Here's why it's not guaranteed:
* Course Overlap: The 52 credits you're short might include courses that aren't required for the Associate's degree. If so, you might need to take *additional* courses to fulfill the AS degree requirements, even if you already have some of the necessary coursework for the BS.
* Program Structure: Some institutions design their associate's degrees to be stepping stones to bachelor's degrees. In this case, many (or most) of the credits from your associate's degree will transfer to the bachelor's degree. However, some might have separate and distinct AS degree programs that don't share many courses with the BS, even within the same field.
* University/College Specific Policies: Each college or university sets its own policies on how credits transfer.
What you need to do:
1. Consult your academic advisor: This is the most crucial step. They have access to your transcript and know the specific requirements of both the BS and AS programs. They can tell you definitively if obtaining an AS is feasible given your current progress and if doing so would be beneficial.
2. Review your college's course catalog: The catalog will detail the required courses for both degrees. Compare the lists to see how many courses you've already completed that could count towards either degree.
In short, it's *possible*, but not guaranteed. Speak with your academic advisor to determine if pursuing an Associate's degree is a viable option in your situation.