Degrees & Certificates Explained

What’s the Difference?

Bachelor’s Degree
Requires 4 years of full-time study beyond high school at a 4-year college or university
Associate Degree
Requires 2 years of full-time study at a community college
Certificate of Completion
Normally requires 1 year and is designed to meet specific needs of the community

Associate Degrees at TCC

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)

  • Provides a liberal arts foundation that does not generally include a declared major
  • For students who want to earn a degree that fulfills core curriculum / basics to transfer to a 4-year college or university

See the Catalog for a list of our A.A. Programs.

Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree (A.A.T.)

  • Provides a first step towards a career in teaching
  • For students who want to transfer into a teacher education program at a 4-year college or university

See the Catalog for a list of our A.A.T. Programs.

Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

  • Fulfills lower division course requirements and includes a major in a science, an engineering specialization or a related discipline
  • For students who want to earn a degree in a science or engineering discipline that transfers to a 4-year college or university

See the Catalog for a list of our A.S. Programs.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

  • Prepares your for a career in a workforce field
  • For students who want to begin a career after completing the program or who want knowledge in a specific technical field

See the Catalog for a list of our A.A.S. Programs.

Certificates of Completion at TCC

  • Prepare you for occupational employment
  • Awarded upon successful completion of specific courses that have been industry validated and sequenced for the purpose of developing and upgrading skills in an occupation
  • For students who want to enter the workforce after completing the program

See the Catalog for a list of our Certificate of Completion Programs.

Occupational Skills Award (OSA)

  • Prepares you for immediate employment or adds to your marketability to employers
  • Awarded upon successful completion of 9-14 semester credit hours specified in a particular technical area
  • Meets the minimum standard for program length specified in the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
  • For students who want to enter the workforce after completing the program or to enhance their skills in their fields

See the Catalog for a list of our OSA Programs.

Updated August 28, 2023