Enrolling in a degree program or university is always a major decision and can determine your career path. One of the most significant decisions you’ll make, in addition to your major and job, is deciding which type of degree is right for you.
You may want to compare associate’s vs. bachelor’s degrees before you join our online and fully accredited university, and here are some things to consider:
Both Degrees Have Varying Program Lengths
Generally, associate degrees span over two years and have fewer courses and credit hours to complete. However, if you enroll in a bachelor’s degree, you will need at least four years to complete all coursework and credit hours. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree may finish sooner if you take extra courses and credits in the summer or enroll in an accelerated program, and in others, it may take longer.
Bachelor’s Degrees Tend to Be More Comprehensive
When looking at an associate’s vs. bachelor’s degree, one of the biggest differences to think about is the load and coursework you’ll have. An associate’s degree will provide intermediate-level skills, technical knowledge, and a basic overview of your chosen field or discipline. However, a bachelor’s degree will expand on the subject holistically, going over different aspects in more depth, testing and challenging your grasp of the subject.
Certain Jobs and Careers May Have Varying Requirements
While a bachelor’s degree is definitely a higher qualification and can qualify you for many career opportunities and roles, an associate’s degree also has its benefits. If you’re pursuing a career path with fewer entry-level requirements, such as a high school diploma, a two-year degree makes you a stronger candidate and allows you to go back to school in the future. You can kickstart your career and work sooner, saving more time than the average undergraduate student.
While bachelor’s degrees cost more, the earning potential is also higher. However, if you plan to work for yourself, or you’re in a field where the level of education is only a small factor in career growth, you thrive even with an associate’s degree.
Deciding between an Associate’s vs. Bachelor’s degree really boils down to your personal goals and aspirations, career requirements, and educational demands. Fortunately, you can explore programs and options through our fully online accredited university. We also offer many shorter online certificate programs that can help you explore different career paths.
