The AA degree is a two-year program that is most likely based in a community or junior college. A BA degree, on the other hand, is an undergraduate level four-year program offered by universities.
The total number of respective required credit hours in order to attain an associate's and bachelor's degree is also different. For an associate's degree, 60 credits hours; to graduate with a bachelor's degree, the total required credit hours is double that of an associate's degree.
The AA degree program equips students with an overview, knowledge and skills in a more general study of the performing, fine or visual arts. The BA degree program allows students to hone in on a specified emphasis or area of specialization within the chosen art major.
The requirements needed to attain an AA degree are equivalent to that of the first two years students would complete in a four-year BA degree program. So, while the Associate in Arts is a stand-alone program in and of itself, fulfilling AA requirements is also a precursor to earning a BA degree.
Required courses toward earning an Associate in Arts include core classes such as math, science and language arts. Courses required to attain a Bachelor in Arts include specific classes and field work that directly apply to the declared arts major.