Board Announces Developing a Plan for Closure

The Board of Trustees of Eastern Nazarene College today announced it has voted unanimously to begin the process of closing ENC and transitioning it into a new educational enterprise that will carry on ENC’s legacy of providing a transformational education that equips diverse students to lead and serve our world as agent of Christ’s love and truth.

read more

What Can I Do With an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree?

May 16, 2024

What Can I Do with an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree?

Benefits, Comparison, Careers

The flexible nature of an Associate of Arts (AA) degree can be a perfect launchpad to your dream career. For some undergraduate students, an AA degree might even make more sense than a bachelor’s degree, depending on your goals and when you’d like to start your career.

In this article, we’ll look at what you can do with an AA degree, the benefits, and some potential careers you could begin after graduation.

What Is An Associate of Arts Degree?

An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two-year undergraduate college degree that provides a foundation in general education subjects like English, history, social sciences, and math. You’ll also develop essential skills like:

  • Writing
  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

At the same time, AA degrees allow you to take introductory courses in different fields to discover your passions and refine your academic path. It’s a great foundation for eventually earning a bachelor’s degree.

For maximum flexibility, many AA degrees, like the Associate of Arts in General Studies at ENC are offered online to allow students to work while they study.

What Can You Do with an Associate of Arts Degree?

An AA degree basically sets you up for two paths: to explore a few fields and eventually choose a bachelor’s degree to enroll in or to enter the workforce right away.

Because of this, an AA degree is most ideal for:

  • Recent High School Graduates: Recent high school graduates can explore different subjects and solidify their interests before committing to a four-year degree.
  • Adults Seeking A Career Change: Career changers may need to acquire certain skills or knowledge to enter a new field or earn a relevant degree to pivot into a new industry.
  • Individuals Seeking Skill Development: An AA degree can also provide targeted knowledge and abilities to advance in your current career.

AA Degree vs. Certificate vs. Bachelor’s Degree

There are two major differences between an Associate of Arts degree, a certificate, and a bachelor’s degree: the time required for completion and the type of coursework you’ll take.

  • Certificates offer highly targeted training for specific skills within a particular field. They’re ideal for those seeking quick job-ready qualifications and include little to no exploration or liberal arts studies.
  • Associate of Arts degrees provide a broader foundation in the liberal arts while allowing some exploration within a chosen field. This makes them a good option for those who want to develop well-rounded skills in a year or two and have the flexibility to either start working or transfer those credits toward a bachelor’s degree later.
  •  Bachelor’s degrees delve deep into a specific major, providing comprehensive knowledge and specialized skills. They typically require four years of full-time study.

What Jobs Can I Get with an AA Degree?

Think an Associate of Arts degree might be right for you? Awesome! But you’re probably wondering what careers you can do once you graduate.

Here are some examples:

  • Business: Marketing Assistant, Human Resources Assistant, Customer Service Representative
  • Education: Teacher’s Aide, Childcare Provider
  • Technology: Web Developer Assistant, Network Support Specialist, Graphic Designer
  • Public Service: Administrative Assistant, Social Service Aide

Remember, an AA degree can also be your first step towards earning a bachelor’s degree, opening doors to even more career opportunities. You could work for a few years and then go back to school later if you wanted to.

Learn more about the Associate of Arts in General Studies at Eastern Nazarene College today!