Resources for High School Students

Planning Your Path from
High School to College with ARTSYS

ARTSYS can help you plan your path to a bachelor’s degree by showing you:

how courses from community colleges transfer to different 4-year colleges and
through Program Transfer Guides, which courses you should take for the first 60 credits of a degree. Search by 4-year school and program.

There are different kinds of associate degrees!

Path from Associate (AA, AAT, AS) to Bachelor’s Degree First

Associate of Arts (AA),

Associate of Science (AS),

Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), are designed so credits should transfer smoothly to a 4-year degree

Use ARTSYS to ensure your dual enrollment courses fit into the AA or AS or AAT and a Program Transfer Guide from a 4-year college or university.

A horizontal three‑level pathway diagram showing the progression from high school dual credit to an associate degree and then to a bachelor’s degree.

Path from Associate of Applied Science (AAS) to Workforce First

Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) – focus on applied workforce skills

A horizontal sequence of four connected boxes illustrating the applied workforce pathway associated with the Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The first box, “Dual Enrollment,” represents high school students beginning technical coursework. An arrow leads to “Workforce Certification,” showing short‑term, skills‑based credentials. The next arrow points to “AAS,” the applied associate degree focused on job‑ready training. A final arrow leads to “Workforce Entry,” indicating immediate employment after graduation. The diagram supports the document’s explanation that the AAS pathway is designed for workforce preparation and that ARTSYS can help students understand their options if they later decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree. — The diagram supports the document’s explanation that the AAS pathway is designed for workforce preparation and that ARTSYS can help students understand their options if they later decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Switching Paths – Pursuing a Bachelor’s After an AAS

Your AAS credits will be evaluated for transfer to a 4-year degree. All General Education courses will count towards General Education requirements. Some schools have agreements that accept all 60 AAS credits for certain majors.

A multi‑step horizontal diagram showing how students with an AAS can move toward workforce entry or a bachelor’s degree. The sequence begins with the first option of using “Dual Enrollment,” to obtain an “AAS,” and then entering the workforce. The second option after obtaining the AA, reflects skill‑building or upskilling. An arrow then extends from the “AAS,” the applied associate degree to “Credit Assessment” as a required evaluation step, emphasizing that AAS credits - other than general education - must be reviewed by four‑year institutions. The next arrow points to “BA/BS,” showing the potential transition into a bachelor’s program. The final arrow leads to the “Workforce with Optimization.” The diagram aligns with the document’s guidance that ARTSYS helps students understand how AAS credits may transfer and highlights that some institutions have articulation agreements allowing credits to apply to specific majors. — A multi‑step horizontal diagram showing how students with an AAS can move toward workforce entry or a bachelor’s degree.

Math preparation is essential for college and career readiness.

Dual enrollment math may not meet major prerequisites.
- Check 4-year degree requirements in Program Transfer Guides.
Aim to build math skills every year in high school.
Strong math skills are essential for STEM, business, education, healthcare, and social sciences.