An Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed for students who will ultimately be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at a four-year college/university.
While certain courses are recommended, the requirements are essentially the basic first year and second year offerings appropriate for the first two years of many baccalaureate degree programs. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements of the program will be eligible to receive the associate of science degree.
The Associate of Science Field of Study: Computer Science is an academic transfer degree designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution and ultimately work professionally in areas centered around computer science.
The Biology Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution and ultimately work professionally in areas centered around biology.
The Biomedical Engineering (BME) Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering.
The Civil Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
The Electrical Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering.
The Industrial Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering.
The Mechanical Engineering Associate of Science is an academic transfer degree designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
An Associate of Science (AS) degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded after completing 2 years of full-time study at a community college, technical school, or bachelor’s degree granting college or university in the United States.
In this comprehensive guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about Associate of Science degrees including
- What is an AS degree?
- Types of AS degrees
- AS degree requirements
- AS vs AA degree
- Benefits of an AS degree
- AS degree jobs and salaries
- FAQs about AS degrees
Let’s get started!
What is an Associate of Science Degree?
An Associate of Science degree is an undergraduate academic degree that focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and career-oriented majors. It typically takes 2 years of full-time study to complete.
AS degrees aim to give students foundational knowledge and skills for entering STEM careers or for transferring to 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in STEM fields.
They are most commonly awarded by community colleges, technical colleges, and some 4-year colleges.
AS degrees sit between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in terms of educational attainment. They are less specialized than a bachelor’s degree but more in-depth than a high school diploma.
Some key facts about Associate of Science degrees:
- Primarily focused on STEM fields
- Requires 60 credits of coursework
- Takes 2 years of full-time study
- Offered at community colleges, technical colleges, some 4-year colleges
- Considered an undergraduate academic credential
Next, let’s look at the various types of AS degrees available.
Types of Associate of Science Degrees
There are many different AS degree programs to choose from. Common types of Associate of Science degrees include:
- General AS: Provides broad overview of science topics; for transferring to 4-year programs
- Engineering AS: Foundational engineering courses; transfers to bachelor’s engineering
- Computer Science AS: Intro computer science courses; transfers to BS in CS
- Nursing AS: Prepares for RN licensure exam; direct path to healthcare jobs
- Biology AS: Biology, chemistry courses for science careers or transfer
- Business AS: Combines science, math, business; transfers to BBAs
- Criminal Justice AS: Intro law enforcement & admin of justice courses
- Kinesiology AS: Foundations of exercise science, physical therapy, and kinesiology
The degree title usually specifies the general field of study, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
Now let’s look at the requirements to earn an Associate of Science degree.
Associate of Science Degree Requirements
While specific requirements vary by school, AS degrees generally require completing 60 semester credit hours (or 90 quarter credit hours) of coursework.
Typical AS degree requirements include:
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General education: English, math, humanities, social sciences, public speaking, etc. Makes up about 1/3 of credits.
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Major requirements: Introductory courses in chosen AS major like biology, engineering, CS, etc. Makes up about 1/3 of credits.
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Electives: Students choose additional courses related or unrelated to major. Makes up remaining credits.
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GPA minimum: Most schools require minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate.
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Credit residency: Certain number of credits must be from degree granting institution.
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Standardized exams: Schools may require exams like TOEFL for nonnative English speakers.
Fulfilling these requirements proves a well-rounded education and foundations in the major. Next let’s compare the AS to a similar degree.
AS Degree vs AA Degree
Associate of Arts (AA) degrees are the main alternative to AS degrees. The key differences are:
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AS: Focuses on STEM and technical fields
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AA: Focuses on humanities, social sciences, liberal arts
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AS: Direct path to technical careers or BS/BA transfer
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AA: Direct path to careers or BA transfer
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AS: More math and lab science requirements
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AA: More flexible curriculum
Students should choose based on their academic interests and career aspirations. Both provide a solid undergraduate foundation though!
Now let’s look at 5 great benefits of earning an AS degree.
5 Benefits of Earning an Associate of Science Degree
Here are some of the top advantages of getting an AS degree:
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Quicker path – Takes just 2 years allowing faster entry into the workforce.
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More affordable – Community college tuition is thousands less than 4-year universities.
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Specialized skills – Develop in-demand expertise for STEM careers.
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Credits transfer – Most credits transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.
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Higher pay – AS graduates earn more than those with just a high school diploma.
In addition to these benefits, AS degrees allow trying out a field before committing to a bachelor’s degree. They also demonstrate competence to employers.
Next let’s explore some of the many careers accessible with an Associate of Science degree.
Jobs and Salaries with an AS Degree
An Associate of Science degree opens doors to lots of promising career options, particularly in healthcare and technology.
Here are some typical AS degree jobs and their median salaries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Radiologic Technologist – $64,340
- Paralegal – $56,610
- Web Developer – $77,200
- Respiratory Therapist – $61,330
- Cardiovascular Technologist – $57,570
- Occupational Therapy Assistant – $63,420
- Electrical Engineering Technician – $68,310
As you can see, an AS degree can lead to well-paying, stable careers, especially in growing healthcare and tech fields.
The hands-on technical skills gained also make AS graduates highly employable.
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Associate of Science degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an AS degree a bachelor’s degree?
No, an Associate of Science degree is not considered a bachelor’s degree. It is an undergraduate credential between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s.
What’s the difference between AS and BS degrees?
AS degrees take 2 years to complete while bachelor of science (BS) degrees take 4 years. AS degrees are more broad while BS degrees specialize in a major. Credits often transfer from AS to BS programs.
Is an AS good for pre-med?
Yes, an AS degree with relevant coursework can fulfill many medical school prerequisites. However, most pre-med students pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Does AS transfer to university?
In most cases, credits earned in an AS degree program will transfer to a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year university. However, students should verify transferability.
Is an AS degree useless?
No, an AS degree can open doors to well-paying STEM careers or transfer to more advanced degrees. While less versatile than a bachelor’s, AS degrees have many benefits.
The Bottom Line
To wrap up, an Associate of Science degree provides undergraduate education in science and technical disciplines. Offered by community colleges and some 4-year schools, AS degrees take 2 years to complete with 60 credits.
They allow developing specialized skills for STEM careers or transferring to bachelor’s programs. Though less advanced than a bachelor’s, AS degrees have many advantages like affordability and quicker completion.
So for launching or advancing many careers, an Associate of Science degree can be a strategic educational choice and valuable credential.
Learn More About This Program First Name
Lone Star College is an open-enrollment institution. Most students are accepted once they have completed the admissions process.
Lone Star College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College to award Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees.
General Associate Degree Requirements
Within five years of initial enrollment in credit courses at LSC, a student may graduate according to the catalog degree requirements in effect at the time of first enrollment or any subsequent catalog degree requirements provided the degree, the program, and requisite courses are still being offered. Course prerequisite changes need to be followed.
If a student fails to complete within five years all degree requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment, the student will be required to graduate under a catalog not older than five years. The five year initial enrollment period for specialized admissions programs begins upon acceptance into the program. Exception to this requirement may be approved in extenuating circumstances by the instructional vice president.
Students whose first year of enrollment in credit courses is prior to fall 1993 may graduate according to requirements in effect at that time provided the degree, the program, and requisite courses are still being offered.
- At least 60 semester hours of earned credit, 18 of which must be courses taken at LSCS and apply to the degree. Courses transferred from regionally-accredited institutions will be evaluated and applied to degree requirements if:
- At least a grade of D was earned.
- The cumulative GPA of the transfer courses applied to the degree or certificate must be at least a 2.00.
- AAS graduates may be required to demonstrate skills/proficiencies in the discipline.
- Satisfaction of core competency requirements.
- At least a 2.0 cumulative GPA for LSCS courses applying toward their degree requirements.
- A cumulative 2.0 GPA on all credit courses earned at LSCS (graduation GPA).
- Completion of LSCS Student Success Initiative requirements (college level reading and writing, and at least completion of Math 0308) even if students are exempt from the Texas Success Initiative.
- Completed formal application for graduation on or before the announced deadline.
- All transcripts on file and all financial obligations to the college complete, including all records cleared in the library.
| Communication | 6 Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL | 1301 -and one of the following- | |
| SPCH1 | 1311, 1315, 1318, 1321 | |
| Mathematics | 6 Credits | |
| MATH | 1314, 1316, 13242, 1325, 1332, 1342, 13502,13512, 2318, 24123, 24133, 24143, PHIL 2303 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences | 16 Credits | |
| BIOL | 1406 -or- 1408, 1407 -or- 1409, 1414, 2401, 2402, 2404, 2406, 2420, 2421 | |
| CHEM | 1405, 1407, 1411, 1412, 2423, 2425 | |
| ENVR | 1401, 1402 | |
| GEOL | 1401, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1445 | |
| PHYS | 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1410, 2425, 2426 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 Credits | |
| ARTS | 1301, 1303, 1304 | |
| DANC | 2303 | |
| DRAM | 1310, 2366 | |
| MUSI | 1306, 1307, 1310 | |
| Language, Philosophy, & Culture | 3 Credits | |
| ENGL | 2322, 2323, 2327, 2328, 2332, 2333, 2341, 2351 | |
| HUMA | 1301, 1302, 1305, 1311, 2319 | |
| PHIL | 1301, 1304, 2306, 2307, 2316, 2321 | |
| ARAB | 2311, 2312 | |
| CHIN | 2311, 2312 | |
| FREN | 2311, 2312 | |
| GERM | 2311, 2312 | |
| ITAL | 2311, 2312 | |
| JAPN | 2311, 2312 | |
| SGNL | 2301, 2302 | |
| SPAN | 2311, 2312, 2313, 2315 | |
| History | 6 Credits | |
| HIST4 | 1301, 1302, 2301 | |
| Government | 6 Credits | |
| GOVT | 2305 -and- 2306 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences | 3 Credits | |
| ANTH | 2301, 2351 | |
| CRIJ | 1301, 1307 | |
| ECON | 2301, 2302 | |
| GEOG | 1301, 1303 | |
| GOVT | 2304, 2311 | |
| HIST | 2311, 2312, 2321, 2322 | |
| PSYC | 2301 | |
| SOCI | 1301, 1306 | |
| Component Area Option | 4 Credits | |
| ENGL | Either 1302 -or- 2311-and- | |
| PHED | 1164 | |
| Electives | 7 Credits | |
| Choose elective courses based on university requirements if transferring | ||
| Associate of Science (AS) Degree Program Total | 60 Credits |
|---|---|
Footnotes |
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Credits earned at Lone Star College transfer to any public college or university in the state. Start smart with 2+2 (2 years at LSC and 2 years at the University of your choice) and get the first two years of your Bachelors degree without the high-cost. Before you make your decision, make sure you:
- Meet with an advisor to choose the right degree plan
- Research colleges & universities
- Complete their admissions application on time
The key to success and to minimizing stress is planning ahead. LSC has transfer agreements with dozens of colleges and universities across Texas. These transfer guides, 2 + 2 agreements, and equivalency guides will show you the LSC courses that fulfill bachelor degree requirements at the institutions listed.
Want to speak with someone in person? No problem. All seven of our campuses have transfer centers that offer one-on-one appointments, workshops, university visits and resources for parents. Find the transfer center that is closest to you:
Figuring out how to pay for college is one of the toughest parts of earning a degree but attending LSC is an affordable option for most students. Tuition rates are based on residency and you can get an estimate of your costs by using our LSC Tuition & Fees chart.
Average full-time tuition is $862 per semester.
Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. There are several types of financial aid available to LSC students and financial aid packages may include more than one type of award.
