A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate college degree that typically takes students four years to complete. Students take classes in various subjects and gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field. It provides a solid foundation, often serving as a pathway to graduate studies or a professional career, and is the most commonly awarded university degree in the U.S.

An NYU SPS bachelor's program is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for advanced roles in their chosen fields through a blend of academic rigor and the development of practical, industry-relevant skills.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes two years to complete at a college, university, technical college, or community college. We offer the following affordable associate degrees for those who have at least one gap semester from having earned their high school diploma: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Systems Management, and Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts.

Associate degrees can be Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degrees, each geared toward different educational paths: liberal arts, business and sciences, or technical and career-focused, respectively. NYU SPS associate degrees are all AAS degrees.

No, the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree program can vary based on factors such as the program’s requirements, a student’s pace, and any breaks the student may take between semesters. These factors can increase or decrease the time it takes a person to complete a bachelor’s program.

Yes, it’s possible to earn two bachelor’s degrees, either simultaneously or one after the other. Some universities offer dual-degree programs, enabling students to pursue two majors and earn separate degrees within a shorter timeframe.

Yes, you can skip an associate degree and go directly to a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor’s degree programs can be categorized into several types, each with its unique characteristics and focus areas. Here are some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. It’s often pursued by students interested in humanities, social sciences, and languages. A BA provides a broad education, allowing students to explore various disciplines while focusing on their major.
• Bachelor of Science (BS): This degree focuses on scientific and technical skills. It’s typically pursued by students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. A BS degree often involves more specialized coursework and practical experience in the chosen field.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): This degree emphasizes artistic and creative skills. It’s often pursued by students interested in music, theater, dance, or visual arts. A BFA program usually includes intensive studio or performance work, preparing students for careers in the arts.
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): This degree focuses on business and management principles. It’s usually pursued by students interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or marketing. A BBA program covers various aspects of business, including accounting, economics, and organizational behavior, equipping students with the skills needed for leadership roles in the business world.

Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) depends on your career goals, learning preferences, and the field you want to pursue. A BS generally emphasizes math, science, and technical or practical skills, with a more specialized and in-depth approach to the subject area. It’s usually more structured with fewer elective options, ensuring that students gain expertise in their chosen field. A BA often has a broader focus, incorporating more courses in the humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. This can be beneficial for those who value a well-rounded education and want to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and creativity.

Whether a bachelor's degree is harder than a master's degree depends on several factors, including the field of study, individual learning style, and prior experience. A bachelor's degree may feel harder due to its length and the transition to higher education, as well as the broad range of required courses. A master's degree can be more challenging due to its specialized nature, the depth of study required, and the increased expectations for academic performance.

Choosing between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree depends on your career goals, financial situation, and how much time you’re willing to invest in your education. While an associate degree takes less time and costs less than a bachelor’s degree, a bachelor’s degree can lead to more career opportunities and higher earning potential. Students may choose to start with an associate degree to earn a credential valued by employers and then continue their education by transferring into a bachelor’s degree program. NYU SPS makes transferring from our associate degrees into bachelor’s degrees easy. 

The cost of an NYU bachelor's degree program varies based on the number of credits and whether you're attending the university full-time or part-time. Please visit the NYU SPS Tuition page for tuition information and our Undergraduate Financial Aid page for financial aid options.

The cost of an NYU associate degree is lower than the first two years of an NYU SPS bachelor’s degree but typically enables you to transfer into a bachelor’s degree, making the bachelor’s degree more affordable. Of course, any degree cost varies based on the number of credits and whether you're attending the university full-time or part-time. Please visit the NYU SPS Tuition page for tuition information and our Undergraduate Financial Aid page for financial aid options.

NYU SPS does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Admission decisions consider multiple factors, including your academic transcript, school application materials, work experience, resume, recommendation letter, and other credentials. Visit our Undergraduate Admissions page to learn more about our undergraduate admissions criteria and application requirements and deadlines.

You will be guaranteed admission into our Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies bachelor’s degree program if you earned an associate degree with a 3.0 GPA or better, or if you are a current US active service member or veteran with 60 college credits.  

Guaranteed admission is offered into our associate degrees to students with a high school GPA of 2.8 and those who are a US active service member or veteran.

Learn more about guaranteed admissions here.

An associate degree is valuable as it provides a quicker, cost-effective route to higher education, usually completed in two years. It equips students with practical skills for entry-level positions in fields such as business and information technology. It also serves as a foundation for transferring to a four-year university, often enabling students to finish a bachelor’s degree faster and with lower expenses. Overall, it offers flexibility, career opportunities, and a solid academic base.

Associate degree graduates often find new career opportunities with the potential for higher salaries compared to those with a high school diploma. The median weekly earnings for associate degree graduates is 17.69% higher than those with a high school diploma according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and they can attract employers and pursue job roles that require the skills and knowledge gained from earning a degree.

The difficulty of earning an associate degree can vary based on the individual, their learning style, field of study, and other personal factors. An associate degree is manageable due to its shorter two-year timeframe, focused curriculum with fewer general education requirements, and flexible schedules offered by universities, colleges, community colleges, and technical colleges. 

At the same time, an associate degree program can be challenging due to course rigor, especially in technical fields, and the need to balance work and/or family responsibilities. Self-motivation and time management are crucial for success. Earning an associate degree is a valuable pathway for entering the workforce and furthering your education.

Earning a bachelor’s degree can have numerous benefits, including:

• Increased earning potential: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a bachelor’s degree typically earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma. This increased earning potential can significantly impact your financial stability and quality of life.

• Improved job prospects: Many employers require or prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree for certain positions, especially in fields like business, engineering, and healthcare. A bachelor’s degree can open doors to a wider range of career opportunities and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

• Enhanced skills and knowledge: A bachelor’s program helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, and gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen fields. These skills are valuable in any career and can help you adapt to and take on various professional challenges.

Networking opportunities: College provides a great opportunity to connect with peers and professors in your field, which helps build and grow your professional network and job opportunities. Building a strong network can be crucial for career advancement and finding job opportunities.

With the rise of online learning, students now have the option to pursue their bachelor’s degree and associate degree online, on-campus, or a blend of both. Every option offers the same rigorous education and thoughtful course design with unique benefits.

Flexibility and Convenience

Online bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to:

• Complete coursework on their own schedule, at any time and from any location. This flexibility is ideal for those who need to balance work, family, and other responsibilities with their studies.

• Access course materials and resources online, reducing the need for physical textbooks and commuting. This can save time and make learning more accessible.

Quality of Education

Our online, on-site, and hybrid bachelor’s and associate degree programs offer high-quality education. Courses are taught by the same expert faculty with the only key difference being the mode of instruction.

• We design our accredited online programs to meet the same standards as on-campus programs. This ensures that the education you receive online is just as rigorous and comprehensive as traditional on-campus education.

• Our experienced faculty members are experts in their field. You benefit from the same level of expertise and instruction as on-campus students.

• Online students can access a range of resources, including libraries, online tutoring, and career services. These resources can support your learning and help you succeed in your studies.