What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and an associate's degree in the United States?

A bachelor's degree and an associate's degree are two different types of undergraduate degrees that can be earned in the United States. The main differences between the two degrees are the length of time required to complete the degree, the number of credits required, and the depth of study in a particular subject.

An associate's degree typically takes two years to complete, while a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete. An associate's degree requires fewer credits than a bachelor's degree, and the courses are generally more introductory in nature. In contrast, a bachelor's degree program requires students to take a larger number of credits and courses that are more in-depth and specialized in a particular subject area.

Another important difference is that a bachelor's degree is typically required for many professional jobs and for admission to graduate school, while an associate's degree is often seen as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or a job in a trade or technical field.