Is there any point in getting an AA?

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In summary: Meghan DIn summary, an AA from a community college may be useful if you plan to transfer. It won't do you any good if you're planning to complete a bachelor's degree, but it might help you get certain kinds of jobs.
  • #1
dkotschessaa
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So I've been in and out of school for years now. I plan on pursuing at least a masters - I'm one year away from a bachelor's degree.

But i have a zillion credits - kind of all over the place. I realized I might be eligible to get an AA from my university. I think I meet all the requirements and would just have to fill out an applications or something.

Might there be any point to this aside from making me feel materially rewarded for having all those credits? I mean it's not like I don't plan to graduate anyway. But dammit, I have so much schooling, I feel like I should have something to show for it - if it's just a personal thing. Am I being stupid?

-Dave K
 
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Associate of the Arts.
 
  • #4
dkotschessaa said:
But i have a zillion credits - kind of all over the place. I realized I might be eligible to get an AA from my university.

Are you in the US? In the US, universities don't give AA degrees. Community colleges give AA degrees.

No, an AA won't do you any good if you're planning to complete a bachelor's. It might help you get certain kinds of jobs if you dropped out and didn't complete the bachelor's.

Did you attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year school, where you're now enrolled?
 
  • #5
bcrowell said:
Are you in the US? In the US, universities don't give AA degrees. Community colleges give AA degrees.

No, an AA won't do you any good if you're planning to complete a bachelor's. It might help you get certain kinds of jobs if you dropped out and didn't complete the bachelor's.

Did you attend a community college and then transfer to a four-year school, where you're now enrolled?

My university does offer an AA. It's an obscure little thing they have tucked away amongst the things they offer (http://www.ugs.usf.edu/catalogs/9798/aacert.htm)

Yeah, I know it's probably useless. It's more of a personal thing.

I have:

Credits from community college (about 12 years ago) in general studies
Credits from another college (about 10 years ago) in music
Now all the humanities and math for my current degree from this school. I just have so many credits. I feel like I should have something to show for it. It's silly, I know.

-Dave K
 
  • #6
If all it is is an application, why not?
 
  • #7
One plays where this may useful is if you plan to transfer. At some places it's easier to transfer in a whole AA than course-by-course. But since this piles up assumption on assumption, so I wouldn't argue this is necessarily a good reason to go down this path.
 
  • #8
It's kind of a whimsical thing. I don't think I'll be pursuing it. Perhaps if I knew I wasn't going to finish, it would be something for a resume besides "Some college." I was just wondering what people thought.
 
  • #9
If it doesn't take much effort, I say go for it.

I earned my AA at a community college. I didn't technically need it when I transferred to my 4-year school, but it was a big morale booster for me when I needed a "win." Also, I don't feel that having the AA has hurt me in any way at all. I can't recall, but I may have been asked about it when I interviewed for grad programs (biology), but I was accepted to multiple schools, so it couldn't have been a negative.
 

1. Is getting an AA degree worth it?

It depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. An AA degree can provide a solid foundation for further education or entry-level job opportunities.

2. What are the benefits of getting an AA degree?

An AA degree can demonstrate to employers that you have completed a certain level of education and have a basic understanding of a particular subject area. It can also serve as a stepping stone to a higher degree.

3. Can I transfer my AA degree to a 4-year university?

Yes, many community colleges have agreements with 4-year universities that allow students to transfer credits and continue their education. However, it is important to research and plan carefully to ensure that your AA degree will transfer smoothly.

4. How long does it take to earn an AA degree?

The length of time can vary depending on how many credits you take each semester and whether you attend school full-time or part-time. Typically, it takes about 2 years to complete an AA degree.

5. What types of AA degrees are available?

AA degrees are available in a variety of subject areas, including but not limited to liberal arts, business, healthcare, and technology. It is important to choose a degree that aligns with your interests and career goals.

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