Types of Degrees & Certificates
At Columbus State, we have degrees and certificates to help you reach your academic goals, no matter what they may be. Many degrees can transfer toward a four-year bachelor's degree.
Associate of Science Degree
The A.S. degree fulfills the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor of science, with guaranteed credit transfer to any Ohio public and many private colleges/universities.
Associate of Arts Degree
The A.A. degree fulfills the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor of arts, with guaranteed credit transfer to any Ohio public institution and many private colleges/universities.
Associate of Applied Science Degree
An A.A.S. degree provides skills and credential to enter the workforce immediately, with select transfer options to continue on for a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline.
Associate of Technical Studies
Combines two or more programs into one two-year degree. Some departments offer predesigned A.T.S. degrees, or you can work with your advisor and program chair(s) to design a custom major.
Certificate
A certificate provides intensive study (usually 1-2 semesters) in a specific discipline. Earning a certificate does not qualify you to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree, although some certificates combine to lead to an associate degree.
Bachelor's Degree
Typically a four-year degree, a bachelor's degree includes a minimum of 120 credits and is generally granted by a four-year university. In addition to major courses, a bachelor's includes electives and general education credits for a well-rounded education.
Columbus State offers one bachelor's degree completion program, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, aimed at students who already have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or the equivalent. Our Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees fulfill the first two years of a bachelor's, allowing you to transfer to a four-year school to finish the degree.