Does an A.S. degree count towards transfer credits for a 4-year college?

I'm finishing up my A.S. degree at a community college and I’m wondering how it will transfer to a 4-year college. Will the degree count towards my general education requirements or will I lose some credits?

Generally, an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is designed to prepare you for transfer to a 4-year college or university, with course credits that typically apply toward your bachelor's degree. Most of the time, an A.S. degree fulfills the general education or core curriculum requirements of a bachelor's degree.

However, the specific answer depends on several factors, including:

- The transfer policies of the university you wish to attend

- The specific terms of any articulation agreements between your community college and your future university

- The particular degree program you're transferring into

If you're transferring to a public university within the same state, there's often a high level of transferability because state systems tend to be designed with this pathway in mind.

However, there's no universal answer to your question, as practices can vary by school. It's crucial to speak to an admissions or academic advisor at the university you're intending to transfer to and see how your credits will transfer. You should also work closely with your community college advisor, who can provide advice based on previous students' experiences.

If possible, early in your A.S. program, try to identify the 4-year universities and programs you're interested in, so you can look into their transfer policies and tailor your coursework to those requirements if needed. This can help ensure that you're taking the most advantageous courses for your future academic plan.

For instance, if the 4-year programs you're interested in have unique general education requirements or prerequisites for your major that aren't covered in your A.S. program, you may want to take those specific courses at your community college to ensure they transfer.

In short, yes, an A.S. degree should count towards the transfer credits for a 4-year college; however, you need to verify with the college you want to transfer to.