AS vs. AAS degree - TESC

[cardiacclep]

Does anyone know the requirements for the Associates of Applied Science degrees at TESC? The AS requirements are defined well but the AAS are more vague. The option II only states 21 credits. Does this mean any classes in the field will do or are there certain classes like the AS that must be filled. I'm looking at the electronics engineering AS vs the electronics AAS degree. Thank you.

[cooperalex2004]

Does anyone know the requirements for the Associates of Applied Science degrees at TESC? The AS requirements are defined well but the AAS are more vague. The option II only states 21 credits. Does this mean any classes in the field will do or are there certain classes like the AS that must be filled. I'm looking at the electronics engineering AS vs the electronics AAS degree. Thank you.

Some of the courses may overlap but your best bet is to work with a TESC advisor once enrolled to pick out the degree and get things planned out. The AAS is typically more flexible but the specific courses that fit a particular option are so widespread they don't list them. Most users I've seen on this site have completed the degree options for Applied Computer Studies, Administrative Studies, or Environmental Safety & Security Technologies so the help may not be as good for your particular option. The benefit for you is that the degrees are flexible, however, the limitation is that you typically need to be an enrolled student before the college will help you plan out things that don't automatically fit. Someone in the admissions office may be able to give you some idea of what courses fit there, but I'd expect you'd have to apply and bring in some credits before that particular AAS will make more sense for you.

Were you hoping to continue to a Bachelor's degree in the same area? If so, you should find that receiving an AA/AS/AAS can come together while you work toward the BA/BS level (and you may be able to easily complete one in either a related or secondary area).

[dewisant]

My opinion is to only ever get an AA, BA, or MA. But that's just me.

[cookderosa]

My opinion is to only ever get an AA, BA, or MA. But that's just me.

Typically those degrees are not available in technology fields.

[sanantone]

My opinion is to only ever get an AA, BA, or MA. But that's just me.

What's wrong with an AS, BS, and MS?

[publius2k4]

My opinion is to only ever get an AA, BA, or MA. But that's just me.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting an AS, BS, or MS. Nor is there anything wrong with a BFA.

An AAS is simply a degree with more specialized instruction in the educational area. It is, however, generally "considered" a terminal degree.

Further up the chain is the Bachelor of Professional Studies. It is another degree, like the AAS, that requires more instruction in the area of expertise (usually an applied professional area) and less liberal arts and elective credit.

And finally, we have the Master of Professional Studies. The types of programs for this degree vary, but there seem to be two types of this degree: 1) Applied Professional [with little research] 2) Interdisciplinary (individualized studies). Most of the programs I saw when I googled this just a moment ago showed that one of the requirements for admission into the program was significant work experience in the area of study.

Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with achieving one of these degrees as apposed to the more traditional BS/MS or BA/MA. These programs seem to provide more specialized study in the chosen area.

In closing I'll propose a scenario: You are an employer who has an opening in your IT department. You want to hire fresh college graduates, because they require the least amount of pay. You narrow your choices down to two candidates: Candidate A has an AAS in IT, and Candidate B has an AS in IT. Both candidates have the exact same GPA. However, in looking at their transcripts, you see that Candidate A has about 25% more credits in IT than Candidate B. While Candidate B has taken many of the same courses as Candidate A, Candidate B was also made to take more courses like biology with lab, psychology, World History 1, etc. Candidate A was not made to take as many of these courses, and was able to fill most of his 60 credit requirements with courses specific to his area of study. As the hiring employer, which program seems to be the most applicable to your needs?

Just something to think about.