CampusPin Glossary
Undergraduate degree types
AA, AS, AAS, BA, BS, BFA, BBA, BSN, the standard credentials awarded by U.S. community colleges and 4-year universities.
U.S. undergraduate degrees fall into two main families. Two-year associate degrees: AA (Associate of Arts), AS (Associate of Science), AAS (Associate of Applied Science). Four-year bachelor's degrees: BA (Arts), BS (Science), BFA (Fine Arts), BBA (Business Administration), BSN (Nursing), BArch (Architecture). The exact credential depends on the major and the institution's convention; many schools award BS for the same major where another might award BA. The credential itself rarely changes employer outcomes, what matters is the major, the school, and the work experience.
See also
Major
A student's primary field of academic study, typically 30–60 credit hours of required courses plus electives.
Community college
A public 2-year institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to 4-year universities, typically with the lowest tuition in the country.
Transfer pathway
A planned path from one college (often a community college) to another (often a 4-year university) with credit-transfer agreements.
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