Associate of Science

The Associate of Science degree is designed to give students a meaningful academic milestone as they progress toward a bachelor’s degree. Many students invest significant time and effort in their first two years of college without receiving a formal credential if they need to pause or stop out. This program addresses that gap by formally recognizing progress already made, allowing students to earn a nationally recognized degree that reflects their academic achievements and reduces the risk of leaving college with only debt and no credential.

For students pursuing STEM- or nursing-related majors, the Associate of Science provides a clear and practical pathway that aligns with their coursework. This degree is intentionally set upso science and math credits count directly toward completion. Students can stay on track for their bachelor’s degree while also gaining an interim credential that validates their experience and supports future transferability or employment.

Through general education and science coursework, students develop ethical reasoning, professional communication and critical thinking grounded in real‑world STEM contexts. These outcomes help students articulate what they know and can do, making them better prepared for internships, employment, or continued study, even if their educational path changes.

Finally, students benefit from the program’s integration into existing university resources. The Associate of Science uses current courses, faculty, advising, tutoring and success coaching, meaning students receive the same level of academic support without additional cost or complexity. Because the degree is embedded in normal degree planning and advising conversations, students are more likely to persist, make informed decisions and ultimately complete a bachelor’s degree with confidence and clarity about their progress along the way.

• When you enter KWU, you do so as either an associate degree-seeking student or a bachelor’s student (more common). Eligibility for athletic and activity participation may be severely restricted if you enter the Associate degree pathway; however, you may be able to receive an associate degree while seeking a bachelor’s degree. Talk to your admissions counselor or student success coach for more information.