Think of the Associate of Arts (AA) degree as a lump of clay. The two-year degree program can be formed into a brick to build a foundation, a planter to make things grow, or a stunning sculpture which stands out on its own. As a foundational element, an associate of arts degree helps you gain knowledge and skills in math, humanities, and social sciences. These are general education requirements needed to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree and the classes you complete for the AA are the same as the education requirements for obtaining a BA.
As a basis for growth, an Associate of Arts degree is a résumé booster that can open numerous doors and help you stand out in a crowd of job applicants. Many employers require at least two years of college experience and an AA degree shows you take education seriously.
An Associate of Arts degree can propel career advancement in a wide range of fields from accounting, law, and marketing to fine arts, journalism, and communications. As something that can be molded into an artistic work, this degree provides enough certification for you to start your career in creative fields such as culinary arts, photography, and graphics.
Whatever your dreams and desires, an Associate of Arts degree can boost your average annual income by at least 15 percent over a high school diploma. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this effort is all that is needed to qualify for well-paying jobs such as a radiation therapist, registered nurse, nuclear or engineering technician, telecommunications installer, and even fashion designer. Like that lump of clay, few things are as versatile as an Associate of Arts degree for building, growing, and shaping a unique career in an ever-changing world.