Be ready. SMC students earn an associate degree when they successfully complete the halfway point of a bachelor’s degree. Two degrees in four years means you’ll get a valuable degree for the first two years of college – something many other colleges don’t offer. A two-year degree can help you earn better pay while you’re finishing up your bachelor’s degree. It can also be a safety net in case you have to pause your college studies for financial, family, or other reasons.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people with an associate degree earn approximately $8,000 more per year than workers with just a high school education. Our Associate in Arts provides you with the first leg up in your career, whether you choose to pursue a four-year degree right away or wait. 

Click below for a degree plan and check out the classes you’ll take.

Your plan for the future starts with choosing the degree program that works for you. An Associate in Arts Degree is a general college studies program. It’s the perfect starting point for students who aren’t sure what they want to major in for their four-year degree. An Associate in Arts gives you an opportunity to explore different subject areas to help determine your future degree and career path. This degree will give you a broad education that is lead you to your passion. 

Students pursuing an Associate in Arts Degree will study a broad range of subjects. The general studies curriculum provides a base in most subjects, including English, math, science, and more. The idea behind the Associate in Arts is to help you find what motivates you and prepare you to move into that field to finish your four-year bachelor’s degree.

An Associate in Arts Degree is a general college studies credential you’ll earn at the halfway point of the SMC bachelor’s degree. It’s most often earned by students who are unsure which Customizable BA Degree concentrations they will choose for their final two years. If you plan to choose the history, English or psychology concentrations for your bachelor’s degree, you’ll most likely qualify for the an Associate in Arts after two years. 

If you’re a student who needs to take a break from college due to financial, family or other life circumstances, getting an Associate Degree halfway to your bachelor’s degree means you won’t stop out of college without a credential and the increased earning power that comes with it. And the Associate in Arts degree ensures you’ll qualify for many career fields, including: 

• Preschool teacher 
• Paralegal 
• Human resources associate 
• Executive assistant 
• Operations manager 

Thanks to our generous scholarship and financial aid opportunities, it’s likely you’ll pay way less than you think for an SMC education. You may even be able to attend tuition-free! Check it out for yourself!