What is the difference between the A.S., A.A., A.A.S., and A.A.B. degrees? Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees are designed to prepare a student for transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue their bachelor's degree. Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.) degrees are career programs which prepare students for employment. A.A.S. and A.A.B. graduates sometimes pursue a bachelor's degree but should work with their academic advisor to prepare for that transfer.