Differences between AS and AA transfer degrees

I'm at a community college working toward an associate degree, but I'm not sure if an AS or AA degree is better for transferring. Can anyone clarify their differences and how they affect transfer opportunities?

An Associate of Science (AS) degree is typically designed for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree after transferring. It contains more math and science classes, which are often prerequisites for BS programs. If you're thinking of transferring into a major like biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, or other STEM fields, an AS might be better suited for your plans.

On the other hand, an Associate of Arts (AA) degree typically contains more liberal arts classes and is often pursued by students who plan to transfer into a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program. The coursework in an AA degree might cover subjects like English, history, social sciences, humanities, and other arts.

Ultimately, whether you should go for an AS or AA degree depends on your intended major after transfer. If your target four-year university or college has specific prerequisite courses for your major, make sure that your associate degree covers those classes. Checking with an academic advisor at your community college or the admissions office at your intended four-year institution can also provide useful insights specific to your situation.

However, it's important to note that typically, both AS and AA degrees are designed for transfer students, and colleges that have transfer agreements with community colleges often accept both types of degrees. Thus, the distinction between AS and AA may not significantly affect your transfer opportunities, but it can help you to be better prepared for your bachelor's degree program.