Bachelors, Associates, Certificates, Special Admissions
What is the difference?

Differences between Certificates, A.A., A.S., and A.A.S. and B.A.S. Degrees

A.A. degree vs. A.S. degree vs. B.S./B.A.S degree --Which one is right for you?
At Daytona State you'll find several options for your academic future; like earning an Bachelor of Science in Education, Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science degree or a certificate.

Bachelor of Science in Education Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Education is an approved program leading to teacher certification in the State of Florida in the areas of Elementary Education, Exceptional Education, and Specializations of Secondary Math, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Earth/Space Science Education. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to become effective educators.  The BS in Education programs requires students to complete as Associate of Arts degree and specialized core courses. (Please click here for the program requirements)

Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program prepares individuals who already have skills in specific technical areas for supervisory and management roles and positions. Associate Degree programs have prepared these individuals to enter the job market at entry-level or mid-level positions. Upper-level coursework in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management program broadens their knowledge in applied management practices and prepares them for supervisory and management opportunities within their technical fields.

Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree

An Associate of Arts (A.A.) program is a 60 credit-hour degree program that includes the core courses needed to complete the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree in Florida. The 60 credits must fulfill specific area requirements i.e. Math, English, Physical Science, etc. The credits that you earn at Daytona State through the A.A. degree are transferrable to most Florida four-year colleges or universities. You can view the A.A. Degree requirements for the current year at: CURRENT CATALOG AA DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Associate of Science (A.S.) degree

The Associate in Science (A.S.) varies in length, depending on the academic discipline. A.S. programs provide you with the knowledge and workforce skills necessary to perform in a particular profession. The General Education credits earned in an A.S. degree program can be transferred to a four-year college or university. Unlike the A.A. degree, however, the A.S. curriculum is not considered equal to the first two years of a bachelor's degree. Program specific courses ordinarily do not transfer to colleges/universities, even as electives.

What is the difference between an A.S. and an A.A.S.?

Actually, they are quite similar. The A.S. Degree has more or higher level general education requirements and sometimes a few program specific courses from its mirror image A.A.S. Degree. The A.A.S. degree is really designed for individuals who want to get college-level training in a workforce discipline and do not intend to go further with the degree or program in the future.

Certificate Programs

Many of today's high-paying, high-demand careers don't require a college degree. These pograms blend classroom instruction and practical, real-world training - often in the actual work environment. Some of our vocational certificates include: Nursing Assistant, Correctional Officer, Automotive Technician, and Law Enforcement Officer.

We also offer College Credit Certificates. These certificates include college-credit courses also required in our A.S. and A.A.S. degrees. They are a great start if you cannot commit to the full program right away. Some include: Computer Programming, Medical Records Transcribing and Network Communications.

Click here to see the list of our programs and to view -- print Program Guide Links

Please feel free to email an Advisor at advising@daytonastate.edu with any questions you may have. Please email from your Falcon Mail account, make sure you include your name, student ID number and any associated information in your email. This will insure you get a response in a timely manner.