Associates Degree Abbreviation

& the Correct Use of All Degree Abbreviations

Using an Associates Degree Abbreviation, as well as almost any degree abbreviation, can be tricky! Most of us do not need to use these very often, so we haven't learned the correct usage. That's about to change!

Refer to the printable list of all the abbreviations and meanings on this page. The images show the same. The text below includes some additional information. 

Common Associates Degree Abbreviation and Meanings

Here are some of the most common Associate Degree Abbreviations. There are others as well.  NOTE: Not all of these appear on the PDF. 

A. A. = Associate of Arts. This degree often focuses on general education and liberal arts.           

A. A. can also signify an Associate degree in Accounting

A.A.T. = Associate in Applied Technology. This degree prepares people for technical and hands-on careers. Graduates can work in construction, manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and more. It can also serve as a foundation to further studies in other fields.

A. B. = Associate of Business

A. B. A. = Associate of Business Administration

A. M. = Associate of Music. This degree is helpful for those seeking careers in musical performance, playing or repairing instruments, sound recording, music arranging, and more. Further degrees are needed to become a music teacher. 

A. N. = Associate of Nursing

A.O.T. = Associate in Occupational Technology

A.S. = Associate of Science

A.A.A. = Associate of Applied Arts. This prepares people for entry-level careers in creative and technical fields such as web design, advertising, photography, fashion design, marketing and more.

A.A.B. = Associate of Applied Business. This degree is a foundation for entry-level positions and a foundation to further degrees. Possible careers included accounting clerks, customer service reps, sales associates, with the potential to someday becoming a business owner. 

A.B.A. = Associate of Business Administration

A. S. = Associate of Science. This degree is usually for students pursuing mathematics, science, technology or similar fields.

A.A.S. = Associate of Applied Science. This degree is typically more career-focused and prepares students for specific jobs or industries.

A.A.T. = Associate of Arts in Teaching

A. F. A. = Associate of Fine Arts. This degree can be the foundation for those seeking careers as art teachers, graphic designers, illustrators, exhibit designer, animator, art therapist, etc.

A. G. S.= Associate of General Studies. This is used primarily as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, although it can be helpful for those entering the workforce directly in fields like customer service, retail, etc. 

A. P. E. = Associate of Pre-Engineering. This degree provides basic knowledge and skills in math, science and engineering principles. It prepares people for further degrees at a four-year institution. 

A.P. S. = Associate of Political Science,  Associate of Public Service, or Associate of Professional Studies

A. P. T. = Associate of Physical Therapy

A. T. Associate of Technology

What about correct usage?

When listing your degree, it's usually recommended that you used the full degree name, but abbreviations are fine for resumes and email signatures.

Common Bachelor Degrees

Here are 20 popular Bachelor degrees. There are many, many more.

B.A. = Bachelor of Arts

B.F.A.= Bachelor of Fine Arts

B.S. = Bachelor of Science

B.A.M. = Bachelor of Applied Mathematics

B. Arch. = Bachelor of Architecture

B.D.M. = Bachelor of Dental Medicine

B.E. = Bachelor of Engineering

B.Ec. = Bachelor of Economics

B.Ed. = Bachelor of Education

B.J. = Bachelor of Journalism

B.M. = Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Music

B.P.S. = Bachelor of Physical Sciences

B.S.A. = Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

B.S.A. = Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

B.S.B. = Bachelor of Science in Business

B.S.E. = Bachelor of Science in Engineering

B.S.H.A. = Bachelor of Science in Health Administration

B.S.W. = Bachelor of Social Work

B.Th. = Bachelor of Theology

B.V.S. = Bachelor of Veterinary Science

The Correct Use of Degree Abbreviations

The abbreviations for academic degrees may be used with or without a proper name.  When used with a name, these abbreviations come after the person's name.

These sentences are all correct:

1) It took John just 18 months to earn his A.S. degree.

2) The accounting firm wants to hire two people with A.A. degrees.

3) The conductor chose Megan Jones, A.M. to assist him.

What About Those Periods?

The Eighth Edition of the MLA Handbook does not use periods between the letters for abbreviations that are made of mainly capital letters. But the use of periods is allowed if you are consistent in your writing. I have chosen to use periods with every abbreviation.

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More Abbreviations

Word Abbreviations - A list of many of the most common abbreviations used in English, along with helpful tips for using them correctly. Learn about abbreviations of time, measurement, titles, and some key Latin abbreviations. 

References:

• www.abbreviations.com
• Boston University