What is a basic AA degree called?
Asked by: Maximus Rosenbaum | Last update: March 7, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (22 votes)
A general associate's degree is most commonly called an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS), focusing on broad liberal arts or STEM foundations for transfer to a four-year university, though some schools offer an Associate of General Studies (AGS) for a mix of subjects, or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) for technical fields, but AA/AS are the typical "general" transfer degrees.
What is a regular AA degree called?
Associate of Arts (AA)
What are the 4 types of degrees?
The four main types of college degrees, in ascending order of study, are Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral (or professional) degrees, each representing increasing levels of specialization and academic achievement, from foundational two-year programs to the highest research-focused qualifications.
What's the easiest Associate's degree?
The easiest associate degrees often fall under Liberal Arts, General Studies, Communications, and Psychology, focusing on critical thinking, writing, and social sciences rather than advanced math or hard sciences, making them flexible for transfer or starting careers in fields like education, marketing, or human resources. Other popular, accessible options include Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, and IT/Computer Information Systems, offering broad applicability or online flexibility, says Research.com, University of the People and College Educated.
What is the most common AA degree?
What is the most common associate degree? The most common associate degree programs are in liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Health professions and related programs are the second-most common associate degree programs.
Different Types Of Degrees Explained: (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, and Professional)
What degrees is Gen Z getting?
The big reveal… what are the most popular majors we're seeing?
- Business administration & management. ...
- Engineering & computer science. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Environmental science. ...
- Sociology. ...
- Education.
Who makes $30 an hour without a degree?
Many skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, welders), tech roles (IT support, data analysts), healthcare support (PT assistants, sonographers), and logistics/transportation (truck drivers, distribution managers, air traffic controllers) offer $30/hour or more without a traditional degree, often requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. Roles in sales (real estate), finance (loan officers, underwriters), and specialized services (elevator mechanics, home inspectors) also provide pathways to this wage.
What is the most useful associates degree?
Other valuable associate degrees to consider: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Air Traffic Controller, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radiation Therapist, Nuclear Technician and many more.
Can I get an AA in one year?
Yes, you can get an associate degree in a year by enrolling in accelerated programs, taking heavy course loads (including summer/winter sessions), transferring in prior college credits, or using credit-by-exam options like CLEP, but it requires intense focus, time management, and often means taking more than the standard 15-16 credits per semester.
What is the lowest type of degree?
College degrees in order from lowest to highest:
- Associate Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Doctoral Degree.
What degree is most employable?
STEM degrees, especially in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, lead across all key employment metrics, offering low unemployment rates, high starting salaries, and long-term demand. Healthcare fields also rank highly, with nursing topping the list due to its exceptional job security and national demand.
What is the order of degree titles?
Order of Listing
College degrees first (M.D., Ph. D., D.O., MPH, MBA, MA, MS, BS, BA, AS, AA, etc.). In most cases, an advanced degree replaces 2- and 4-year degrees, so it would not be appropriate to list, Jane Doe, BS, MS, Ph.
Do employers value an AA degree?
Many employers value practical skills and certifications, making these associate's degrees particularly valuable for career changers or those looking to enter the workforce quickly.
Is there another name for an Associate's degree?
All acronyms represent different names for associate degrees. AA stands for Associate of Arts, AS stands for Associate of Science, and AAS stands for Associate of Applied Science.
What is better, AA or AAS?
Neither an AA (Associate of Arts) nor AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree is inherently "better"; they serve different goals, with the AA focusing on liberal arts for transfer to a bachelor's degree (e.g., teaching, humanities) and the AAS emphasizing practical skills for immediate workforce entry (e.g., nursing, IT, trades), making the best choice dependent on your career plans. Choose AA for broader education and transfer, or AAS for specific job training.
What is the easiest associate's degree?
The easiest associate degrees often fall under Liberal Arts, General Studies, Communications, and Psychology, focusing on critical thinking, writing, and social sciences rather than advanced math or hard sciences, making them flexible for transfer or starting careers in fields like education, marketing, or human resources. Other popular, accessible options include Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, and IT/Computer Information Systems, offering broad applicability or online flexibility, says Research.com, University of the People and College Educated.
What jobs pay 100K a year with an associate's degree?
Yes, many associate degree jobs can pay $100k+, especially in healthcare, tech, and skilled trades, with roles like Nuclear Technicians, Radiation Therapists, Air Traffic Controllers, Dental Hygienists, Instrumentation Technologists, and high-level sales positions often reaching or exceeding that income with experience, certifications, or in high-demand areas. Roles in engineering technology (like Aerospace or Electrical), health information technology, and skilled trades (like linemen or elevator technicians) also offer strong earning potential.
What is a quick degree that pays well?
For quick, high-paying degrees, focus on tech (IT, Software Dev), healthcare (Nursing, Techs), and business (Accounting, Management), often through accelerated Associate's Degrees or focused Bachelor's Programs, leading to roles like Nurse, IT Specialist, Air Traffic Controller, or Software Developer with strong earning potential, especially with experience or specialization.
What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?
Yes, jobs paying $400,000 without a degree exist, notably Walmart Supercenter Managers, who can earn that much with bonuses and stock, but other paths include high-stakes sales, software development, commercial real estate, skilled trades (like power plant operators), and successful entrepreneurship/influencing, all requiring expertise and performance over formal education.
Does Chick-fil-A pay $20 an hour?
Yes, many Chick-fil-A locations, especially in higher-cost areas like California, pay $20 an hour or even more for starting team members, though wages vary significantly by location and role, with some starting lower and leadership positions earning more. For instance, California fast-food law made $20/hour a minimum for some, leading to higher local pay, while some restaurants advertise starting wages at or above this, notes ZipRecruiter.
What jobs pay $2000 a day?
Earning $2,000 daily usually involves high-income skills or scaling businesses, with options like specialized freelancing (consulting, web design, high-ticket sales), digital products (courses, printables), e-commerce (dropshipping, flipping), or high-demand gig work (AI training, specialized rentals), often requiring significant upfront effort or existing expertise to reach that level quickly, with some options taking months or years to become consistent.
What jobs pay $400 an hour?
400 per hour jobs
- Journeyman Electrician $36.28 - $43.19 per hour ** NO TRAVEL REQUIRED. ...
- LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT FLEX. ...
- LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT Nights/Weekends. ...
- LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - FT Nights. ...
- LPN Long Term Care (LTC) (Straight Nights) ...
- LPN/RN LTC (PT Night)
What is the #1 dream job?
The number one dream job globally, based on recent studies analyzing search trends, is a Pilot, appealing for travel and competitive pay, while in the U.S., it can vary, with roles like Flight Attendant or Real Estate Agent appearing high, and other popular dreams include Attorney, Nurse, Police Officer.
What is the #1 easiest major?
There's no single #1 easiest major, as it depends on your skills, but Psychology, Communications, English, and Education consistently rank high for perceived ease due to less demanding technical requirements, focusing more on writing, soft skills, and human behavior. These majors often feature high GPAs and manageable coursework compared to STEM fields, offering broad career paths in fields like social work, marketing, public relations, and teaching.