Associate Degrees and Certificates
What is the difference between an AS and an AA degree?
An AS degree, also called an Associate of Science degree, is awarded for majors that are vocational or technical in nature. An AA degree, or Associate of Arts degree, is awarded for majors that are considered liberal arts related. However, many majors allow you the choice of either degree. The difference is that the AS degree requires a lab science. Check with a counselor for specific requirements.
If I get an AA or AS from Sierra College, can I automatically transfer to a 4-year college?
No, the completion of an Associate degree does not automatically meet all of the requirements for transfer to a 4-year college or university. However, if you select classes carefully, it is possible to meet both Associate degree requirements and transfer requirements at the same time. Your counselor can assist you in the selection of appropriate courses.
Should I get an associate degree if I intend to transfer?
Although an Associate degree is not required for transfer, many students find that it is personally beneficial to have a college degree on their record. If, for example, you are required to halt your educational pursuits for a time, you will still have a college degree on your resume. Students who have completed all of their requirements for transfer may have completed most, if not all, of the requirements for an Associate degree as well. Your counselor can help you determine what requirements you may have met.
On the general education sheet for the associate degree, some courses are listed in more than one category. Can I take one course and fulfill two categories?
Courses used to fulfill the Learning Skills requirements of Reading, Oral Communication, or Mathematics may also be used to satisfy either major or general education requirements for a Sierra College degree.
Do I need a major to get an associate degree? Can I just complete the general education requirements and still get a degree?
You must complete the requirements for a specific major in order to graduate with an Associate Degree. See our catalog for the complete list of associate degree majors available at Sierra College. Detailed information about major requirements can be found in the Sierra College Catalog. Talk with your counselor to see which major best fits your goals. Certain financial aid and benefit programs may require you to declare a major. Transfer schools and universities often require you to apply in a particular major as well.
I've attended other community colleges and universities. Can I use this course work to fulfill associate degree requirements?
Yes, you may have met some degree requirements. Be sure to request a copy of your transcript from your previous schools and bring them in or have them sent to the Admissions and Records office at Sierra College. Please remember to obtain a copy of the transcript for yourself and bring it to your counseling appointment so that your counselor can review it with you.
How is a certificate different from a degree?
A certificate is a recognition that you have trained for an occupation or in a set of skills. It does not require general education courses, but rather focuses on vocational skills. Certificates usually require 18-24 units; some more, some fewer. You may also apply coursework taken for a certificate to a later degree.
Career Counseling
I'm lost about what career to pursue. How can you help me?
We offer several kinds of help with career issues. Individual counseling is available, as are courses on career development. Personal Development 6, Career Planning, is a three-unit CSU transferable course that can provide you with a systematic approach to choosing or changing a career. Personal Development 21 is a shorter, individualized course to get you quickly learning how to find a new career. Career Connections has a variety of resources to help you get the career information you need, and can provide internships to help you get your first experiences.
What kinds of career information are available at Sierra?
Our Career Connections offers written and online information about careers, industries, job search, and educational preparation. Self exploration software like Choices or Eureka, or exploration exercises can help you discover career options. The Center also offers workshops, and other resources to help you find, apply for, interview for, and obtain the job you want. Visit the Career Connections web pages for more information.