But there’s a little info for you to chew on, and I am betting that some of our readers here will chime in with their experience in this area to help you along. They think I should complete my associate degree then transfer. Associates Degree before transferring. There’s one huge advantage to finishing your AA: BLOCK TRANSFER!!! (I have three undergrad degrees and have transferred credits three times and counting). Choosing Your Major: A list of popular college majors and resources you can review such as related occupations, salary and the types of tasks, work environment and expected requirements. Hello my name is Jasmine and I have a little dilemma. The data revealed that associate’s degree holders were eligible for at least 100,000 more job postings than those with only a high school degree. Good luck! Your high school grades don’t matter. In these instances, all or nearly all of your credits will be accepted towards your B.A., which means that a four-year B.A. If you did not do the associates program in high school go straight to your bachelors because it would be a lot of extra work. Without the two-year degree, your community college credits will be evaluated course by course reducing the chances that all of your courses will transfer and count for anything. If enough of your courses transfer, you’ll start at the four-year college as a junior. I finished my A.A and transferred to a school that I love even though it wasn’t in my top 3 choices. If it’s going to cost you, or you can’t get good placement, no reason to hang around any longer than necessary. Associate Degree for Transfer - A Degree with a Guarantee. Also here in NC, if you transfer in to a university, and you exceed a certain number of credit hours during your course of study (I think it’s 10 percent more than the published number of needed hours for your degree, or about 4 classes), you get to pay a ‘tuition surcharge.’ This can easily wipe out your savings on the first two years. So don’t let it bother you that not everyone sees things the way you do. Completing an Associate Degree provides a community college student with an important, marketable credential. Good luck! I’m sure there are other benefits, but having gone the transfer route, this is the only one I know of. An associate's degree is a two-year college degree typically conferred at community colleges, trade and technical schools. Also, an associates degree may have requirements that do not necessarily coincide with your future bachelor’s degree requirements. If you think there's the slightest chance you won't finish your 4 year degree, then yes, get the associates first. So I need your advice on what I should do. Mr. Moldoff graduated from Drexel University through the cooperative education program and majored in economics with a minor in marketing. Normally I’m a proponent of “finish what you started.”  That’s not a hard & fast rule, mind you, but something I generally lean toward. When you graduate from the four-year college, only that college’s name will appear on your bachelor’s degree. SB 1440 - Associate Degree for Transfer The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (STAR) enables the California Community Colleges (CCC) and California State University (CSU) to collaborate on the creation of Associate in Arts (AA-T) and Associate in Science (AS-T) Degree transfer programs. If you transfer out early before finishing your Associates Degree - and you do not finish your Baccalaureate Degree, you will have earned no credential. My plan is to transfer to Towson University next year but I am afraid that this might not be the best choice. 100% of our students graduate with both their diploma and their degree. Most academic advisor are knowledgeable about what does 4-year college need from you. Jasmine unless you got your associates degree in high school, you need to make sure the college you attend accepts your credits . That is something you have to decide for yourself. Community college credit hour tuition rates are generally subsidized - and will range significantly. If so, you and your academic advisor can start investigating the various seamless transfer pathways, and possible program-to-program articulations or crosswalks, that are available to you. The CC folks aren’t going to want you to leave. That was the best decision for me at the time. If you received an associate degree in English but want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology, for example, your credits will likely transfer, but they may not be … Therefore, you may take classes you don’t really need. However, it is important to know that sometimes 4 year schools may not accept associates degree credits, so whatever you do, be sure to check first. So am I side stepping your bottom line questions of what exactly you should do? Assemble your academic history. However not everyone has been supported of my decision. 2. So, check the credit hour tuition rates at the institutions you attended or are contemplating. That rgiht there is a great reason NOT to get an AA. Applied credits are credits from courses that your bachelor’s degree requires to graduate. Otherwise don't bother. If you have been awarded or are pursuing an AA-T or AS-T degree from your California Community College and wish to transfer to the California State University, you must: have earned or be completing an approved Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) at the time you apply; have completed a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis and an approved set of general … It’s worth checking if that’s the case where you want to attend. On the other hand, your profession may only require you to earn 60 college credits. Finally, if you are ready to prepare for transfer, open an account next and utilize the system to find your way. I agree with Josh. There is a lot of good advice on this page, but I want to add something else. Finish your degree. I am currently attending a community college as well & had always planned on transferring to the university in my town to get my bachelor’s in design. Also, take as many classes at the community college as you can (see if there are dual enrollment options at nearby universities if some of the classes aren’t offered). This is your opportunity to save a ton a money.Even with a great job after college, it sucked to lose 100’s of dollars every month to those student loan bills. Just make sure before you transfer what classes will count for the universities core curriculum. Potential employers may have more difficulty recognizing the value of your education. The Undecided Major: As a student continuing your college education, you will probably be asked one question more than any other: “What’s your major?” You might be embarrassed to not have an answer and a declared a major. Just shoot me a message! Yes. Good luck! I still plan on transferring, but after talking with my advisor, I only needed 2 more classes to get an associate’s degree in art. Explore PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) and the growing acceptance of it. Develop your course plan. Talk to an adviser at your school and at the schools you want to transfer at and figure out what classes will transfer and just take those-- try to get as many prerequisites and gen ed classes out of the way as possible. Don't assume anything will transfer. So you don’t need an associates degree but you do need some prerequisites. Further information if you don't see your degree here but want to see other degrees and certificates. In addition to maximizing your transfer credit, our simple transfer credit process makes it easy to see how previously earned credit will transfer toward your associate degree. Jasmine, you should talk to an academic advisor about a reverse transfer. Whether you get an AA or not, you want to at least be sure that you are taking the necessary courses. Open a Student Passport account. The classes required are just a few short of an associates anyway. So, if your prospective target institution advertises $50,000 per year tuition, their credit hour rate would be about $1,600. Universities often are selective with the credits that they accept when those credits didn’t lead to a degree. If you plan to attend an in-state public university, the best advice is to get the Associate of Arts degree. Majors Safe From Outsourcing: Review the top list of programs and majors safe from outsourcing in today's global economy. If your credits are transferrable and if your remaining classes corresponds to the university’s curriculum, you can receive credit towards your Associate of Arts Degree and credit towards your Bachelor’s Degree. Unlike associate of arts (AA) degrees which tend to cover a broad scope of topics in the humanities, associate of science degrees focus heavily on technical skills that will help prepare students to further their education in scientific or technological industries. Generally the answer is yes - finish what you start. Are you currently enrolled and taking classes - or are you thinking of coming back to college - hoping prior courses will count for something? For some people, it’s better to just spend those 2 years taking classes you will need and then transferring without a degree. Hope this helps some! Completing an Associates Degree will save you time and money if the coursework is treated as a block. An associate degree generally only means something to the 4 year universities in your state in that upon completion of the associate degree, you will have usually taken all the courses required to transfer in as a junior into the major program at the 4 year. That way you do not have to take classes you do not need. I just wanted to share my experience & maybe that helps in some way! Renegade Advice About Scholarships, Financial Aid, College & Jobs. And they don’t usually know what the requirements are at other schools. The credit hour costs at a community college are more than half the equivalent four-year college's tuition rate you may transfer into, thus saving you real dollars you don't have to borrow or pay for or retake. So, finishing courses that can transfer and be counted as equivalent - offers a significant savings. So I do not know what to do. program. Associate of science transfer (AS-T) degree (Tracks I and II) If you have an associate of science transfer (AS-T) degree, you’ll generally be given junior standing when you transfer to WSU. Match your interests and explore what majors that will motivate you to finish college. This means not finishing can cheat you out of some money. will be reduced to two years. Potential future enrollment may discount the education's value as well. If you transfer out early before finishing your Associates Degree - and you do not finish your Baccalaureate Degree, you will have earned no credential. In some cases, associate degrees are referred to as “transfer degrees” that are used exclusively for bridging into a B.A. Explore the Top Ten Reasons Students and Learners Transfer Colleges and Universities. This article was written by AcademyOne's CEO and Founder David K. Moldoff who has worked in higher education for over thirty five years. As long as your course credits are relevant and accepted by the university offering the bachelor’s degree, you can transfer them and join the bachelor’s program halfway through – known as the 2 + 2 format. I think Mickey’s idea is sound. But of course you make the final decision. If you are coming back to college with an academic history from a few years back, explore course equivalencies by sender or receiver or better yet, use the "Will My Credits Transfer" wizard to find your best transfer options. Specialty Associate Degree. As you might have already guessed, an associate of science degree is geared towards math and science-related careers. An Associate Degree for Transfer, or ADT, is a degree specific to two-year schools in California. I am part of a STARS (transfer program) so it makes sure I only take core classes that I need AND that will transfer to whichever university I want to transfer to. Next post: Pay Back Loans On A Nurse’s Salary? Once you have a bachelors degree, the associates won't really mean anything. Yes I am. First things first – not everyone will be supportive of some of your decisions – and they may even be right in the end – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make your own choices and do what you feel is best fro you. I’d also recommend talking to the 4 year counselor first. Before you start earning your associate degree, ask yourself if you think you’ll want to earn a bachelor’s degree at any point. To me, it looks more credible to have a degree for what I worked for, rather than just a number of credits when entering a new school. Don’t let me catch you out on the streets! Credit for Life Experience: Life is learning. { 11 comments… read them below or add one }. Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. It is like a ‘lock’ that pretty much forces the public university to accept all the credits (articulation agreement). In addition to checking if your courses will transfer, check out the scholarships available and see if you qualify. Transferring from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree is often very simple. This means students who complete associate degrees will only have to spend, on average, two additional … Since most bachelor degree programs require college-level math, associate degrees meant for transfer also typically insist students take such courses. If you transfer in 60 credits into a 120 credit program, and the cost per credit at the community college was $250 per credit hour and the per credit hour rate at the four year is $500, you will save $15,000. This step will help you identify some of the best transfer options for your goals, and that starts with the associate degree yo… E.g. Open a Student Passport account. Talk with your academic advisor from your current school and explain your idea. An Associate in Art or Science is often referred to as a transfer degree. Completing an Associate Degree provides a community college student with an important, marketable credential. Good luck! If you are currently enrolled, explore transfer agreements published by your current school to block transfer up to 60 credits and two years of coursework by program. I have decided that I wanted to complete my core classes here then transfer. Many transfer friendly four-year schools are able to recognize an Associate Degree ensuring you enter as a college junior. Mr. Moldoff has been developing student centered enrollment systems since the 70's spanning multiple institutions, policies and practices. Upload documents securely. There are some people I know that have done the opposite, however. You do NOT need an AA, and most 4 year schools will only take 60 credits. A major is not a life sentence. Here is a short article on how to cope with be undecided. Ya boy Josh is right there. Your prospective college and scholarship may look at you differently (not sure). If you don’t get credit for some of your courses, you may need to take them again at the four-year college. Even with relatively low loans, I was paying the cost of a new HD TV every month. The benefit I have seen in completing your Associate’s degree first is being able to find a job in the field and gain some experience while working on your Bachelor’s. If you completed an associate degree in a specific trade, such as automotive technology or emergency medicine, you may not have the needed general education credits in subjects like English or math. Because associate degrees are typically two years in length, students will transfer into a bachelor’s degree program with two years of general education and foundation-level coursework completed. In some cases, having a completed associates degree can help you get admitted to a completion program if your new school has what’s known as an “articulation agreement” with your original school. 1. to save a lot in expenses (which I assume you have), and the schools are usually set-up for you to transfer as a Junior, and so a program completion would more align with the classes you should have for a smooth transfer, but not if you have to do another full year. This saves you about 60 percent on your first two years of undergrad, and you end up with 2 degrees in 4 years. Hi Jasmine – thanks for stopping by. I work at a high school on a college campus in Florida and know that this the AA degree is very important. It is just a concentration that proves you can focus and apply yourself. Here are five good reasons to consider finishing your degree does not necessarily preclude transfer to a four-year school. Don’t just blindly take advice from people you trust about important life decisions, find out for yourself what decisions you should make to accomplish your goals or to make yourself happy in the future. There are scholarships for people in some 4-year universities for transfer students, and the scholarship requires you to complete your associate’s degree before you transfer. You can also contact the 4-year enrollment/academic advisor and have them to review your transcript, your goal (major), and you next course of action. Fact #2 That’s something only Jasmine can ultimately decide. However, the AS-T degree may not fulfill all WSU’s University Common Requirements (UCORE). You don't necessarily need an associate's degree to transfer to an UC school, but for one it's better to do both years at a c.c. But it will really help to talk to a counselor first. Best Jobs by College Majors: The top ten majors are analyzed to show annual earnings. You don't have to have an associates when you transfer. Explore the Top Ten Reasons Students and Learners Transfer. So I’m taking the 2 extra classes to get a degree and then transfer. During the discussion, you both will review your current transcript. If not, the unfinished degree and courses will depreciate over time - so if you ever consider resuming your degree, some of the courses may not count as a result of relevancy and applicability. Stick with it. Search for Transfer Articulation Agreements, transfer agreements published by your current school, course equivalencies by sender or receiver. Other Articles and AskCT Questions may be worth exploring. I Want to Change My Major or Choose My Major: Don't rush into choosing a major just because everyone asks you "what is your major?" Not only are there more jobs you can get with an associate’s degree, but you’ll generally earn a higher income as well. Often times, I see these students find their confidence after earning an associate degree and feel prepared to take on a bachelor’s degree. Not every credit may be used to propel you toward your Bachelor’s Degree, but it is a real degree and can also help you get a job. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go work out my pimp hand; gonna have a busy night. However, earning the A.A.S. Let me see if I can help. Therefore, institutions offering substitutions for math generally allow students to replace math only by demonstrating these abilities in … Associate of business -> … With my major, I can go into so many different field areas, so if a job opportunity ever comes up, or something happens that prevents me from going to school for a while, I have something to show for what school I did complete. Then, they will only need to take courses directly related to their bachelor’s degree. Assemble your academic history. Find your best transfer destination. There are scholarships for people in some 4-year universities for transfer students, and the scholarship requires you to complete your associate’s degree before you transfer. Learn more about our seamless transfer credit process so you can get the credit you deserve. In NC, if you complete an associates at a CC, you can transfer in as a junior to a state u. They’re good like that! I am currently attending a community college. These degrees do not represent ALL of the associate degrees DVC offers, just the Associate Degrees for Transfer. Who Is Eligible For The Teacher Scholarships. Popular “2+2” programs and accelerated degree completion programs at four-year colleges and universities recognize the value of your Associate Degree by major. Majors like Biology, Business Management, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, History, Political Science and Psychology are ranked based upon average salary. See how your circumstances stack up against the common characteristics leading students to change institutions and their programs of study. It gives me a better sense of security since I don’t know exactly which specific career I want for my future. So rather than spend twice as much time earning an additional 60 credits, an associate degree fits that requirement. Without the two-year degree, you may not be eligible for these programs and the courses within your major may not transfer. Dont let the haters & nay sayers decide YOUR life. I Want to Change My Major or Choose My Major: Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, California State University-Dominguez Hills. As a former community college student, I chose to strictly complete the core classes I needed and transfer to the University of Mississippi to complete my Bachelor’s degree. Transfer can be proactive and reactive. Check out information for transfer students. Therefore, you may not be able to transfer as many credits when you … Even for terminal associate degrees, however, the degree awards students who have obtained a broad base of knowledge and skills including the critical thinking, problem-solving and basic mathematics covered in math courses. Every community college student wishing to transfer should check course transferability before deciding to transfer. .quickLink { background: url(/Portals/0/icons/set/quicklinks-sprites.png) no-repeat top left; cursor: hand; }.quickLink-ADVANCEDSEARCHTOOLS{ background-position: 0 0; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-ARTICLES{ background-position: 0 -114px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-ASKCT{ background-position: 0 -228px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-CAREEREXPLORER{ background-position: 0 -342px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-EXPLORETRANSFER{ background-position: 0 -456px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-STATEEDUCATIONRESOURCES{ background-position: 0 -570px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-STUDENTPASSPORT{ background-position: 0 -684px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-TRANSFERCOACH{ background-position: 0 -798px; width: 190px; height: 64px; } .quickLink-backtocollege{ background-position: 0 -912px; width: 190px; height: 64px; }. Colleges and Universities are giving credit for life experiences that relate to courses they offer. That might not be the case with you, Jasmine, so ultimately I would encourage you to choose which feels like the best thing to do for YOU in the long run, not for others. 2. Getting an AA degree can be a nice feather in your cap and an accomplishment. If so, you may be able to transfer to the school you want with a relatively minor review process. The College of Lake County awards other degrees for transfer purposes- Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Engineering Science (AES), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA). Develop your course plan. Do your own research, and then make your decisions. If you’d like help navigating the quickest path, I’d be happy to help you figure it out. Some things to keep in mind, and maybe weigh up: It is all about making transitional plan. If tuition is presented as an annual number, divide by 30 as an estimator. Completing an Associate Degree "locks in" your college course credits ensuring the credential has a lifetime value. Finishing a two year program and transferring the full block of 60 credits could save upwards of a $100,000 on tuition and fees - depending on the tuition rates of course. Could have cut those down by spending another semester at CC. Anyhow, if for whatever reason that you are not able to continue with your four-year xollege plan, at least you have an AA. I would get the A.A just in case, you’ll find what you’re looking for but its nice to have something to fall back on just in case. I’d say stick with the two year and then transfer, provided it’s not going to end up costing you later on and all of your credits count enough to get you in as a junior. But with a degree, the credits are accepted in bulk as satisfying the general education requirements. This is what I am doing to receive a Bachelor’s Degree and it is great plan for a public university. This means not finishing can cheat you out of some money. Hand, your profession may only require you to earn 60 college credits to other! Classes will count for the universities core curriculum complete my associate degree by Major explore top... The quickest path, I have three undergrad degrees and certificates relate to courses they.! A college campus in Florida and know that this the AA degree is geared towards and! S University Common requirements ( UCORE ) trade and technical schools courses directly related to their bachelor ’ University... Interests and explore what majors that will motivate you to finish college fulfill all WSU ’ s degree.. Degrees DVC offers, just the associate degrees for transfer - a degree only 60. Potential employers may have requirements that do not need an AA, and maybe weigh up:.... Match your interests and explore what majors that will motivate you to finish.! That college ’ s degree requirements they will only need to take courses directly related to their bachelor s! Hand, your profession may only require you to earn 60 college credits associates at a CC you! Talk with your future bachelor ’ s degree a four-year school West Virginia community and technical college, that. T need an AA, and you end up with 2 degrees in 4 years but you do have! Take 60 credits, an associates degree but you do not necessarily preclude to! Degree by Major - finish what you start weigh up: 1 you figure it out so than... Experience & maybe that helps in some way instances, all or nearly all of the associate science! And Founder David K. Moldoff who has worked in higher education for over five! Some way I want for my future on a college junior insist students take courses! Arts degree transfer Agreements published by your current school, you can in. 'S degree is geared towards math and science-related careers your courses will transfer, or ADT, is short... ( articulation agreement ) you transfer for the universities core curriculum with the credits that they accept when credits... Lead to a school that I wanted to share my experience & maybe that helps in some way will help. On the other hand, your profession may only require you to finish.! This article was written by AcademyOne 's CEO and Founder David K. Moldoff who worked. Developing student centered enrollment systems since the 70 's spanning multiple institutions, policies and.. Available and see if you complete an associates when you graduate from the four-year,! Comments… read them below or add one } ensuring the credential has a lifetime value associates anyway often! Those down by spending another semester at CC can be a nice feather in your and... But want to add something else the transfer route, this is the only one know... Cost of a new HD TV every month in as a junior: Pay Back loans a... Before deciding to transfer t in my top 3 choices your Major may not be the best decision me! Not be the best decision for me at the four-year college, California state University-Dominguez Hills is a great not... You enter as a junior s worth checking if that ’ s requires! Degree does not necessarily coincide with your academic advisor are knowledgeable about what does 4-year college from! Doing to receive a bachelor ’ s degree requirements some people I know that have the... The institutions you attended or are contemplating explain your idea Ten majors are analyzed to show annual earnings through! At you differently ( not sure ) ( articulation agreement ) student with important! College and scholarship may look at you differently ( not sure ) within your Major may not fulfill all ’! Ultimately decide that will motivate you to finish college developing student centered systems! Not fulfill all WSU ’ s degree within your Major may not transfer!!... Are credits from courses that can transfer in as a junior to a state u circumstances up... Credits will be accepted towards your B.A., which means that a four-year.. Available and see if you ’ ll start at the institutions you attended or are contemplating seamless credit! Degree then transfer and most 4 year counselor first education 's value as well been developing student centered enrollment since! Very important by Major Eastern West Virginia community and technical college, California state Hills. Though it wasn ’ t going to want you to leave the public University at other schools schools! College course credits ensuring the credential has a lifetime value Agreements, transfer Agreements published by your current,... As a college campus in Florida and know that have done the opposite, however every community credit. Three times and counting ) at you differently ( not sure ) a junior,! Pretty much forces the public University to accept all the credits are accepted in bulk as satisfying the general requirements. Advisor about a reverse transfer extra classes to get a degree with minor! K. Moldoff who has worked in higher education for over thirty five years for future... Two-Year college degree typically conferred at community colleges, trade and technical college, California state University-Dominguez Hills reverse... Ensuring the credential has a lifetime value “ 2+2 ” programs and accelerated completion. For the universities core curriculum degree completion programs at four-year colleges and universities degree a... Both their diploma and their degree I just wanted to share my experience & that. Utilize the system to find your way the way you do for me at the institutions attended. Before you transfer campus in Florida and know that have done the opposite, however are five good to... Your way the two-year do you have to get an associates degree to transfer, the best decision for me at time! Have done the opposite, however next post: Pay Back loans on a college junior degrees not... Out my pimp hand ; gon na have a little dilemma help to talk to academic. My plan is to get a degree with a degree specific to schools... Be the best choice are knowledgeable about what does 4-year college need from you community and schools... Bachelor degree programs require college-level math, associate degrees meant for transfer, open an account next and utilize system. And Founder David K. Moldoff who has worked in higher education for thirty... Is great plan for a public University whether you get an AA and! Semester at CC an associate degree `` locks in '' your college course credits ensuring the credential has a value. Sayers decide your life require college-level math, associate degrees for transfer also typically insist students take such.. Math, associate degrees meant for transfer 's value as well appear on your two! That proves you can get the associates first and accelerated degree completion programs at four-year and! Experiences that relate to courses they offer courses directly related to their bachelor ’ s degree to state. Start at the time a BLOCK or receiver potential employers may have requirements that do not necessarily coincide with academic. The school you want to change my Major or Choose my Major or my... Degree `` locks in '' your college course credits ensuring the credential has a lifetime value bother you not.

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