Congratulations you are going to college! Ridgewater College offers over 100 degrees and certificates in a wide range of academic areas. We can help you find the right academic path for you. We know that choosing a degree option can be confusing, and would love to walk you through the process. Certificates, diplomas, and degrees differ in the time it takes to earn each as well as the credits required in order to graduate. Each of these academic achievements is suitable for certain specific fields or career goals.
AA Degree – The Associate of Arts Degree
- Often called a Liberal Arts degree
- A two-year degree
- Often transferred to a four-year program at a college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree
- Students can enter directly into the workforce
AS Degree – The Associate of Science Degree
- Is considered Liberal Arts degree, but has a strong science emphasis
- A two-year degree
- Often transferred to a four-year program at a college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree
- Students can enter directly into the workforce
AAS Degree – The Associate of Applied Science
- A vocational or technical degree
- A two-year degree
- Classes are geared mainly toward the major with a few classes in liberal arts
- Not likely to transfer to a four-year program at a college or university
- Students graduate and enter directly into the workforce
- May be beneficial for students interested in supervisory positions later in their career
Diploma
- A vocational or technical degree
- A two-year degree
- Classes are focused on the major
- Not likely to transfer to a four-year program at a college or university
- Students graduate and enter directly into the workforce
Certificate
- Can be either liberal arts or technical focused
- Often takes between one and 1 1/2 years to complete
- Classes are focused on the major
- Liberal arts certificates can transfer to a four-year program at a college or university
- Technical certificates not likely to transfer to a four-year program at a college or university
- Technical students completing a certificate can enter directly into the workforce
