What is the difference between bachelor of arts and associated arts degree?

Answer 1

A BA (Bachelor of Arts) usually requires a three year study at a British university.

In the US and most countries a BA is a four year (about 130 credits) degree.

An Associated of Arts Degree is a two year degree (about 60-70 credits) normally obtained through a community college.

Needless to say, a Bachelor's degree is preferable.

There is no requirement to have an associates degree before going for a bachelors degree. In most cases the credits will be counted toward the bachelors.

Answer 2

An associates of arts is a degree which covers many types of programs. For example, liberal arts, communication, education, fine arts, etc. Typically, there are three types of degrees at the two years level; associates of arts (AA), associates of science (AS), and associates of applied science (AAS). Each one has their own set of program specific course work.

The closest to general education would be the associate of arts degree in liberal arts. Most AA and AS degrees are designed as transfer programs to fours year colleges and universities. Many of the AAS degrees are transferable also, but you need to be careful because there are some that do not transfer well. They are basically designed as terminal degrees which gives the student all the expertise in a particular program to enter the workforce upon graduation. Therefore they are very career oriented.