When you see the associate degree acronym, you’re usually looking at short forms for an undergraduate degree that typically takes two years to complete. The most common ones are AA (Associate of Arts), AS (Associate of Science), and AAS (Associate of Applied Science).
But did you know there are many other acronyms that describe different types of associate degrees? Each one highlights a specific focus—arts, science, technology, business, or hands-on trades. Using the right acronym shows you understand the program’s emphasis and helps you communicate clearly with schools, employers, or peers.
Below, you’ll find 30 associate degree acronyms, each with a short explanation, an example sentence, and when you’d use it—so you can pick the right term every time.
1. AA — Associate of Arts
Meaning: Broad liberal arts degree.
Example: She earned an AA before transferring to a university.
When to use: General studies, humanities, social sciences.
2. AS — Associate of Science
Meaning: Focus on math or science.
Example: He has an AS in Biology.
When to use: Science or pre-med pathways.
3. AAS — Associate of Applied Science
Meaning: Technical or vocational degree.
Example: She completed an AAS in Welding.
When to use: Direct-to-workforce programs.
4. AAT — Associate of Arts in Teaching
Meaning: For future educators.
Example: He’s pursuing an AAT to become a teacher.
When to use: Education-focused pathways.
5. AB — Associate of Business
Meaning: Business or management basics.
Example: She holds an AB in Management.
When to use: Entry-level business jobs.
6. ABA — Associate of Business Administration
Meaning: Broader business administration.
Example: He earned an ABA to prepare for his bachelor’s.
When to use: Next step toward a BBA.
7. AGS — Associate of General Studies
Meaning: Flexible, covers multiple areas.
Example: She chose an AGS to explore different fields.
When to use: When students want variety.
8. AAT — Associate of Applied Technology
Meaning: Technical skills degree.
Example: He’s getting an AAT in HVAC.
When to use: Skilled trades.
9. AE — Associate of Engineering
Meaning: Intro to engineering programs.
Example: He holds an AE in Mechanical Engineering.
When to use: Transferring to a 4-year engineering program.
10. AET — Associate of Engineering Technology
Meaning: Engineering plus applied tech.
Example: She got an AET in Electronics.
When to use: Technical and practical engineering careers.
11. ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing
Meaning: Nursing entry credential.
Example: She earned her ADN and passed the NCLEX.
When to use: To become an RN (Registered Nurse).
12. AOT — Associate of Occupational Technology
Meaning: Focuses on workplace skills.
Example: He has an AOT in Automotive Repair.
When to use: Hands-on, job-ready careers.
13. AFA — Associate of Fine Arts
Meaning: For visual or performing arts.
Example: She completed an AFA in Dance.
When to use: Art schools or creative industries.
14. AGEC — Arizona General Education Curriculum
Meaning: Arizona’s transfer plan.
Example: He finished his AGEC at a community college.
When to use: Arizona students planning to transfer.
15. AEMT — Associate of Emergency Medical Technology
Meaning: Prepares paramedics or EMTs.
Example: She’s finishing her AEMT this year.
When to use: Emergency services careers.
16. ATA — Associate of Technical Arts
Meaning: Applied technical degree.
Example: He holds an ATA in Computer Networking.
When to use: Workforce entry for tech fields.
17. ATC — Associate of Technical Careers
Meaning: Same as above, different name.
Example: She completed her ATC in Culinary Arts.
When to use: Career-specific trades.
18. ALA — Associate of Liberal Arts
Meaning: Similar to AA, with broader arts base.
Example: She earned an ALA before majoring in English.
When to use: Transfer to arts or humanities.
19. AES — Associate of Environmental Science
Meaning: Environment or sustainability.
Example: He’s getting an AES to work in conservation.
When to use: Nature-focused programs.
20. AOT — Associate of Occupational Therapy Assistant
Meaning: Prepares OT Assistants.
Example: She has an AOT and works in rehab.
When to use: Health-related assistant roles.
21. AT — Associate of Technology
Meaning: General tech-focused degree.
Example: He completed an AT in Robotics.
When to use: Applied technology programs.
22. APS — Associate of Public Service
Meaning: For public service careers.
Example: She holds an APS in Criminal Justice.
When to use: Law enforcement, firefighting.
23. AH — Associate of Humanities
Meaning: Liberal arts and humanities.
Example: He earned an AH to pursue Literature.
When to use: Literature, philosophy, languages.
24. AM — Associate of Music
Meaning: Performance or music theory.
Example: She got her AM in Piano Performance.
When to use: Music school or conservatory.
25. AHT — Associate of Health Technology
Meaning: Allied health careers.
Example: He has an AHT in Radiologic Tech.
When to use: Diagnostic or patient care tech.
26. AAT — Associate of Applied Trades
Meaning: Skilled trades and apprenticeships.
Example: He’s earning an AAT in Carpentry.
When to use: Building trades.
27. AEP — Associate of Environmental Protection
Meaning: Focus on sustainability, ecology.
Example: She finished her AEP last spring.
When to use: Environmental monitoring jobs.
28. ATS — Associate of Technical Studies
Meaning: Custom or specialized programs.
Example: He designed an ATS in Renewable Energy.
When to use: Tailored tech pathways.
29. AJ — Associate of Journalism
Meaning: Writing or media foundation.
Example: She holds an AJ and freelances now.
When to use: Entry-level journalism careers.
30. ACP — Associate of Computer Programming
Meaning: Coding and software basics.
Example: He has an ACP in Web Development.
When to use: IT and tech support fields.
How to Pick the Right Acronym
Choosing the correct associate degree acronym depends on:
✅ Field of study: Arts, science, tech, health, trades?
✅ Transfer plans: Some degrees are meant to transfer.
✅ Workforce goals: Applied degrees (AAS, ATA) often lead straight to a job.
✅ Clarity: Use the acronym your school or industry prefers.
Conclusion
Knowing these acronyms helps you explain your education clearly to schools, employers, or anyone reading your résumé. Keep this list handy, and you’ll always pick the right one—whether you’re filling out an application, writing your bio, or chatting about your career goals.
Good luck on your education journey!
