Currently researching Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and noticed they offer AA degrees. Can anyone give me some insight into what those degrees are like and how they compare to regular bachelor's degrees?
AA degrees, or Associate of Arts degrees, are typically two-year degrees offered by community colleges like Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). SBCC offers a variety of AA degrees in different fields, such as art, communication studies, liberal arts, music, and more.
The main differences between an AA degree and a bachelor's degree are duration, depth, and overall course load. AA degrees are more focused on general education and providing foundational knowledge in a specific area of study, whereas bachelor's degrees go further in-depth in a chosen field and often require elective courses that support the major.
Associate degrees can serve several purposes. For some, they may offer an affordable way to obtain higher education or vocational training, leading to entry-level jobs in their field of study. Others may use an AA degree as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree (called a 2+2 program), often with a more competitive application.
In a 2+2 program, students complete their general education requirements and some lower-division major coursework at a community college (like SBCC), and then transfer to a four-year institution to finish their remaining coursework and complete their bachelor's degree. Many community colleges, including SBCC, have articulation agreements with local and regional universities where the courses taken will seamlessly transfer to the four-year college, ensuring that the credits earned will apply directly towards the bachelor's degree. This option often results in significant financial savings for students compared to directly attending a four-year college for all four years.
Ultimately, AA degrees are valuable options for those looking to explore a particular area of study, gain job-specific skills, or pursue a more cost-effective route towards a bachelor's degree. Keep in mind, though, that the job market can be more competitive for those with associate degrees compared to those with bachelor's degrees, depending on the specific field and position. To decide which path is right for you, consider your educational and career goals, as well as your financial situation.
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