A bachelor's degree generally requires four years of schooling. Bachelor of Science holders command high salaries in various fields ranging from engineering to scientists. The highest salaries belong to petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering. Other Bachelor of Science degrees that are also good choices based from salary are applied mathematics, economics, physics, statistics and finance.
Students that are not inclined with math and sciences can also choose to study a degree in Bachelor of Arts. Degrees in the fields of arts may not be as lucrative as degrees in the field of math and sciences, but what's important is enjoying one's college education and future job. Some of the most popular degrees in Bachelor of Arts include political science, film production, fashion design, English, history, humanities, liberal studies, journalism and fine arts.
Associate degrees are commonly completed in two years of study. Degrees in Associate of Science can be taken in preparation for future employment or as initial step in obtaining a degree in Bachelor of Science. The courses consist of general topics in communication, mathematics, and social sciences, as well as the specific science subjects required with the chosen specialization. For example an Associate Degree in Information Technology will have specific subjects related to computers, hardware, software, and programming. Other Associate of Science degrees include Associate in Nursing, Associate in Accounting, Associate in Engineering Technology, and Associate in Emergency Medical Services.
Associate of Arts degrees are mostly taken as transfer programs to complete a degree in Bachelor of Arts. Students who are not so sure of which specialization to pursue can opt to take an Associate of Liberal Arts program and study various fields such as literature, psychology, philosophy, history, math and sciences. There are many other programs to choose from to get an Associate of Arts degree like accounting, economics, languages, drama, history, religion, social work and general studies in the fields of engineering and sciences.
Degrees in Associate of Applied Sciences are designed to provide not only a general background in the study of arts and sciences but also to enable specific skill development that students can use to land a job as soon as the programs are completed. Most of the programs offered under Associate of Applied Sciences deal with health care, business, accounting, electronics technology and computer systems. These courses often lead to jobs such as dental hygienist, medical assistant, radiation therapist, computer technician, engineering technician, bookkeeper, accounting assistant and office manager.