Main Difference – Associates vs Bachelors Degree
Associates degree and bachelors degree are two undergraduate degrees awarded by colleges and universities. The main difference between Associates and Bachelors Degree is that Bachelors degree is considered to be of a higher level than an Associates degree.
What is an Associate’s Degree
An Associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded by universities and colleges upon the successful completion of a two-year course. While an associate degree is considered to be higher than a high school diploma, it is considered to be less than a bachelor’s degree. In addition, there is also a major difference in the time period taken to complete an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree can be completed in two years under full-time basis. It is also less expensive than a bachelor’s degree.
An associate degree can generally be earned at a vocational school, community college or technical colleges. Some associate degrees are more focused towards a specific profession such as computer technology, healthcare industry, etc. Associate degree is a good choice for students who want to start their career in technical or skilled labor industry. Computer programmer, dental assistant, licensed practical nurse, cosmologist, etc. are some of the jobs that can be done after obtaining an associate degree.
The foundation degree in the United Kingdom is also equal to the associate degree. In Ireland, Higher Certificate is equal to the associate degree.
What is a Bachelors Degree
Bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree conferred by universities or colleges upon successful completion of a course. It is one of the most awarded degrees in the world. It can last up to three to six or seven years depending on the academic discipline.
There are different varieties of bachelor’s degrees. Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Civil Law, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Philosophy, Bachelor of Music, etc. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are two of the main disciplines of a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor of Arts includes subjects relating to Humanities and Social Sciences whereas Bachelor of Science includes subjects related to sciences.
Bachelor’s degree cannot be completed in two years; it takes at least three years to complete. Since it takes a longer time period to complete, it is more expensive than an associate degree.
Difference Between Associates and Bachelors Degree
Time
Associates Degree can be completed in two years.
Bachelors Degree takes at least three years to be completed.
Expenses
Associates Degree is less expensive than Bachelors Degree.
Bachelors Degree is more expensive than Associates Degree.
Professional vs Academic
Associates Degree can be focused on professional fields.
Bachelors Degree is mostly academic.
Value
Associates Degree is considered to be less than a bachelors degree.
Bachelors Degree is considered to be at a higher level than an associate degree.
Image Courtesy:
“Bachelors Degree” by Westcott001 – Own work, (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Associates Degree” by Ianolivermartin – Own work, (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
