Career and Technical Education Certificate Programs

Understanding the Difference Between a Certificate and a Degree

When deciding between a college degree or certificate, your career goals make the biggest difference. Many technical or skilled trades careers only require a certificate for entry-level jobs, while other fields need an associate degree or bachelor’s degree to qualify for employment or advancement. Even in industries that don’t require a degree, earning one can often lead to higher pay, greater job stability, and career growth opportunities.

Why Start Your College Journey with an Associate Degree at a Community College?

An associate degree is an affordable, flexible way to start higher education. At Elgin Community College (ECC), you can complete your degree in about two years of full-time study, covering roughly 60 credit hours (20–30 courses).
These programs are designed to:

  • Prepare you for transfer to a four-year university.
  • Provide career-ready skills for immediate employment.
  • Offer online options, such as the Associate of Arts (AA) degree—perfect for students planning to transfer later.

Your ECC academic advisor will help you select the right degree path based on your goals and career interests.

Can an Associate Degree Transfer Toward a Bachelor’s Degree?

Yes! ECC partners with universities across Illinois and nationwide to make transferring seamless. Through these transfer agreements, you can even complete your bachelor’s degree right here on ECC’s campus. Our partnerships remove guesswork—so you can stay focused on earning your degree, not worrying about losing credits.

Which Type of Associate Degree Is Right for You?

ECC offers two primary types of associate degrees:

Transfer Degrees

  • Examples: Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Engineering Science (AES)
  • Purpose: Build a strong academic foundation to transfer to a four-year university and continue toward a bachelor’s degree.

Career & Technical Degrees

  • Examples: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, Culinary Arts, or Automotive Technology
  • Purpose: Provide hands-on training for immediate employment in high-demand fields.
  • Bonus: Many AAS programs also include transfer pathways to help you continue toward a bachelor’s degree if you choose.

All ECC associate degrees typically take about two years of full-time study to complete. Contact the ECC Admissions Department to explore programs and find the degree that best aligns with your career and academic goals.

What’s the Difference Between an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree and a Certificate? 

An AAS degree gives you a more comprehensive education than a certificate.

  • AAS Degree: Around 60 credit hours (20+ courses), combining technical training with general education for broader career flexibility.
  • Certificate: A shorter, focused program (often 12–30 credit hours) that teaches specific skills for a particular job or trade.

Some ECC AAS programs even include transfer options—so you can start your career now and continue to a bachelor’s degree later.