Choosing the right associate degree can feel overwhelming, especially when you see so many acronyms. At community colleges like NOVA, the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are typically designed for transfer to a four-year school. In contrast, the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.) and Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) are career-oriented degrees designed to prepare you for the workforce, with some also offering transfer opportunities.
So, what is an A.A.S. degree? The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is designed first and foremost to prepare you for employment. At NOVA, A.A.S. programs are developed with employer input, giving you the skills needed to match today’s workforce.
You may also hear about the Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.) degree, which has a different emphasis. While NOVA does not offer A.A.A. programs, understanding what an A.A.A. degree is helps highlight the distinction between technical career paths and those rooted in the arts. At NOVA, students interested in creative fields can pursue an Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree instead, which combines hands-on training with clear transfer pathways into specialized four-year programs.
What Is an A.A.S. Degree?
If you’re asking, “What is an A.A.S. degree?” think of it as a hands-on program for students who want to prepare for the workforce quickly. The Associate of Applied Science degree emphasizes technical skills over general education, which means more of your coursework focuses on subjects tied directly to your career field.
At NOVA, A.A.S. programs are offered in areas such as information systems technology, business management, engineering technology and health sciences. If you’re interested in healthcare, you may be asking, “What is an A.A.S. nursing degree?” NOVA’s program combines classroom learning with clinical experience and prepares you to sit for licensure exams so you can enter the nursing profession after graduation.
Most A.A.S. programs take about two years of full-time study. Part-time options, evening and weekend classes and online formats allow working adults to finish at their own pace. Many programs also include labs, internships or clinical placements that let you apply classroom knowledge in real settings. Graduates leave NOVA ready for jobs in fields where practical skills are in demand, and some programs also connect to transfer opportunities through articulation agreements with institutions like George Mason University, Old Dominion and many others.
What Is an A.A.A. Degree? A Path to Careers in the Arts
So, what is an A.A.A. degree? Nationally, the Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.) is a career-focused program emphasizing creative and human-centered fields. Across the U.S., A.A.A. degrees often include disciplines such as fine arts, graphic design and music.
At NOVA, these same creative programs are offered through Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degrees, which serve a similar purpose — preparing students for careers in the arts while also helping them build a professional portfolio or performance experience. In other words, NOVA’s A.F.A. programs provide the same creative foundation as A.A.A. programs but with the added benefit of clear transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Like the A.A.S., the A.A.A. degree can usually be completed in two years of full-time study. Students also benefit from flexible scheduling, with courses offered on campus and online. The coursework blends career preparation with classes that strengthen communication, design thinking and problem-solving. This balance prepares graduates for careers in the arts and related industries, while NOVA’s A.F.A. degrees offer additional options for students who want to continue their education at a four-year art or design school.
The distinction between A.A.S. and A.A.A. comes down to focus. An A.A.S. degree often leads to roles in technical, business or healthcare fields, while the A.A.A. — and A.F.A. degrees at NOVA — are designed for students pursuing creative and artistic careers.
A.A.S. vs. A.A.A.: Which One Is Right for You?
At other colleges, the Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.) degree is one route to arts careers, but it’s primarily intended for employment rather than transfer. If transfer is in your plans, it’s important to review the institution’s articulation agreements carefully, since A.A.A. credits are not always guaranteed to transfer. At NOVA, the comparable option is the Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) degree. Current A.F.A. programs include cinema, music and visual art, each designed to help you build technical and creative skills while also preparing for transfer to specialized four-year programs.
Examples of some careers you can prepare for with an A.F.A. degree include:
- Cinema: filmmaker, video editor or cinematographer
- Music: performer, composer, music educator or sound technician
- Visual art: illustrator, studio artist, art educator or gallery assistant
In short, while A.A.A. degrees may be offered at other institutions, NOVA’s A.F.A. programs fulfill the same purpose, giving you practical training in creative fields with direct-to-career preparation and structured transfer pathways.
Career Opportunities With an A.A.S. Degree
A.A.S. graduates move directly into essential roles across healthcare, technical fields and the skilled trades. You’ll find NOVA alumni working as registered nurses, dental hygienists, paramedics, cybersecurity analysts, HVAC technicians and engineering technicians. These careers often come with stable pay, strong regional demand and pathways for advancement. In fact, Northern Virginia has particularly high needs in healthcare and technology, making an A.A.S. degree from NOVA a smart investment. Career services and employer partnerships help connect you to local opportunities after graduation.
Here are examples of careers you can prepare for with an A.A.S. degree at NOVA:
- Nursing: registered nurse (after passing the NCLEX licensure exam), home health nurse, clinic-based nurse
- Air conditioning and refrigeration: HVAC technician, refrigeration mechanic, facilities maintenance specialist
- Cybersecurity: cybersecurity analyst, information security specialist, network security technician
- Dental hygiene: dental hygienist, oral health educator, community dental health coordinator
- Emergency medical services: paramedic, emergency medical technician (EMT), critical care transport specialist
- Engineering technology: engineering technician, data center operations technician, civil engineering technician
Why Start Your Career-Focused Degree at NOVA?
At NOVA, career preparation comes in many forms — from A.A.S. programs in technical and health fields to A.F.A. programs in the arts. Faculty bring professional experience into the classroom, and programs are designed to match the skills local employers and transfer partners need.
Affordability is another advantage. Starting at NOVA costs far less than a four-year school, allowing you to graduate with less debt while still gaining practical training. For many students, beginning at NOVA makes career advancement possible without the financial strain.
NOVA also offers advising specific to career-focused programs, internship opportunities connected to local employers and preparation for professional certifications. For example, A.A.S. nursing students prepare for the NCLEX exam, while IT students can pursue industry-recognized credentials alongside their coursework.
You’ll have the support of academic advisors, career counselors and tutors who guide you through your program. Whether you’re in an A.A.S. program like nursing or IT, or an A.F.A. program in cinema, music or visual art, NOVA ensures you have the resources to succeed in the classroom and beyond.