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How Does an Online AA Degree Compare With a Traditional AA Degree?

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Are you interested in earning an online AA degree but aren’t sure if it is as good as a traditional AA degree? Read on, because this article will tell you all you need to know about the differences in the two degrees.

What is an AA degree? An AA degree is an Associate of Arts degree, and it is generally earned in about half the time it takes to earn a Bachelor’s degree, or about two years. For the potential student who finds the idea of committing four years to a traditional undergraduate degree, the AA degree may be the perfect solution. Many art schools have developed innovative programs for AA degrees that lead to work in such fields as graphic design, fashion design, photography, or architectural drafting.

Statistics show that, on average, the holder of an AA degree will earn 30% more than a person with only a high school diploma. The associate degree thus serves as a way to get ahead in your industry. If, after you have completed you AA degree you decide you want more schooling, you can continue your studies, working toward a BFA, or bachelor in fine arts, or a MFA, or master’s in fine arts. Here is a brief explanation of the various levels of degrees:

  • AA, or Associate of Arts degree
    A two year program, usually at a community college, technical, or art school.

  • Bachelor in Fine Arts
    Generally takes four years at a college or university

  • Master in Fine Arts
    Will require from two to three additional years of study beyond the undergraduate

For the person interested in pursuing a career in a creative field or attending art school, an AA degree is often an excellent choice. If you are interested in earning an AA degree from an art school, but need to continue working, you might want to consider an online AA degree.

An online AA degree will take the same amount of time as a traditional AA degree, usually requiring you to earn around 60 credits, or about two years time. However, the advantage of the online AA degree is that you will be able to work from home on your own computer, fitting in lectures and course work when it is convenient to you. You submit class work and take tests via email or fax, and live chat via the computer or telephone is also available. The online option is really a great choice for students who have a desire to learn a creative career but don’t have time to put two year of their life into it.

Just think—no commuting, the ability to read lectures and complete course work whenever you have time—in many ways earning an online AA degree is the epitome of convenience. Since it is proven that earning an AA degree can dramatically boost your chances of success within the industry, it is well worth your while to consider heading back to the books.



On line AA degree

An Online AA Degree

Online AA degree is highly beneficial to those who are not in a position to obtain a desired qualification through a traditional educational program.

Traditional university education calls for students to attend college full time to pursue a program and qualify for a degree. Sometimes constrains make it impossible for some people to work full time in order to get an educational qualification.

Online and distance learning programs are specifically designed for individuals who cannot attend a full time program but are keen on enhancing their qualifications.

What’s an AA degree?

An Associate of Arts degree, also called an AA degree is typically an undergraduate degree of two years or four semesters in arts field. The programs often include core courses for the chosen area of study.

Online AA degree

AA degree programs are also offered online by many respectable art schools. Students can complete online degree programs at their own pace in the comfort of their home.

In associated degrees programs, the degree is awarded by a community college or a junior college.

If you want to complete the degree at a later date, credit earned through an AA degree can be carried forward. Bachelor’s degrees offered by colleges and universities are generally for four years with 120 credits. The 60 credits that can be transferred from an online AA degree is a huge advantage.

BFA and BA degree program

BFA (Bachelor in Fine Arts) is an undergraduate college degree which is offered in the areas of fine arts and applied arts. It is best suited for students opting for a professional qualification in arts and design.

BA (Bachelor of Arts) is also an undergraduate degree offered in arts and concentrates more on the general subject rather than the professional applications. They are liberal arts programs that tend to develop conceptual skills rather than analytical abilities.

Both the programs have a normal duration of four years or eight semesters. Arts associate degree holders can complete BFA or BA degree program in two years. The basic difference between a BFA and BA lies in the underlying goals and objectives of the programs.

BFA focuses on training the students in professional applications after giving them the basic knowledge in the chosen area of the study. Students are exposed to real time applications and trained to become professionals.

B.A. program on the other hand focuses on general studies in the chosen area. The students gain a better understanding of the subjects rather than acquiring professional specialization.

The academic component is much higher in the B.A. degree while the B.F.A. programs emphasize more on the application and practice. About two thirds of the course content in the BFA programs concentrates on application areas.

Typical BFA programs

Typical BFA programs that are quite popular among students are:

  1. Acting
  2. Creative writing
  3. Dance
  4. Drawing
  5. Film production
  6. Graphic design
  7. Industrial design
  8. Interior design
  9. Photography
  10. Painting
  11. Print making

There are many options available and they train you to become a professional in the chosen area. If you want to change your career or gain professional expertise in area that interests you, the BFA program is the right option for you.

MFA and MA programs

MFA (Master in fine arts) is the graduate level program in fine arts and applied arts that are pursued by students holding a bachelor’s degree.

M.A. (Master of Arts) degrees are academic graduate degree programs offered by many colleges and universities in the areas of art. These programs can be lecture based or research based.

MFA programs are generally terminal programs in the applied art area. On the other hand M.A. programs are not terminal programs and can lead to a PhD.

Obtaining an MFA degree in a good and reputable art school makes you a thorough professional in the chosen area of study. Quantum of studio component and practical exposure in education will enable you to get a good job.

Admissions to degree programs

If you want to enrich your knowledge through education, the degree you select depends on your present qualifications.

Associate degree programs


If you do not have a college degree you may consider opting for the Associates of Art degree program. Many affiliated colleges offer this degree program.

If you are employed and do not have time to join a full-time program, the online AA degree program is the ideal solution for you. The course coverage is same as the one covered on-campus. The sessions are conducted through the Internet. You can select a convenient time and duration to complete the program.

Select the program you wish to pursue before identifying the college for enrollment. Internet can give sufficient information on the courses offered, fee structure and other rules and regulations for enrollment.

Bachelor’s degree


If you are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in arts you have to make a choice between BA (Bachelor of art) and BFA (Bachelor of fine arts) programs. The final selection depends on the purpose for which you are intending to study.

If you are interested in a professional career in specific fine arts area such as photography, graphic design, acting, creative writing etc. best option available to you is the BFA program in the chosen applied fine arts area.

If your interest is to gain thorough insight into the subject BA will be a better option for you.

Masters level program


MFA (Master of fine arts) is the best option for practicing professionals with college degrees who wish to gain professional expertise in the related area.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to gain in-depth knowledge in the subject, MA and a further PhD will be ideally suited to your requirement.

Many options for willing candidates


Many colleges and universities offer plenty of options for pursuing higher education. They offer programs that are professionally oriented that can be useful to many aspirants. Online associate of art degree, FFA and MFA degree programs are a few such programs.

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