associate of applied science: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Educational, Technical, Administrative
Quick answer
What does “associate of applied science” mean?
An undergraduate academic degree awarded typically by community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges upon completion of a two-year program focused on practical, career-oriented skills in a specific technical or scientific field.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An undergraduate academic degree awarded typically by community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges upon completion of a two-year program focused on practical, career-oriented skills in a specific technical or scientific field.
A credential signifying proficiency in applied, hands-on disciplines (e.g., nursing, engineering technology, information systems, culinary arts). It is designed for direct workforce entry, though it may sometimes articulate into a bachelor's program.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This is a North American term. The UK and most Commonwealth countries do not have an exact equivalent. Closest UK concepts are 'Foundation Degree' (FdSc) or certain Higher National Certificates/Diplomas (HNC/HND), but these are not identical in structure or connotation.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes a practical, vocational, and technical education with a clear path to employment. In British English, the term itself is not used, so the closest equivalents carry their own institutional and educational connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in US/Canadian post-secondary education contexts. Extremely low to zero frequency in UK contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “associate of applied science” in a Sentence
an Associate of Applied Science in [Engineering Technology, Nursing, Culinary Arts, Information Technology]to graduate with an Associate of Applied ScienceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “associate of applied science” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb in this form]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb in this form]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not typically used adjectivally in UK English]
American English
- She is pursuing Associate of Applied Science studies in cybersecurity.
- The college offers several Associate of Applied Science pathways.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR and hiring contexts to specify required educational credentials for technical positions. e.g., 'Requires an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology.'
Academic
Used in college catalogs, program descriptions, and academic advising to distinguish this track from transfer-oriented degrees.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing specific educational paths. e.g., 'My brother just got his Associate of Applied Science and started a job as a radiologic technologist.'
Technical
The standard term for credentialing in fields like allied health, engineering technology, computer networking, and applied trades.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “associate of applied science”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “associate of applied science”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “associate of applied science”
- Using 'Associate's of Applied Science' (incorrect apostrophe). It's 'Associate of Applied Science'.
- Confusing it with 'Associate in Applied Science' (a minor variant, but 'of' is more standard).
- Using it to refer to a person: 'He is an Associate of Applied Science.' (Incorrect; he *holds* an Associate of Applied Science).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often not directly. The A.A.S. is designed as a 'terminal' degree for workforce entry. While some credits may transfer, the degree as a whole typically does not fulfill the general education requirements of a bachelor's program, unlike an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.). Articulation agreements vary by institution.
An Associate of Science (A.S.) is primarily a transfer degree with a focus on academic courses in math and science, preparing students to complete a bachelor's degree. An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is a career-focused degree with a majority of courses in technical, applied skills for direct employment.
Typically two years of full-time study (approximately 60-70 credit hours), though accelerated or part-time programs may alter this timeline.
No. An A.A.S. is a full academic degree awarded by colleges. Diplomas and certificates are usually shorter, more focused credentials that may require less general education coursework and carry fewer credits.
An undergraduate academic degree awarded typically by community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges upon completion of a two-year program focused on practical, career-oriented skills in a specific technical or scientific field.
Associate of applied science is usually formal, educational, technical, administrative in register.
Associate of applied science: in British English it is pronounced /əˌsəʊ.si.eɪt əv əˈplaɪd ˈsaɪ.əns/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌsoʊ.si.eɪt əv əˈplaɪd ˈsaɪ.əns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for this multi-word lexical unit]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ASSOCIATE (connecting you to a career) + APPLIED (hands-on, practical) + SCIENCE (the field of study). It's the degree you get for applied, job-ready science skills.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A TOOL (This degree is conceptualized as a practical tool for building a career, rather than a stepping stone to further abstract knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary distinguishing feature of an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree?