Not Sure What to Study?
Start with a General Associate’s Degree!
If you’re feeling unsure about which career path to take, don’t worry—you’re not alone! It’s okay to be undecided at the start of college. The good news is, you don’t have to make a final decision right away.
One great option is to start with a General Associate’s Degree. This degree lets you take a variety of classes in subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. It helps you build a strong foundation and gives you time to explore different areas before picking a major.
Starting with a General Associate’s degree lets you learn new things, discover your interests, and decide on a career that fits you best. You can always transfer to a more specific program later on, once you know what you want to do.
Take your time, try different things, and remember—this is your journey. You’ve got plenty of time to figure it out, and every step is helping you get closer to your goals!
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is a college degree that usually takes about two years of full-time study to complete. You can earn it at community colleges, technical colleges, or some four-year universities.
What Do You Learn?
While getting an associate degree, you take a mix of:
- General education classes – like math, English, and science
- Major-related classes – focused on the field you’re interested in, like computer science, nursing, or business
- Elective classes – that you choose based on your interests
This helps you build both job skills and a strong learning foundation.
Types of Associate Degrees
There are a few different types of associate degrees, depending on your goals:
- Associate of Arts (AA) – Focuses on arts, humanities, and social sciences. Great for transferring to a 4-year college.
- Associate of Arts (AA-DTA) – Designed for students who plan to transfer to a university after completing the first two years of study at Green River
- Associate of Science (AS-T) – Made for students who want to transfer to a four-year university and earn a bachelor’s degree in science, math, engineering, or a related field.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Focuses on career skills and is usually meant to help you get a job right after graduation.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS-T) – Includes extra general education classes (like English and math), so you can transfer to a university later on.
Why Choose an Associate Degree?
- Faster and more affordable than a 4-year degree
- Good for starting a career in fields like healthcare, technology, criminal justice, and more
- A strong step toward a bachelor’s degree if you plan to transfer later
An associate degree is a flexible and smart way to get started on your college and career path.
Contact Us
Career and Advising Center
Dept. Phone: 253-833-9111 Ext. 3482
Have Questions About Registration?
- Welcome Desk: 253-333-6000, welcomedesk@greenriver.edu
- Office of the Registrar: 253-288-3383, otr@greenriver.edu
Reference Key
| Title | Degree |
|---|---|
| AA | Associate in Arts |
| AAA | Associate in Applied Arts |
| ACS | Associate in Computer Science |
| AAS | Associate in Applied Science |
| AAS-T | Associate in Applied Science-Transfer |
| AFA | Associate in Fine Arts |
| AB | Associate in Business |
| AM | Associate in Math Education |
| AS | Associate in Science |
| BAS | Bachelor of Applied Science |
| DTA | Direct Transfer Agreement |
Associate in Arts Degree Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)
Associate in Arts-DTA
Career Outlook
What Is the Average Salary for Someone with an AA-DTA Degree?
An AA-DTA (Associate of Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement) degree is a two-year college degree that helps you transfer to a four-year university. It doesn’t lead to one specific job, so the amount of money you can make depends on what career you choose after college.
On average, someone with an AA-DTA degree who starts working after two years of college might earn between $35,000 and $50,000 per year. If they transfer to a university and finish a bachelor’s degree, they can often make $60,000 to $80,000 or more each year, depending on the job.
So, the AA-DTA is a great first step toward a higher-paying career—but how much you earn will depend on what you study and what kind of job you get after graduating.