Understanding Degrees & Certificates

Before choosing a credential, ask yourself one question: What do I want to do when I leave CCC? 

Your answer will point you toward the right type of credential. 

I want to go directly into a career.
Certificates or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). 

I want to transfer to a four-year university.
Transfer Associate Degrees (AA, AS, ABUS, AFA). 

I want to explore my options before committing.
Look at the Associate of General Studies (AGS) or talk to an advisor first. 

I want to build a specific skill quickly and get back to work.
Short-term Certificates. 

I want to transfer AND have a career credential.
An advisor can help you combine pathways. 

Certificates

A certificate is a focused credential that prepares you for employment in a specific field or helps you advance in a career you are already in. Certificate programs are shorter than degrees and are designed to get you working quickly.

• Can typically be completed in one semester to one year
• All certificate credits are eligible for financial aid
• Many certificates can be stacked, meaning you can complete a foundational certificate, enter the workforce, and return later to add more credentials
• In several CCC programs, certificate credits can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree, so your earlier coursework is never wasted
• Available in many fields, including healthcare, trades, technology, public safety, and business

Not all certificates are the same length. Some take one semester; others take up to two years. Credit hours and time to completion vary by program. Review individual program pages for details.

Workforce Degrees

Workforce degrees are designed for students who want to go directly into a career after graduation. An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) gives you the technical knowledge and hands-on training employers are looking for, without the additional coursework required for university transfer.

AAS programs are built around specific career fields, meaning every course you take connects directly to the job you are working toward. Most programs can be completed in two years, and all AAS coursework is eligible for financial aid.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

The AAS is a two-year workforce degree designed to prepare you for a career directly after graduation. It is not a transfer degree. AAS programs include both technical, career-specific coursework and a general education component.

• Requires approximately 60 credit hours
• Designed for direct employment — not transfer to a university
• Built around specific knowledge and skills that employers in that field require
• All AAS credits are eligible for financial aid
• Some general education coursework included in the AAS may transfer to a university, but program-specific technical courses typically do not
• If transfer is part of your long-term plan, speak with an advisor before enrolling to make sure your coursework aligns with your goals

AAS degrees are available in fields including Nursing, Fire Science, Construction Technology, Administration of Justice, Business, Early Childhood Education, Computer Technology, Automotive Technology, Environmental Technology, and more.

Associate of General Studies (AGS) — Exploratory Degree

The AGS is a degree for students who want to build a broad educational foundation without committing to a specific major or career direction. It offers significant flexibility in course selection.

• Requires 60 credit hours, including at least 25 credit hours of General Education coursework
• All AGS credits are eligible for financial aid
• Designed as a standalone credential, not specifically for transfer
• Not the recommended choice if transfer to a four-year university is your goal — the AA or AS will serve you better

If you are not yet sure what direction you want to go, consider meeting with an advisor before defaulting to the AGS. There may be a more strategic path based on your interests.

Transfer Degrees

Transfer degrees are designed specifically for students who plan to continue their education at a four-year university. Completing a CCC transfer degree allows you to enter a university as a junior, with your lower-division coursework already complete.

CCC has transfer partnerships with Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Associate of Arts (AA)

The AA is designed for students transferring into programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, education, or other liberal arts fields.

• Requires a minimum of 60 credit hours
• Includes the Arizona General Education Curriculum — Arts (AGEC-A)
• All AGEC coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better
• CCC offers an AA in General Studies as well as AAs in specific fields including Business, Administration of Justice, and more

Associate of Science (AS)

The AS is designed for students transferring into programs with significant math, science, or engineering requirements, such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, or engineering.

• Requires a minimum of 60 credit hours
• Includes the Arizona General Education Curriculum — Science (AGEC-S)
• Coursework includes higher-level mathematics, starting at Calculus I
• All AGEC coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better

Associate of Business (ABUS)

The ABUS is designed for students who plan to transfer into a business-related bachelor’s program.

• Requires a minimum of 60 credit hours
• Includes the Arizona General Education Curriculum — Business (AGEC-B)
• Designed to prepare students for business, accounting, management, economics, and related fields

Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)

The AFA is designed for students planning to transfer into visual arts programs at a four-year institution.

• Requires a minimum of 60 credit hours
• Includes a significant studio and art coursework component
• Transfer options vary by institution. Speak with an advisor to plan your coursework

In several CCC program areas, certificates are designed to build on each other over time. This is called a stackable credential pathway. 

Here is how it works: 

• Complete a foundational certificate — gain skills and enter the workforce
• Return to CCC when you are ready — earn an advanced certificate
• Apply those credits toward an AAS degree — your earlier work is never wasted 

Stackable pathways currently exist in several areas at CCC, including Construction and Trades, Environmental Technology, Fire Science, Allied Health, and Computer and Information Technology. Individual program pages include details on stackable options within each field.

Certificate 

• Goal: Enter or advance in a specific career quickly
• Length: 1 semester to 2 years depending on program
• Transfer: Not designed for transfer; some credits may apply to an AAS
• Financial Aid: Yes 

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) 

• Goal: Workforce-ready career credential
• Length: Approximately 2 years / 60 credit hours
• Transfer: Not designed for transfer; limited options
• Financial Aid: Yes 

Associate of General Studies (AGS) 

• Goal: Broad exploration without a specific major
• Length: 60 credit hours
• Transfer: Not recommended for transfer
• Financial Aid: Yes 

Associate of Arts (AA) 

• Goal: Transfer into arts, humanities, or social sciences
• Length: 60 credit hours including AGEC-A
• Transfer: Yes — designed for university transfer
• Financial Aid: Yes 

Associate of Science (AS) 

• Goal: Transfer into math, science, or engineering
• Length: 60 credit hours including AGEC-S
• Transfer: Yes — designed for university transfer
• Financial Aid: Yes 

Associate of Business (ABUS) 

• Goal: Transfer into business programs
• Length: 60 credit hours including AGEC-B
• Transfer: Yes — designed for university transfer
• Financial Aid: Yes 

Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) 

• Goal: Transfer into visual arts programs
• Length: 60 credit hours
• Transfer: Yes — designed for university transfer
• Financial Aid: Yes 

All credit-bearing certificates and degrees at CCC are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants. This includes both workforce-focused credentials (certificates, AAS) and transfer degrees (AA, AS, ABUS, AFA). 

Non-credit courses and continuing education programs are generally not eligible for federal financial aid, though some may qualify for workforce development funding through programs like WIOA. 

Contact CCC’s Financial Aid office to understand how financial aid applies to your specific credential and course plan.