transfer school will determine which is best.

I want skills that prepare me for a career.
Explore an A.A.S. career degree or career certificate. The right choice depends on the career you want and how much education and training it requires.

I want to get started quickly and keep building my education.
Look for stackable career certificates. You may be able to earn a credential, put those credits toward another credential and eventually complete an associate degree.

I want career skills now but may want a bachelor's degree later.
An A.A.S. could still be an option. Talk to a College and Career Navigator about your long-term plans before choosing this route.

I want a flexible degree built around my individual goals.
Ask whether an A.G.S. fits your plans. Remember that the A.G.S. may not transfer to a four-year college or university.

I know I want a bachelor's degree but don't know where I want to transfer.
That's OK. CLC can help you explore your options and build a plan.

I don't know what I want to study yet.
That's OK, too. You don't need to have your entire career figured out before asking for help. Explore career paths and program options with your College and Career Navigator.

Start with your goal, not the letters

Choosing a college degree isn't about knowing college jargon. It's about knowing where you want your education to take you.

Your College and Career Navigator (CCN) is your first point of contact at CLC, whether you attend classes in Grayslake, Waukegan or Vernon Hills, Ill. Your CCN will help you:

• explore careers and programs
• understand your degree and certificate options
• choose your first-semester classes
• connect with resources to get started

Once you're taking classes, your Academic Success Advisor (ASA) helps you keep moving toward your goal. Meet with your ASA each semester to

• choose classes for next semester
• map your academic plan
• make sure you're on track to graduate or transfer

Not sure which degree or certificate fits your goals? Talk first to a College and Career Navigator.

Talk to College and Career Navigator

Frequently asked questions

Is an A.A. or A.S. degree better?

Neither is better. Both are transfer degrees at CLC. The right choice depends on what you plan to study. And the requirements of your intended bachelor's program and transfer school.

Is an A.A.S. a college degree?

Yes. An Associate in Applied Science is an associate degree. Unlike the A.A. and A.S., however, it mainly prepares you for a career rather than transfer.

Is a career certificate the same as a degree?

No. Career certificates generally require fewer credits. You also can complete them more quickly than an associate degree. Certificates focus on skills for a particular career or area of expertise. In some CLC programs, you can use certificate credits to help earn an associate degree.

Can I get a bachelor's degree after an associate degree?

Yes. Many students start at a community college. Then they transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor's degree. Choosing the right associate degree and courses can make that transition smoother.

Do I need an associate degree before getting a bachelor's degree?

No. An associate degree is not required before earning a bachelor's degree. But starting at a community college lets you finish part of your bachelor's education before transferring. This can save you considerable money -- up to $33,000 in tuition and fees, according to the 2025 CLC Community Impact Report.

You also may be better prepared for the rigors of university classes. At CLC, you build a strong academic foundation in classes with fewer students. And instructors offer individual support and know you by name.

Can I transfer with an A.A.S. degree?

Maybe. Talk with your Academic Success Advisor to learn what credits transfer. Do not assume credits will apply to your intended bachelor's program.

How long does an associate degree take?

Many associate degrees can be completed in about two years if you attend full time. Your actual timeline depends on your program, course load, prerequisites and other factors.

What's the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree?

An associate degree requires about two years of full-time study. A bachelor's degree typically requires about four. Some associate degrees prepare you to transfer into a bachelor's program. Others prepare you to enter the workforce.

What if I change my mind or want to change majors?

Your plans can change. Talk with your College and Career Navigator or Academic Success Advisor as soon as you have questions about your goals. The earlier and more often you review your academic plan, the easier it is to make informed choices about your courses and degree.

Talk to College and Career Navigator

Artificial intelligence helped organize and summarize this article. Guidance, tips and quotes from CLC experts and students are expressly their own.

Read more

• How to transfer from 2-year to 4-year school
• How to choose a major that works for you
• Your complete guide to understanding and paying for college at CLC