Associate's or Bachelor's Degree First?
Should I Earn an Associate's Degree First, or Just Go for a Bachelor's Degree?
There Are 3 Types of People in This World…
Actually, there are all types of people in this world — certainly more than 3. But for the purpose of this question, let's say there are 3 groups of students:
- Some students enroll in a bachelor's degree program without any preparation (besides high school.)
- Other students enroll in an associate's degree program first. They intend to start a bachelor's degree after they graduate.
- And then there's a third group of students, who only want an associate's degree.
Which group should you join? The answer depends on your current situation and your professional goals. The following bullets can help you decide.
Reasons to Start with a Bachelor's Degree
You're certain about your career direction
If you have a solid career ambition, and your career requires a bachelor's degree, there's no reason to divide your undergraduate education into 2 parts. You should head straight for a bachelor's degree program. This way, you won't risk any lost credits (see below.)
You've mapped out a financial plan
Paying for college is never easy, but it is possible. If you've investigated the costs and you're prepared to do the legwork — completing your FAFSA online, saving a portion of your income, applying for private loans, etc — then you're equipped to start your BA or BS.
You're determined to graduate
Bachelor's degrees usually require 40 courses, more or less. Some of them will be easy and others might prove challenging. If you have a plan for staying motivated when things get tough, then you're ready to tackle this degree.
You don't want to risk any "lost" credits
If you earn your associate's degree at one college, and transfer to a new college for your bachelor's degree, there's a chance that you'll have to take a few extra classes. Your new school might not accept all of your previous credits. Or, your new school might have institutional requirements — classes that are specific to the institution. Either way, you can minimize the risk by attending the same school for both your associate's degree and your bachelor's degree.
Reasons to Earn an Associate's Degree First
You aren't sure about the career you want to pursue
It's not unusual to be undecided about your career — even if you've already been working for 10 or 20 years. Sometimes we second guess our career plans, because we're afraid to try and fail. Other times, we overlook the ways in which certain job titles match up with our most obvious skills and interests.
If you're not sure, or if you simply don't know where your career is headed, you'll be best served by an associate's degree. You can sample the course work in various liberal arts subjects, or focus on the occupational training that you think you'll enjoy. Either way, an associate's program will put you in touch with instructors and advisors who can help you put your talents to best use. And you won't waste time and money in the meantime.
Your financial situation is less than stable
If you're having major money problems, you might be better served by a shorter degree that will help you land a good job for the time being. You don't have to forget about your long-term career dreams, just plan to take a break between the stages of your studies. An AA or an AS will boost your income and allow you to re-balance your budget. Once things have stabilized, you can go back for your full bachelor's degree.
You want a bachelor's degree from a selective college, but your high school grades or SAT scores were low.
You can't get accepted into a top notch college if your high school grades were mostly D's. And these days, even state schools are quite competitive. If you want a bachelor's degree from a name brand college, you may need to prove yourself in an associate's program first. As an associate's student, you can rewrite your educational track record, using your newfound passion and determination. Schools will look favorably on your improved grades and your 2-year effort.
Reasons to Only Earn an Associate's Degree
Your career goal only requires a 2-year degree
Many of today's high-paying, in-demand careers only require 2 years of college education. The following list represents just a few of them:
- Accounting technician
- Human resources assistant
- Import/export clerk
- Paralegal
- TV/radio broadcast technician
- Nurse
- Police officer
- Clinical laboratory technician
- Respiratory therapist
- Medical sonographer
- Radiologic technician
- Electrician
- Computer programmer
You simply don't like school
Not everyone has the necessary interest level or the attention span to complete a bachelor's degree. This has very little to do with being more or less intelligent. Research shows that human beings are more likely to enjoy tasks that they are naturally good at. For example, athletic people enjoy playing sports. Mechanical people enjoy tinkering with engines. Verbal people enjoy reading and writing, which happen to be the 2 skills that are most often utilized in a bachelor's degree program.
If you're not naturally a verbal person, you can still learn how to read and write, but you probably won't want to spend 3 or 4 years — beyond high school — doing these exercises at an advanced level. For you, a bachelor's degree is not the best option. Instead, you should try to determine your natural strengths. Maybe you have excellent fine-motor skills, which could help you become a talented electrician, calligrapher, or tailor. An associate's degree in electrical science or business administration can teach you what you need to know, and you can start doing what you love that much sooner.
