* The specific associate's degrees: If you have two associate's degrees in very different fields (e.g., one in Liberal Arts and one in Automotive Technology), it's less likely that a significant portion of the credits will transfer directly toward a single bachelor's degree program. The courses might not align with the bachelor's degree requirements.
* The receiving institution: Each college and university has its own transfer credit policies. Some are more generous than others. You'll need to check the transfer credit policies of the schools you're interested in attending, usually found on their admissions website. Look for information on "transfer equivalency," "transfer credit," or "articulation agreements."
* The intended bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree in a broad field like General Studies might be more receptive to transferring credits from diverse associate's degrees than a highly specialized program like Engineering.
What you need to do:
1. Identify your target bachelor's degree program(s). Knowing what you want to study is crucial.
2. Contact the admissions offices of the schools you're considering. Provide them with your associate's degree transcripts. They can assess how many credits will transfer and how those credits will apply towards the bachelor's degree requirements. They may also be able to advise you on which degree program would best utilize your existing credits.
3. Look for articulation agreements. Some colleges and universities have formal agreements with community colleges that guarantee the transfer of specific associate's degrees into particular bachelor's programs. This makes the process much smoother.
In short, while no school will magically "combine" your associate's degrees into one new degree, many will accept credits from them toward a new bachelor's program. The number of credits accepted and how seamlessly they fit into the new program depend heavily on the specifics mentioned above. Proactive communication with admissions offices is key.