AA and AS Degrees

Types of Certificate and Degree Programs

Community colleges such as our partner, Front Range Community College, offer a variety of certification and 2 year college programs. As part of your academic and career planning, it is important for you to understand what level of education aligns with your goals.

• Certification Program: Teaches you the skills to obtain or advance in a job in a related industry. Some certificates can be earned in a semester, others may take a year or two. Certificate programs are for people starting a new career or who are moving up in their career or adding new skills to their current job. Examples of certificates include: Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Bookkeeping, Early Childhood Teacher, Wildland Fire and Medical Assistant. 
• Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS):  A two-year degree that focuses on career preparation tied to a specific industry. In addition to industry specific courses, you might be required to take an English writing and a Math class. Examples of AAS degrees include: Cybersecurity, Geospatial Science, Accounting, Early Childhood Education, Wildlife Technology, and Nursing.
• Associate Degree (AA, AS or AES): A two-year college degree that can lead to job opportunities or transfer into a bachelor's degree program at a four-year college or university. An Associate of Arts (AA) focuses on liberal arts and general education. An Associate of Science (AS) focuses on science, business and other professional pathways. An Associate of Engineering Science (AES) covers the first 60 credits of a variety of Engineering degrees. Associate Degrees that transfer directly into a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor or Science count as the first 60 credits (2 years).  Various AA, AS and AES degrees offered through FRCC articulate with various colleges and universities. This means that the FRCC degree meets the specific requirements of that college or university. Learn more about articulation agreements on the CDHE Transfer Degree web page.
• Bachelor's Degrees (BA or BS): A four-year degree (120 credits) earned at a 4 year college or university. FRCC offers a BAS in Business for Creative Industries and Geospatial Science, and a BS in Nursing.
• Graduate and Professional Degrees: After earning a Bachelor's degree, one can continue their education and earn a Master's Degree (MA and MS), a doctorate (Ph.D.) or a Professional Degree (MD - doctor, JD - lawyer, to name a few).

Generally, people within a specific industry who have higher degrees or certification earn more money. With the different levels of certification and education, one can choose when they are ready to advance in their career.

Earning an AA, AS, or AES While in High School

Yes, it is possible to earn a 2 year degree prior to completing high school! Through Concurrent and Dual Enrollment students earn both high school and college credit for college classes. If you set this as your goal, you will be ahead in your college career by 2 years - and all of it tuition-free! This is for you if:

• You plan appropriately - discuss your plan with your guardian/parent, high school counselor and an FRCC advisor. It's important that you take the right classes for the degree and that you meet your high school requirements at the same time.
• You get approval each semester - follow the sign up steps on the BVSD FRCC webpage.
• You stay focused - motivation and time management are key
• You stay connected - meet with your HS counselor or Grad+ Site Lead and FRCC advisor regularly. Evaluate your plan of action each semester. Make use of academic support resources at FRCC and BVSD.
• You track your progress - linked below are forms to help you stay on track. 
• At least 15 of the credits earned must be learned at FRCC (not at your high school).
• Expect to take some classes during the summer.

Associate of Arts - General

Associate of Science - General

Students who are focused on a specific field are encouraged to adapt this form to meet the requirements of a Degree with Designation (DwD). Learn DwD requirements for specific programs in the FRCC Catalog Programs site.

The following FRCC programs have AA Degrees with Designation:  ASL and Deaf Studies, Anthropology, Art History, Studio Art, Business, Communications, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Teacher Education, Economics, Elementary Teacher Education, English, French, Geography, Health Sciences, History, Hospitality Management, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Spanish.

The following FRCC programs have AS Degrees with Designation: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Fermentation Sciences, Geology, Horticulture Business Management, Mathematics, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physics, and Psychology.

Students working on an AA, AS or AES degree are required to meet with an FRCC Academic Advisor.  Visit the Academic Advising website for more information.

And if you don't complete the AA, AS or AES before you finish high school, we've got you covered! Apply to the ASCENT program for a year of tuition-free college!