Can You Transition from an AAS Degree to a Bachelor's Degree in 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from transitioning from an AAS degree to a bachelor's degree?

You can expect a process that involves a careful evaluation of your existing credits and a shift in academic focus. A four-year university will review your AAS coursework to see how it aligns with their bachelor's program requirements. This often means you will need to complete general education courses in areas like humanities, social sciences, and advanced math that weren't part of your technical AAS curriculum.

It is also wise to prepare for a different style of learning. Your AAS program was likely focused on developing specific, hands-on skills for a job. A bachelor's program will emphasize more theoretical knowledge, research, and writing. It's not necessarily harder, but it requires a different academic mindset. Success means being ready to adapt from a "how-to" approach to a "why-it-works" one.

Where can I work after transitioning from an AAS degree to a bachelor's degree?

After completing your bachelor's, you will be qualified for professional and leadership roles that are often out of reach with only an associate's degree. This includes positions in management, administration, planning, and research. Instead of being the technician, you can become the person who leads the technical team, manages the department, or develops new strategies for the company.

The specific jobs depend on your field. For example, an AAS in Nursing (ADN) followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can lead to roles like nurse manager or clinical supervisor. An AAS in Information Technology followed by a bachelor's can prepare you for positions like cybersecurity analyst or IT project manager. The transition positions you for the next level of responsibility and authority in your career.

How much can I make with a bachelor's degree after transitioning from an AAS?

You can expect to earn significantly more over your career. While the immediate pay bump varies by industry, the real financial advantage of a bachelor's degree is its long-term impact on your earning potential. It qualifies you for promotions into higher salary brackets and protects you from the wage stagnation that can affect those with less education.

Think of it as an investment. The cost and time you put into finishing your degree create a much higher ceiling for your future income. Rather than focusing only on the starting salary, look at the mid-career and senior-level positions that a bachelor’s degree makes possible. This is how leveraging your AAS degree to get a bachelor's truly pays off.

Can you transition from an AAS degree to a bachelor’s degree?

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a two-year degree designed to prepare you for a specific job immediately after graduation. It's a career-focused credential that provides you with hands-on, practical skills for the workforce.

This focus is what makes it different from an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. Those programs are primarily designed as transfer degrees, with a curriculum heavy on general education courses that lay the groundwork for a bachelor's program. For instance, the differences in requirements for ADN AAD and AAS are built around whether the goal is immediate employment or transfer. So while you can absolutely transition from an AAS to a bachelor's, it requires a deliberate plan.

The Career Ceiling: Why AAS Holders Pursue a Bachelor's

Many professionals find that while their AAS degree is excellent for securing a good entry-level position, it can limit opportunities for advancement into leadership roles. Pursuing a bachelor's becomes the key to breaking through that career ceiling.

The reason is that the professional economy—which includes jobs in management, research, and administration—is built around four-year degrees. Data shows that only 23% of associate's degree holders work in this sector, compared to 56% of professionals who hold a bachelor's degree. This makes the transition a crucial step for long-term career growth.

Can you transfer an AAS degree into a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program? 

Yes, you can transfer into a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program, but it's often more challenging than transferring into a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program. The reason comes down to a fundamental difference in curriculum.

BA programs have a heavy emphasis on liberal arts and general education—courses in history, literature, foreign languages, and social sciences. Your AAS degree, by design, is filled with technical, hands-on courses for your specific career field. A four-year university often doesn't see a specialized course like "Automotive Engine Repair" as equivalent to a "World Civilizations" requirement.

The 'Applied' vs. 'Academic' Credit Mismatch

Think of it this way: an electrician's apprenticeship hours are valuable for becoming a master electrician, but you wouldn't expect them to count toward a degree in English literature. It's not that one is better than the other; their educational goals are simply different. This is the core reason some credits don't transfer. It's not about the quality of your education but the alignment of its focus.

Your AAS is still one of the best associate degrees for launching a career quickly. The key is to see it as a valuable, standalone credential whose credits may or may not align perfectly with a completely different academic track.

What steps should you take to transfer from an AAS to a bachelor’s degree?

Taking a proactive approach is the single best way to ensure a smooth transfer. Instead of waiting until your last semester, you can start laying the groundwork now. Here is a straightforward, four-step process to take control of your transition.

1. Research your end goal. Before you look at schools, look at careers. Identify the jobs you want in five to ten years and find out what specific bachelor's degree is required to get them.
2. Find AAS-friendly universities. Look for schools that have specific pathways for applied science graduates, like Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs. These institutions understand the value of your technical training.
3. Talk to an admissions advisor. Contact the transfer advisors at your target schools. They are the experts who can give you a clear, unofficial evaluation of your credits and tell you exactly what you need to do to apply successfully.
4. Gather your documents. Get organized early. You'll need official transcripts from your community college, a completed application, and financial aid forms like the FAFSA. Having everything ready prevents last-minute stress.

Research High-Growth Career Paths

The most strategic way to begin is by aligning your educational plan with the industries that are growing the fastest. Targeting a degree that leads to a job in a booming sector ensures your investment of time and money has the highest possible return. The top three fastest-growing sectors are healthcare, education, and professional services.

Between 2021 and 2031, the three industries that will expand employment the fastest are healthcare services (20%), private education services (17%), and professional and business services (13%). Focusing your school search on programs that feed into these fields is a smart move.

If you’re still narrowing down choices, consider institutions ranked among the best colleges for students with learning disabilities, since they often offer structured transfer pathways and additional academic support.

What is the typical transfer credit policy for AAS graduates? 

The most important thing to know is that there is no single, universal policy. Every university evaluates transfer credits differently, which is why contacting their admissions office directly is so critical. However, you'll generally encounter a few common approaches.

Some schools offer a "block transfer," where they accept your entire AAS degree as a package, fulfilling most of your lower-division requirements. More commonly, schools perform a course-by-course evaluation to see which of your specific classes match their requirements. Others may accept your technical credits only as general electives. If your credits do not transfer, you will have to take the required courses at the new institution to earn your bachelor's degree.

Asking the Right Questions

Understanding a school's policy before you apply can save you thousands of dollars and one or more years of extra coursework. When you speak to an admissions advisor, you need to ask targeted questions to get the information you need.

Start by asking, "Do you have a formal articulation agreement with my community college for my specific AAS program?" Then ask, "Can you provide an unofficial transcript evaluation so I can see exactly how my credits would apply to my intended major?" Their answers will tell you everything you need to know about how seriously they value transfer students like you. It’s also worth checking whether they are among the online colleges that accept the most transfer credits, which can maximize the value of your AAS coursework.

How does a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) build on an AAS degree?

A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is a degree program created specifically as a transfer destination for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science. It is designed to build directly on the technical skills you already have.

Unlike a traditional BA or BS that requires a full slate of general education courses, a BAS program is structured to accept a block of your technical credits. It then adds two years of advanced, upper-level coursework focused on the skills needed for management and leadership roles. This makes the BAS the most efficient and direct pathway for many AAS graduates to complete their four-year degree.

The BAS: A Direct Path to the Professional Economy

The curriculum of a BAS is the perfect bridge from your hands-on role to a leadership position. You'll take courses in subjects like project management, finance, organizational leadership, and communication. This combination of your existing technical expertise with new management skills is exactly what employers are looking for.

This strategic blend prepares you to work in the five key clusters of the professional economy: business and financial operations, management, computer and mathematical occupations, architecture and engineering, and education, training, and library occupations.

An AAS degree gets you in the door; a BAS gets you a seat at the leadership table.

Between 2021 and 2031, across these occupational clusters, 95% of the job openings will require at least some postsecondary education. Taken together, these five occupational clusters will represent 35% of total employment in 2031 and about 47% of all jobs for workers with a postsecondary education.

In some cases, BAS graduates even pursue niche fields—similar to exploring what to expect as an account major—where technical knowledge is expanded with specialized business skills.

How long does it take to finish a bachelor’s degree after an AAS?

For a full-time student, it typically takes two years to finish a bachelor's degree after completing an AAS. However, this can range from as little as 18 months to as long as three years.

The exact timeline depends on a few key factors:

• Number of credits transferred: The more of your AAS credits the university accepts, the faster your path will be.
• Program structure: Some schools offer accelerated eight-week terms instead of traditional 16-week semesters, which can speed things up.
• Your course load: Your timeline will change depending on whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student.

Some students want to move even faster, and you will see advertisements that promise you can earn a degree online in 6 months. While those are not bachelor's completion programs, it shows the high demand for accelerated learning options.

Is the Extra Time Worth the Opportunity?

The simple answer is yes. The two years you invest to complete your bachelor's degree dramatically expands your career options. It's a clear trade-off: a finite investment of time for a massive, long-term increase in opportunity.

Consider the job market. On average, there are about 2.5 million annual job openings for workers with an associate's degree. For those with a bachelor's degree, that number jumps to 4.3 million. That extra time in school nearly doubles the number of jobs you're qualified for.

The chart below shows the clear advantage a bachelor's degree gives you in the job market.

What is an articulation agreement for AAS transfer students?

An articulation agreement is a formal contract between a community college and a four-year university. This agreement guarantees that the credits from your specific AAS program will be accepted into a specific bachelor's program at that university.

Think of it as a pre-approved transfer map. It's not just a general guide; it's an official guarantee that eliminates all the uncertainty and guesswork from the transfer process. A university that has taken the time to create an articulation agreement for an AAS degree is showing you that they value the education you've received and want to create a seamless pathway for you.

The Smartest Way to Transfer

Finding a school with an articulation agreement for your program is the single most effective strategy for a successful transfer. The benefits are significant.

First, it eliminates the risk of losing credits. You know from day one exactly what will transfer, which provides total peace of mind. Second, it gives you a clear roadmap. The agreement lays out the precise courses you need to take to complete both your associate's and bachelor's degrees efficiently.

Finally, this clarity saves you time and money by ensuring you don't take any unnecessary courses. Prioritizing these agreements in your search is the smartest move you can make. Some students also view them as a safeguard similar to the structure of cheap admission open colleges, which reduce both risk and cost during the transfer journey.

Are there online bachelor’s completion programs for AAS holders?

Yes, absolutely. A large and growing number of universities offer online bachelor's completion programs specifically designed for students who already hold an associate's degree. These programs are a popular and practical choice for working professionals.

Online programs provide the flexibility you need to balance your studies with your job and family commitments. You can typically complete coursework on your own schedule, which means you don't have to choose between earning a paycheck and earning your degree. This accessibility makes a bachelor's degree a realistic goal for thousands of AAS graduates every year.

Building a Fully Online Educational Pathway

The key to a valuable online degree is accreditation. You must ensure that the institution is regionally accredited. This is the highest level of accreditation and it means your degree will be recognized and respected by employers and other universities. For those just starting out, there are many accredited online colleges for associate's degree programs that can set you on a fully remote path from the beginning.

Before enrolling in any online program, do your research. Check the school's accreditation status on the U.S. Department of Education's website. A properly accredited online degree holds the exact same weight and value as one earned on campus.

Can AAS graduates qualify for financial aid when pursuing a bachelor’s?

Yes. As a transfer student, you are absolutely eligible for the same types of financial aid as students entering as freshmen. You have access to the full range of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.

The key to accessing this aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA. This single form determines your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Many universities offer FAFSA-approved online certificate programs and degrees to award their own institutional scholarships and grants, so it's a critical step. Don't let cost be the barrier that stops you from pursuing your bachelor's degree.

How to Maximize Your Aid

You can be strategic about finding financial support. Many universities actively want to attract talented transfer students and use scholarships as a way to recruit them.

When you're researching schools, make their financial aid office your first stop. Ask them specifically about scholarships designated for transfer students or graduates of community colleges. You should also search for external scholarships from private and nonprofit organizations. A little research can often uncover thousands of dollars in aid that many students overlook. The sooner you start this process, the better your chances are of securing the best possible aid package.

Can you switch majors when moving from an AAS to a bachelor’s?

Yes, you can switch majors, but you need to be strategic about it. Your ability to make a smooth transition depends entirely on how closely the new major is related to your AAS degree.

A minor pivot is often straightforward. For instance, if you have an AAS in Information Technology and want to pursue a bachelor's in cybersecurity, much of your foundational coursework will be relevant. However, a major switch—like moving from an AAS in Culinary Arts to a BS in Accounting—is essentially starting over. You will likely need to take two years' worth of prerequisite courses, and very few of your AAS credits will apply to the new major's requirements.

Why Your New Major's Degree Requirements Matter

Before you commit to a new major, you must research its specific degree requirements. This ensures you understand the educational norms of your new target field. For example, in fields like computer science, it's very common for students to get an accelerated software engineering degree online after building foundational skills elsewhere.

In certain high-demand industries like healthcare administration and STEM, over 50% of all job openings require at least a bachelor's degree. Switching into one of these fields can be a great move, but you must be prepared to complete the specific coursework that employers in that sector expect. A successful major change is less of a hard reset and more of a strategic redirection of your career path. Of the 18.5 million annualized job openings, with 12.5 million of these positions requiring workers with postsecondary education and training.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Transition from an AAS Degree to a Bachelor's Degree

Other Things You Should Know About Transitioning From an AAS Degree to a Bachelor's Degree

Does my GPA from an AAS degree matter for transfer admission?

Yes, your Grade Point Average (GPA) from your AAS degree is a very important part of your transfer application. Most four-year universities have a minimum GPA requirement for transfer students, often around a 2.0 or 2.5. A higher GPA not only improves your chances of being accepted but can also make you eligible for merit-based transfer scholarships that can help pay for your education.

What is the difference between a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) and a Bachelor of Science (BS)?

A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) is specifically designed for students transferring with a technical or applied associate's degree, accepting a large block of their technical credits. The upper-level coursework then focuses on leadership and management skills. A Bachelor of Science (BS) is a more traditional four-year degree focused on theory, research, and scientific principles, with a curriculum that is less tailored to a student's prior technical training.

Can I get credit for my work experience when I transfer?

Yes, many universities have a process called Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) where you can earn college credit for your professional work experience. This typically involves creating a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge or taking an exam to prove your competency in a specific subject. Earning credit this way can save you both time and money on your bachelor's degree.

Can I go straight to a master's degree program with an AAS degree?

No, you cannot enroll in a master's degree program with only an Associate of Applied Science degree. A master's degree is a graduate-level program, and all graduate schools require applicants to have first completed a four-year bachelor's degree. The correct educational pathway is to first transfer your AAS into a bachelor's completion program and then apply to a master's program after you graduate.