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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