(CCC) Get a major specific degree or General Ed Degree?

<p>I can either get an AA degree in my major which would require me taking an additional course (speech class) or no additional class and just get the AA in General studies with an area of emphasis (I've already met the requirements for this degree)</p>

<p>I know it doesn't really matter because I'm going to a UC but what do you guys think? I mean I think if I get a job at or near the UC I go to it'll be at least a small pay bump while I'm working while I'm going to school and for a sense of accomplishment.</p>

<p>Also I've heard from reliable sources (CCC counselors) that the UC's are considering adopting the AA-T program in 2014 or 2015 which is the degree id get if I took the speech class, an AA-T in Sociology.</p>

<p>Thoughts?</p>

<p>Bump bump bump</p>

<p>I imagine that it would be best to get the AA that is most convenient. Personally, I don’t intend to earn an AA degree, but if I were you, I’d just try and get the general studies one. You already met the requirements for the degree, so yeah. Definitely more convenient.</p>

<p>And what do you mean when you say the UCs will “adopt” the AA-T program?</p>

<p>According to a couple counselors at my CCC they went to some UC conferences and the UC’s are seeing how the CSU’s fare with the AAT program and if the results are positive then they are planning on adopting the program.</p>

<p>Why wouldn’t you get an AA?? Is there some downside I’m not seeing? Haha you can call yourself a college graduate, get better paid, more jobs available while in undergrad studies, and you have a degree under your belt.</p>

<p>To be completely honest, I’m just too lazy to go through the paperwork. I’m a very VERY lazy person.</p>

<p>But I suppose I should take up your advice and get off my lazy *** and earn one. What jobs are available to students with AAs?</p>

<p>Anything from Dental Hygienist, Supervisor at stores, pre-School teacher, Paralegal, computer programmer, radiation therapist, and tons of other jobs and your CCC counselor should fill out most of the paperwork for the AA you just sign</p>

<p>I’m going to a 4 year university because I want a degree from a good school so I’ll have street cred when applying to a good job / starting my career. So from my point of view I don’t see a reason to bother getting an AA. With that said someone else I know is working at some job (which quite frankly I wouldn’t work at) and she said an AA will give her a pay raise. Should you get an AA or not? That depends on what kind of person you are and where you want to go on life. For me it’s not worth it.</p>

<p>Yeah but while you’re going to school (and likely working because let’s face it we all need $) isn’t it worth the pay raise and usually IGETC has you fulfilling all the degree requirements anyways so usually there’s only maybe one more class you need to take for the degree. </p>

<p>My major is sociology so that applies to pretty much every field like: Counseling, law enforcement, teaching, paralegal, social work, clerking, supervisory staff, public relations so if I had an AA while going to a 4 year I could work in one of these fields with better pay.
How would it negatively affect you?</p>

<p>For me getting an AA would require taking CSU type courses and because I am not applying to any CSU it wouldn’t make any sense. Even so I’d rather beef up my transcript with higher level maths instead of getting an AA.</p>

<p>I see, Matt.</p>

<p>Well, it just occurred to me that I have to take a certain class or two to obtain an AA at my community college, and I already have my schedule of classes for spring. I like my classes a lot and I also need them. :(</p>

<p>It would be very impractical for me to try and get an AA now because of it.</p>

<p>I can get an AA in chemistry, economics, and medical technology based on the classes I have taken. So why not? Schools have internships and job opportunities and having those AA’s might come in handy while you’re in school. So while you work and earn $$, you’re also building up your resume and work experience for grad school. </p>

<p>And getting an AA would not require taking CSU courses. So just get your AA and see where it takes you. If you’re already qualified for one, why the heck not.</p>

<p>But yes, obviously an AA wouldnt get you places in the long run. That’s common sense. That AA will help you get a job while you’re in school. Grad schools will not accept you unless you have some type of work experience. SO if it’s not a hassle, get your AA!!</p>

<p>Why can’t you get into grad school without work experience?</p>

<p>Generally speaking undergrad is like a HS education; basically it’s something we do just because it’s the defacto requirement in the world. Grad school is like an advancement into your career. Good grad schools won’t take you unless you have experience in their field.</p>

<p>Really? I always thought it was mainly based on GPA, where you graduate from and what makes you different. Not really work experience, I always thought that was after grad school.</p>

<p>If someone isn’t going to hire you with a bachelors degree why would they hire you with a masters degree? Both are just pieces of paper. </p>

<p>There are few exceptions to that. If someone screwed up really bad during their undergrad years and got a sub 3.0 gpa. Then maybe getting any masters degree with a gpa would help them. Liekwise teachers need master degree…</p>

<p>but the to get into a masters program for teaching they will probably need some actual experience being a teachers assistant or going into classrooms and interacting with students. Likewise this is pretty much true for all disciplines. If a person wants to get into a Top MBA program they will need to show what they have already done in business. If someone want to get into a science program, they will want to show what kind of research they have done etc.</p>

<p>So ya basically undergrad breaks you into the field while graduate helps you advance.</p>