As you review SUNY Broome’s programs of study, you may have noticed the abbreviations that designate our program types. Sure, you’ve seen A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. before, but what do they mean? And which program type is designed to best fit your academic needs? Below is a quick overview that explains the basics of each program type. Our hope is that this nugget of information will help you to make an informed decision before selecting what you would like to study at SUNY Broome.
Before we begin, we have one key question! After you finish your associate degree from SUNY Broome, do you plan to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree or do you plan to head directly into the workforce? The answer to this question is the main factor in determining if an A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.O.S, or certificate degree is best for you!
I want to transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree!
If you plan to eventually transfer to pursue a bachelor’s degree, then an A.S. (Associate in Science) or an A.A. (Associate in Arts) is the best option for you! Both A.A. degrees and A.S. degrees are specifically created to be the foundation for a bachelor’s degree. These degrees are comprised of just over sixty credits worth of a combination of liberal arts and degree specific courses, that will seamlessly transfer to the four year college or university of your choice. SUNY Broome has hundreds of articulation agreements with SUNY, private, and even Ivy League institutions to help make your transfer experience as smooth as possible.
I want to retool and go straight into the workforce!
If your plan is to study for two years and then bring your newly developed professional skills immediately into the workforce, then pursuing an A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree is the ideal path for you! A.A.S. and A.O.S. courses focus more on practical application, than theoretical study. Each class is included in the curriculum to prepare you for the specific occupational needs of your respective new industry. Many of our A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree programs correlate with high value, high paying careers.
What is a certificate? Maybe that would be the best option for me?
A certificate provides the opportunity to master a specific skillset in a condensed period of time. Often students feel that pursuing an advanced degree is the logical next step, but really, an occupational certificate may be the perfect way to hone professional skills requested by your employer in an expedited and efficient way.
I’m not sure what I want to do? I may want to work a bit, and then transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree? What should I do!?
If you aren’t sure what your overall academic and professional goals are, don’t worry! We are here to help! Contact SUNY Broome’s Admissions Office to schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting to get your questions answered and to determine which program of study is best for you. You can also stop by the Admissions Office in person every Wednesday between 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm for a walk-in appointment.
Set up an appointment to meet with a member of the Admissions Team!
