College can be a new beginning or a fresh start. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, returning student or someone changing careers, Front Range Community College offers a wide array of pathways to help you reach your goals.
Many community college students are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university—a path that makes a bachelor’s degree a lot more affordable. Some are still exploring their interests but feel a college education is important because they know workers with college degrees still earn significantly more, on average, than those who lack them. Others want hands-on training that leads directly into the workforce.
So, where do you start? And how do you decide between the different associate degrees? Here’s a guide to break down your options and find the best fit.
Five Associate Degrees
Associate degrees are typically designed to transfer to a four-year college or university or help students enter or advance in a career.
For a lot of students, this distinction narrows the choices quickly. Those who are eager to enter the workforce choose a career-oriented degree they can start and finish at Front Range. Others are certain they want to continue on for a bachelor’s degree elsewhere.
FRCC offers five associate degrees, each designed to support a range of academic and career goals:
Associate of Arts
An Associate of Arts (AA) is ideal for students preparing to earn bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts or social science fields such as psychology, history, English, communication and education. As a transfer degree, the AA allows a student to enroll with junior status at a Colorado college or university and finish their bachelor’s degree in no more than 60 additional credits.
The general education portion of the AA comes from Colorado’s Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways curriculum, which includes courses in written communication, math, arts and humanities, history, and social and behavioral sciences. The remaining credits of the AA are electives and liberal arts coursework, unless a student chooses a program that is tailored to a specific major or interest, like an AA in history or AA in political science.
Associate of Science
An Associate of Science (AS) is also a transfer degree that allows graduates to enroll as juniors at any public college in Colorado. It’s designed for students intending to pursue bachelor’s degrees in science, math and related fields.
While some of the general education courses overlap with the AA, the AS includes more advanced math and natural/physical lab science coursework (instead of social and behavioral science). The rest of the coursework is electives and additional math and science. A tailored AS program, such as the AS in chemistry or AS in physics, provides a clearer course sequence required for that major at a four-year college.
Associate of Applied Science
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a career-focused degree that emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience. It’s designed to prepare students for immediate entry into technical, skilled or professional occupations like accounting, cybersecurity, dental hygiene, early childhood education, interior architecture and design, geospatial science and nursing. While some classes in the AAS might transfer to a four-year college or university, the degree is not intended to lead directly to junior-level status like the AA and AS.
AAS programs include fewer general education courses, so students move more quickly into classes directly related to their fields of interest. These programs are popular with students who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible—career changers, adult learners and anyone looking for a fast-track path to a career. Students also value that the AAS can still lay the groundwork for future studies if they choose to continue their education later.
Associate of General Studies (AGS)
The Associate of General Studies offers flexibility, allowing students to design a program that matches their interests. Students must complete at least 15 credits from GT Pathways coursework plus an additional 45 credits across communication, math, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, natural and physical sciences, and electives. The AGS program is designed for those who want a broad mix of career-focused and transfer courses.
An AGS is a good option for students whose interests span multiple areas or whose career plans don’t fit neatly into one program. It’s a more individualized degree, so it’s wise for students to work with an FRCC academic advisor to make sure the degree aligns with what they want to do and leaves room for future possibilities.
Associate of Engineering Sciences
The Associate of Engineering Science (AES) is another transfer degree for students working toward four-year degrees in engineering—a field that usually requires a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs. With AES programs in general engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, computer engineering and electrical engineering, FRCC is an excellent place to start.
The AES in general engineering is a solid choice for students who are leaning toward transferring to Colorado School of Mines or are still undecided on a transfer destination. The other AES programs are designed to align with specific Bachelor of Science programs at Colorado institutions:
- The civil engineering and mechanical engineering AES degrees transfer to Colorado State University (CSU).
- The civil engineering, general engineering, architectural engineering, computer engineering and electrical engineering AES degrees transfer to University of Colorado Boulder (CU).
Of course, FRCC’s academic advisors can help AES students who wish to transfer to other Colorado colleges select the right courses.
Other Programs
Front Range Community College offers more than just associate degree programs.
Certificates are a fast way to gain skills, with some programs taking only one semester. Students choose certificates to explore new fields or advance in their current jobs, and some later return to FRCC for an associate degree as part of a longer-term vision.
FRCC (and several other community colleges in Colorado) also offer a growing number of Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. The BAS is a completion degree, designed for students who already hold associate degrees and want to build on that foundation.
They can apply prior coursework from regionally accredited institutions toward the BAS, and current FRCC students in aligned associate degree programs can continue their education seamlessly without leaving campus.
BAS degrees emphasize applied skills, leadership and real-world problem solving. Holding a BAS can increase career opportunities when a bachelor’s degree is required for certain roles.
How Do You Choose?
Which associate degree is for you? A few simple questions can guide your decision-making process:
- Am I looking to transfer to a four-year college or university?
- Do I want to start working as soon as possible?
- Am I still exploring my career interests?
- Do I want a flexible degree program that keeps my options open?
- Do I want to build on previous education or work experience?
Your answers don’t have to be permanent. Many students change directions as they learn more about themselves and refine their objectives. No matter where you’re starting, FRCC has programs for many different life stages.
Academic Advisors Are Here for You
As mentioned earlier, academic advisors are a valuable resource. They can clarify degree options and requirements, map out transfer plans and ensure a program supports your short- and long-term objectives. Checking in regularly will keep you on track and avoid missteps along the way.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Front Range offers affordable, flexible programs that fit real life. You can start with a single class or jump into a degree program and feel confident you’re making a smart investment in yourself.
Have questions? Reach out to the Admissions & Recruitment team or explore the enrollment steps when you’re ready.
We’re glad you’re here. We can’t wait to see where an FRCC education takes you.
