MVNU’s Associate of Arts Degree: Your Path to a Bachelor’s

No matter your starting point, it’s never too late to pursue a college degree. Whether you’re going to college for the first time or returning to college after taking a break, getting an Associate of Arts (AA) degree may be the perfect starting point for you. Pursuing an online AA degree not only provides foundational learning across a diverse mix of liberal arts disciplines, but it can also be the preparation you need before you embark on a bachelor’s degree program.

What Is an Associate of Arts Degree?

An Associate of Arts degree is a two-year degree high school graduates pursue before a bachelor’s degree. Unlike other associate’s degrees—such as Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS)—an Associate of Arts degree program offers a broader range of concentration areas across the arts, social sciences, humanities, and more. 

The AA degree is an excellent bachelor’s degree pathway. Many AA degree course credits can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program, making it a great choice for students who want to go to college but haven’t yet enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree After an Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree is a worthwhile investment in your education as it delivers a wealth of benefits, including:

• The timely completion of a degree program.
• A solid foundational knowledge in the liberal arts.
• Preparation for some exciting, well-paid career paths, including paralegal, administrative professional, medical technician, and dental hygienist.

As valuable as an Associate of Arts degree can be on its own, it’s natural for students who have completed an associate’s degree to consider taking their education to the next level—a bachelor’s degree. In fact, a National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) study found that of all the individuals who earned a bachelor’s degree between 2008-2017, one in four had previously earned an associate’s degree.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree after an associate’s degree is about much more than gaining new credentials for your resume. It can also help you meet your personal and professional goals. Here’s what you can do when advancing your education along this path:

• Expand your knowledge and skills: A bachelor’s degree program allows you to deepen your understanding of key concepts in your concentration, helping prepare you for a variety of career paths.
• Boost your earning potential: Bachelor’s degree holders typically have higher average salaries than associate degree holders and those with a high school diploma only.

Reach your career goals: Although not all careers indeed require a bachelor’s degree, many do. For example, social worker roles and many business and management roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. By taking this next step in your education, you’re likely to have more career options.

How the Associate of Arts Degree from MVNU Online Prepares You For a Bachelor’s Degree

With MVNU Online, you can find an array of degree programs to meet you where you are in your educational journey. Whether you’re pursuing a college degree at 25, 35, or any other age, you can get started with our online Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies. With its mix of coursework in humanities, social sciences, and several liberal arts electives, the program can be your launchpad for pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an area such as social work, business, nursing, computer science, and many others.

The Associate of Arts degree program from MVNU Online provides a comprehensive learning experience that prepares you for a bachelor’s degree and the many benefits that come with it. Here are several reasons the program may be an excellent fit for you:

1. You’ll earn a degree on your way to earning another degree.

Bachelor's degree programs from MVNU Online require the completion of 56 transferable credits for admission, which the Associate of Arts degree program provides. Upon completing the MVNU Online associate’s degree, you’ll be prepared to select from several rewarding bachelor’s degree programs. As you acquire new knowledge and skills, you’ll be prepared to explore new career opportunities and hopefully land your dream job. 

2. The program is designed to meet the needs of adult learners.

MVNU’s online Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies is tailored to adult learners seeking to complete a college degree but who haven’t yet earned enough credits for a bachelor’s degree program or graduation. The program also fits in well with work and family caregiving responsibilities. You don’t have to put your life on hold or risk neglecting your obligations to complete your degree with MVNU Online.

3. You’ll have flexible options for completing your degree.

The AA program combines online general studies courses with subjects from your chosen bachelor’s concentration, enabling timely and convenient degree completion. With the assistance of our academic advisors, you can select electives in specific areas of interest and craft an individualized graduation plan that makes sense for you. Courses are offered year-round on a rotating basis, providing more options when you take classes throughout the year.

4. You’ll gain a liberal arts education you can build on.

MVNU Online’s School of Graduate & Professional Studies (SGPS) blends a flexible, online format with a quality liberal arts education that prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career. The general studies curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and research skills and incorporates ethical standards with a Christian worldview. Courses in the program include:

• American Politics and Government
• Computer Applications
• Introduction to Business
• General Psychology
• Personal Finance

5. The AA program offers a structured curriculum.

The MVNU Online associate’s degree program includes coursework in arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts electives, providing plenty of flexibility for exploration before you hone in on a specific area of study. In the 60-credit-hour program, you’ll enjoy a curriculum designed to help you easily transition into an online bachelor’s degree program in any of the following areas:

• Social Work
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Christian Ministry
• Elementary Education
• Leadership

Learn More About the MVNU Online Associate of Arts Degree 

An MVNU Online education provides many benefits, including a supportive learning community, the keys to an exciting career path, and much more. Starting with an associate’s degree and continuing to a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to broaden your knowledge, skills, and career prospects. Upon graduation, you’ll have the tools to pursue your calling, change careers, or go for that promotion.

Thinking of getting a college education but unsure where to start? Download our college admission checklist and learn more about what awaits you with MVNU Online!