To get into an associate of arts degree program, students usually need a high school diploma or GED. Colleges also look at the rigor of a student's high school curriculum, the total number of academic units earned and the student's trend in grades, according to the University of Delaware. Schools additionally might consider a student's grade-point average and standardized test scores when making an admission decision.
Associate of arts degree programs usually require a minimum of 60 units of credit and include general education requirements, concentration-area requirements and electives. Program students typically complete general education classes in English, math, communication, natural science and social and behavioral sciences. Students also might take courses in humanities, U.S. history and government, health knowledge and ethnic studies.
An Associate of arts degree is similar to an associate of science degree in that they both generally take about two years to complete. However, associate of science degree programs provide students with the required knowledge to perform and excel in a particular profession and are designed for those who want to begin working in their chosen field immediately after graduation. Associate of arts degree programs offer a broad base in general education and a concentration in a specific area and are ideal for students who are undecided about a career path or have accumulated college credit hours, according to Stark State College in Ohio and City College of San Francisco in California. An associate of arts degree can be in an occupational area such as photography or a degree in the liberal arts and sciences with a concentration such as political science or mathematics.
Earning an associate of arts degree can have many benefits. For example, an associate of arts degree usually costs less than attending the first two years of college at a four-year institution. In addition, many community colleges that offer associate of arts degree programs focus on having smaller class sizes, which allows professors to assist students one-on-one when needed.
An associate of arts degree allows the degree-holder to transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree. Earning an associate of arts degree is ideal for students who are considering continuing their education in a major area of study in the future. Associate of arts-degree holders who transfer to a four-year college or university usually can perform as well as or better academically than third-year university students.