Is it an Associate or Associate's Degree? The Definitive Answer
The correct term is "associate's degree" with an apostrophe. Both "associate degree" and "associate's degree" appear in formal writing, but the possessive form, "associate's degree," is the most widely accepted version used by style guides, universities, and employers. If you're wondering whether to write associate or associate's degree, go with the apostrophe every time.
Why the Apostrophe Matters in "Associate's Degree"
The apostrophe in "associate's degree" signals possession. Think of it this way: the degree belongs to the associate level of education. It's the same grammatical pattern you see with "Bachelor's Degree" and "Master's Degree." The degree is held at the associate's level, so the possessive form makes more sense to add.
So why does the confusion happen?
There are a few reasons. First, when you say "associate's degree" out loud, the apostrophe-s blends into the next word. It is hard to hear the difference between "associate degree" and "associate's degree" in casual speech. Second, many colleges, job postings, and government forms drop the apostrophe for simplicity, which creates the impression that both spellings are equally correct, which might not always be true.
While "associate degree" isn't technically wrong in every context (more on that below), "associate's degree" is the standard you should follow in resumes, cover letters, and professional documents.
Associate Degree vs. Associate's Degree: What Style Guides Say
If you are trying to settle the associate vs associates degree debate once and for all, style guides can offer you a much clearer direction.
AP Style (Associated Press)
The AP Stylebook, which most journalists and content writers follow, recommends "associate degree" without the apostrophe. AP treats the word "associate" as a descriptive modifier rather than a possessive. Under this rule, "associate degree" works the same way "college student" does: "college" describes the type of student, not ownership.
However, AP Style is designed for journalism, not academic or professional documents, which is why most hiring managers and registrars expect the possessive form.
Academic and Formal Usage
Universities, the US Department of Education, and most professional style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style, use "associate's degree" with the apostrophe. This is the version you'll see on official transcripts, diploma certificates, and accreditation documents.
Here's a simple rule of thumb:
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Writing for a newspaper or blog? "Associate degree" is fine.
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Writing a resume, cover letter, or academic paper? Use "associate's degree" with the apostrophe.
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Are you unsure of what to put? Default to "associate's degree." It's the safer and more widely recognized choice.
One Common Mistake to Avoid
If there is one thing that you should steer clear of, it is not writing "associates degree" in the plural without an apostrophe, or "associates' degree" in the plural possessive form. These are both incorrect. The word is singular possessive: one associate, one degree, which is why it is always associate's.
Types of Associate Degrees You Should Know
The term "associate's degree" is an umbrella that covers several distinct credentials. Each one serves a different academic or career path. Here are the three most common types.
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
The AA degree focuses on liberal arts and humanities coursework. Students study subjects like English, history, psychology, sociology, and communications. An AA is often the first step toward transferring to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in a non-technical field.
Associate of Science (A.S.)
The AS degree is geared toward math, science, and technology disciplines. Coursework often includes biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or engineering fundamentals. Like the AA, the AS is a strong transfer degree for students planning to continue their education at a university.
So what is the difference between AA and AS? It comes down to subject focus. AA covers humanities and social sciences, while AS covers STEM and technical fields. However, both are two-year programs, and both transfer well to four-year institutions.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
The AAS degree is built for students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Programs include nursing, dental hygiene, automotive technology, IT networking, and graphic design. AAS credits don't always transfer to a bachelor's program as easily as AA or AS credits, but the degree equips graduates with job-ready skills from day one.
How to Write an Associate's Degree on a Resume
Your resume is often the first impression you make on a hiring manager, so getting your education section right matters more than you might think. Here's the correct way to write an associate's degree in different resume formats.
Standard Education Section Format
Place your degree in the education section of your resume. List the degree name, your major or concentration, the institution, and the graduation year. Here are correctly formatted examples:
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Associate of Science in Computer Science, Portland Community College, 2023
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Associate of Arts in Psychology, Miami Dade College, 2022
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Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Lone Star College, 2024
Notice that when you spell out the full degree name, Associate of Arts or the Associate of Science, there is no apostrophe. The possessive form "associate's degree" applies only when you use the general term, not the specific degree title.
Wrong vs. Correct Resume Examples
Here's a quick comparison so you can spot errors before submitting your resume:
Incorrect:
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Associates Degree in Business (plural, no apostrophe)
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associates degree in business (no capitalization)
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Associate's of Arts (apostrophe doesn't belong when using the full title)
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A.A Degree (missing period after second A)
Correct:
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Associate's Degree in Business Administration
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Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Business Administration
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A.A.S. in Nursing, Lone Star College, 2024
Capitalization Rules
Capitalize the full formal name of a degree: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science. When referring to the degree generically, lowercase is standard: "She earned her associate's degree in 2023." However, on a resume, capitalizing the degree name improves readability and is widely accepted.
What If Your Degree Is In Progress?
If you haven't graduated yet, you can still list your degree. Use one of these formats:
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Associate of Science in Biology (Expected May 2025), Harper College
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Coursework toward Associate's Degree in Accounting, 45 credits completed, Brookdale Community College
Real-World Sentence Examples
Seeing the term in context helps solidify the correct usage. Here's how to use "associate's degree" properly across different writing situations.
Job Application and Cover Letter Examples
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"I hold an associate's degree in criminal justice from Valencia College."
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"My associate's degree in early childhood education prepared me for this role."
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"After earning my Associate of Science, I worked as a lab technician for three years."
Academic Writing Examples
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"Students who complete an associate's degree earn an average of 18% more than those with only a high school diploma."
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"Community colleges awarded over one million associate degrees in the 2021-2022 academic year."
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"The Associate of Applied Science in cybersecurity requires 60 credit hours."
Resume Bullet Point Examples
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"Earned an Associate of Arts with a 3.8 GPA while working full-time."
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"Completed an associate's degree program two semesters ahead of schedule."
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"Graduated with an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies, magna cum laude."
Protecting and Displaying Your Associate's Degree
After putting in two years of hard work, your diploma deserves proper treatment. Many graduates frame their original and display it at home or in their office. But originals can fade, get damaged in a move, or simply go missing over the years.
If your diploma has been lost or damaged, ordering a replacement through your school's registrar can take weeks. Some institutions charge significant fees, and if your school has closed, getting an official replacement may not even be possible.
That's where a high-quality replica of the associate degree diploma serves a practical purpose. A well-made replica works perfectly for framing, office display, or as a backup while your original stays safely stored. You can browse a full selection of USA college and university diploma replicas to find one that matches your institution's style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it associate or associate's degree?
The standard and most widely accepted form is "Associate's Degree" with an apostrophe. AP Style allows "associate degree" without one, but for resumes, academic papers, and professional documents, use the possessive form: associate's degree.
How do you write associate's degree on a resume?
Spell out the full degree name in your education section: "Associate of Arts in English, [College Name], [Year]." If referencing it generally, write "associate's degree" (lowercase, with apostrophe). Capitalize the degree title when using the formal name.
Is "associate degree" correct without the apostrophe?
It depends on the context. AP Style treats "associate degree" as correct because "associate" functions as a descriptor. In academic, professional, and formal contexts, though, "associate's degree" with the apostrophe is the preferred standard.
What is the difference between an AA and an AS degree?
An Associate of Arts (AA) focuses on liberal arts, humanities, and social science coursework. An Associate of Science (AS) emphasizes STEM subjects like math, biology, and computer science. Both are two-year degrees designed to transfer to four-year universities.
Do you capitalize "associate's degree"?
Capitalize it when using the full formal title: "Associate of Science in Nursing." Use lowercase when referring to the degree in general terms: "She earned her associate's degree last spring." On a resume, capitalizing the degree name is standard practice for readability.
