What does AA stand for in college? Two words: Associate of Arts, the name of an undergraduate degree that usually takes about two years of full time study, most often at a community college. Many schools require about 60 semester credits, mostly in general education subjects like English, history, math, science and the social sciences.
An AA is a degree in its own right and also a common stepping stone. Many students earn one and then transfer to a four year school to finish a bachelor's degree. Outside of school, the letters have several other well known meanings, which are covered further down.
Quick facts
Stands for (college)
Associate of ArtsOther meanings
Alcoholics Anonymous, AA battery, administrative assistant, Double-A baseballType
Initialism, said A ATypical length
About two years full timeTypical credits
Around 60 semester creditsAlso written
A.A.Related degrees
AS, AAS, BA
What does AA stand for in college degrees?
On a transcript or diploma, the two letters mean Associate of Arts. Associate is the name for the degree level that comes before a bachelor's. Arts signals that the focus is the liberal arts: humanities, languages, social sciences and communication.
Some colleges write it with periods, A.A., and a few use AA Degree or Associate in Arts. All refer to the same level. Common majors include general studies, psychology, English, communication, education and business transfer tracks.
AA vs AS vs AAS
| Degree | Full form | Main focus | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA | Associate of Arts | Humanities and social sciences | Transfer to a bachelor's in fields like English or psychology |
| AS | Associate of Science | Math and science | Transfer into nursing, engineering or biology tracks |
| AAS | Associate of Applied Science | Job skills | Going straight to work in a trade or technical field |
The bachelor level match for an AA is the BA, or Bachelor of Arts. An AAS can transfer too, but fewer of its credits may count toward a bachelor's, so check with the four year school early.
How students use an AA degree
- Transfer. Many states have agreements that let an AA from a public community college satisfy general education at a state university.
- Saving money. Community college tuition is often lower, so some students complete the first two years there.
- Work. Some jobs list an associate degree as a minimum, especially in offices, child care and some public service roles.
- A first goal. Adults returning to school sometimes earn an AA first, then decide on next steps.
On a job listing: "Requires AA or equivalent experience." The employer wants an Associate of Arts degree or a similar mix of training and work history. In this setting, AA has nothing to do with batteries or a support group.
Grades still matter for transfer, so keep an eye on your GPA.
Other things AA stands for
| Context | AA means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery groups | Alcoholics Anonymous | "He goes to an AA meeting on Tuesdays." |
| Batteries | A standard cell size | "The remote takes two AA batteries." |
| Offices | Administrative assistant | "Send the forms to the AA in room 4." |
| Baseball | Double-A, a minor league level | "He was promoted from AA to Triple-A." |
| Advising | Academic advisor (at some schools) | "Meet your AA before registration." |
Alcoholics Anonymous is the meaning most people outside of school have in mind. On a college website or a resume, it almost always means the degree.
Writing AA on a resume
Write the degree in full or with letters, and be consistent: "Associate of Arts, General Studies" or "AA, General Studies." Add the college name and the year you finished. Say it as two letters, "A A," and since A is said "ay," write an AA degree.
Some people write "AA degree" even though the D already means degree; it is redundant but very common and widely accepted. Find more school letters on the school acronyms page, including GED for high school equivalency.
Questions people ask
What does AA stand for in college?
Associate of Arts, a two year undergraduate degree focused on the liberal arts, often used to transfer into a bachelor's program.
Is an AA degree worth it?
It depends on your goals. Many students use it to save money on the first two years of a bachelor's degree, and some jobs list it as a requirement. A school counselor can help you compare options.
What is the difference between an AA and an AS?
An AA focuses on humanities and social sciences, while an AS focuses on math and science. Both usually take about two years and can transfer to four year schools.
Is an AA the same as an associate degree?
An AA is one type of associate degree. Others include the AS and the AAS.
How many credits is an AA degree?
Most AA programs require around 60 semester credits, or about 90 quarter credits. Exact totals vary by college and program.