Do you have to get an AS before a BA degree?

No, you don't have to get an AS degree before a BA degree. An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a two-year degree that typically focuses on vocational training, while a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is a four-year degree that provides a more comprehensive liberal arts education. Some students choose to complete an AS degree before transferring to a four-year university to complete a BA degree, but it is not a requirement.