Is Bachelor’s in Computer Science More Valuable than Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology

Before we get into the differences between an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and computer technology, we must first emphasize the importance of this field. Many students and potential candidates for this field will attest to the fact that computer science and technology is a highly lucrative and dynamic field.it is the most rapidly growing field in the economy as society has begun to place greater importance on artificial intelligence and electronic dependence in general.

The good news for students is that both of these degrees are a great way to take advantage of the high-tech job market, although one degree is leaps and bounds ahead of the other. Some students, however, will actually be able to get the best of both worlds by pursuing both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in a money-saving move that will certainly reduce their student loan balances and long-term debt.

An Overview of a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

• Computer science students in a 4-year bachelor's program learn about automation theory, logic design and system organization, computer languages, and practical applications, including scientific computing and software management.

• Within a computer science program, students receive classroom instruction and hands-on learning through projects, on-campus technology centers, and research facilities. 

An Overview of an Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology

• You develop an understanding of the basic principles and practices needed to program and maintain computers and computer systems. You also complete many of the general education courses required by most four-year schools.

• Computer science programs usually provide students with hands-on learning experiences, requiring them to complete an internship or demonstrate proficiency in lab work as a graduation prerequisite.

•  They may also be required to participate in internships with local businesses where they put their classroom knowledge to use in real-world situations.

Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science More Valuable than an Associate’s Degree?

In all honesty, a bachelor’s degree would be infinitely more valuable than an associate’s degree in the eyes of any potential employer. The reason behind this is that all employment avenues look for more skill and experience, and this would be proved and verified through your pursual of a bachelor’s degree instead of an associate’s degree. But in some cases, an associate’s degree would be more valuable if you don’t have the time nor financial ability to pursue a bachelor’s degree. But before you make an educated decision we will provide the major differences between the two degrees in terms of a variety of factors. 

Education and admissions requirements

Associate’s degree

Depending on where you apply, you may need to submit any of the following with your official transcripts to prove you hold a diploma or GED:

• Completed application

• College transcripts (if applicable)

• International students may need to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Passing scores for math or English placement tests

Bachelor’s degree

General admission requirements vary by school. Most schools have the same requirements for both incoming freshmen and transfer students.

• High-level English coursework literature and composition

• One to two semesters of a foreign language

• Minimum ACT or SAT scores

• Transcripts that demonstrate consistent academic achievement

• One to two letters of recommendation

Course Contents Involved

Bachelor’s degree

There are a variety of courses that are made available to students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science. They may only do so after fulfilling the above educational admission requirements. 

Data structures	Introduction to algorithms
Software engineering	Operating systems

Associate’s degree

There are a variety of courses that are made available to students who wish to pursue an associate’s degree in computer science. They may only do so after fulfilling the above educational admission requirements. 

Introduction to computer programming	Database fundamentals
Introduction to OS	Programing 101

Career Opportunities

There is a wide variety of job opportunities that await many graduates from both associate and bachelor degree programs of computer science and technology respectively. The employment rate of these degree holders is increasing every year.

A few job roles associated with an associate’s degree are as follows.

Computer System Analyst	Information Security Analyst	Computer Programmer
Computer and Information System Manager	Computer System Specialist	Network Administrator

A few job roles associated with a bachelor’s degree are as follows.

Software Developer	Computer Systems Analyst	Computer Hardware Specialist
Database Admin	Network Admin	Systems Examiner

Earning Potential

Associate’s degree

According to the Bureau of labor statistics  (BLS), web development jobs will increase by 15% from 2016-2026, adding nearly 24,400 new positions to the economy. An associate degree is all some jobs require, and these programs prepare you to earn a bachelor's degree in the subject as well.

Bachelor’s degree

 Demand for computer science graduates is high; there are many more available positions in the field than there are qualified workers to fill them. The Bureau of labor statistics projected a 24% increase in jobs for software engineers and developers between 2016 and 2026, meaning job opportunities for computer science graduates are likely to expand.

Conclusion

Is A Bachelor’s  Degree More Valuable than an Associates’ Degree? The answer to this question is- “it depends on your interest and your career goal”. Here are a few takeaway points that are helpful.

• There are certain course subjects that are common for both degrees.

• There is a wide variety of job opportunities and it is observed that there is an increasing employment rate for both the degrees.

• The job duties, responsibilities, and skills to it are a little different for accounting and finance professionals.