Would it ever make sense to earn a bachelors degree and an associates degree at the same time?

Question

I'm studying computer science at a university but i want to learn more about software engineering in particular, so i was thinking if i took an online associate degree in software engineering while im earning my BS then i could be better equipped for designing/coding software...

Answer 1

Yes. Especially if you are currently working. My wife works full time and is getting an Associates soon, then continuing for her Bachelors. The main reason is financial. The associates will automatically qualify her for promotion into management with a substantial pay raise.

Answer 2

I am not sure what you are asking. Since an associates degree is 2 years, and you need 4 for a bachelors, then why not just get the bachelors in 4 if you are doing it anyway? The accociates degree is not really a "full" college degree, so it will not really help you job-wise, and if you intend to go to graduate school, you need your bachelors degree. If you think you will not go all 4 years for your BA/BS, then finish up with your associates degree, but I think it's best to get the bachelors.

Answer 3

There are very few jobs that require an associate's degree in particular. Educational assistant may be one of them. Many more jobs require either some college or a four-year degree.

I don't think I'd spend any time or money getting an associate's degree unless I were hoping to get one of those very specific jobs on my way to the bachelor's degree.

Answer 4

No, not really. If you were interested in two different specialties why not go for a double major (bachelors degree)? Or get a minor?

Answer 5

Never.

Schools that offer bachelor's degrees don't usually offer an associate's degree. They have another word to describe people who leave school after two years -- dropout.