How To Include an Associate Degree Abbreviation on a Resume

What is an associate degree abbreviation?

An associate degree abbreviation is a shortened version of an academic degree title. For example, Associate of Arts may be abbreviated as AA or A.A.

Abbreviations help save space, but naming conventions vary among institutions. One college may award an Associate of Arts, while another uses Associate in Arts. Both may use AA, but you should copy the exact title from your academic record.

Common associate degree abbreviations

Common abbreviations include:

• AA or A.A. — Associate of Arts or Associate in Arts
• AS or A.S. — Associate of Science or Associate in Science
• AAS or A.A.S. — Associate of Applied Science
• AAA or A.A.A. — Associate of Applied Arts
• AAB or A.A.B. — Associate of Applied Business
• ABA or A.B.A. — Associate of Business Administration
• AGS or A.G.S. — Associate of General Studies
• AOS or A.O.S. — Associate of Occupational Studies
• ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing
• ASN or A.S.N. — Associate of Science in Nursing
• AEET — Associate of Electrical Engineering Technology

Not every institution uses these exact names. Confirm the degree title and abbreviation with your school when uncertain.

Should you abbreviate your associate degree?

You can use an abbreviation when it is recognized and easy for employers to understand.

Writing the full title may be better when:

• The abbreviation is uncommon.
• The employer may not recognize it.
• The job specifically requests a certain degree.
• Your field has several similar credentials.
• You want the resume to work well with automated screening.
• You have enough space.

A useful format is to write the full title followed by the abbreviation:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity

This gives recruiters and applicant tracking systems both versions.

Benefits of using an associate degree abbreviation

It saves space

A shortened degree title leaves more room for relevant experience, achievements and skills.

It is easy to scan

Recruiters can quickly identify familiar credentials such as AA, AS or AAS.

It creates consistent formatting

Abbreviations can keep entries concise when you list multiple degrees or certifications.

It uses industry terminology

Some fields frequently use particular abbreviations, such as ADN or AAS.

How to include an associate degree abbreviation on a resume

1. Verify the official title

Check your diploma, transcript or school website. Do not assume that two similar programs award the same degree.

For example, a nursing program might award:

• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Associate of Science in Nursing
• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

These titles are related but not identical.

2. Choose between the full title and abbreviation

Use the complete title when clarity is most important. Use an abbreviation when it is widely recognized and your resume has limited space.

For many applicants, the best format is:

Associate of Science (AS) in Business Administration

3. Add the degree to your education section

A standard education entry includes:

• Degree title
• Field of study
• Institution
• City and state
• Graduation date or expected date
• Relevant honors or coursework, if useful

Example:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology
Lakeview Community College, Denver, CO
May 2025

4. Use consistent punctuation

Choose either AA or A.A. and use that style throughout the resume. Modern resumes often omit periods, but both styles may be acceptable.

Do not alternate between:

• AAS
• A.A.S.
• Associate of Applied Science

Consistency makes the document appear more polished.

5. Include your field of study

The abbreviation alone may not explain what you studied.

Instead of:

AS, 2025

Use:

Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Science, 2025

The second version gives the employer more relevant information.

6. Add an expected graduation date if necessary

If you are still studying, make your status clear.

Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology
Expected May 2027

Do not present an unfinished degree as completed.

7. Add relevant academic details selectively

Recent graduates may include:

• Honors
• Strong GPA
• Relevant coursework
• Academic awards
• Capstone projects
• Student leadership

Experienced applicants can usually keep the education section shorter unless specific coursework is relevant.

8. Match the job description

If the employer writes “Associate of Applied Science,” consider using the full phrase in your resume. This may improve clarity and keyword matching.

Never change the actual title of your degree to match an advertisement.

Associate degree resume examples

Basic example

Education

Associate of Arts (AA) in Communication
Riverside Community College, Riverside, CA
May 2025

Technical degree example

Education

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity
Central Valley Technical College, Phoenix, AZ
December 2024

Relevant coursework: Network Security, Digital Forensics, Linux Administration

Nursing degree example

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Westfield College, Atlanta, GA
May 2023

Licensure and professional certifications should appear in a separate section:

Licenses and Certifications

Registered Nurse, State of Georgia
Basic Life Support Certification

Completing an associate nursing degree does not by itself authorize someone to use the RN credential. Licensure requirements must also be completed.

Degree in progress example

Education

Associate of Science (AS) in Business Administration
North Shore Community College, Boston, MA
Expected June 2027

Multiple degrees example

Education

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Western State University, Portland, OR
May 2026

Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies
Portland Community College, Portland, OR
May 2024

Where should you place education on your resume?

Place education near the top when:

• You recently graduated.
• You have limited professional experience.
• The degree is required for the job.
• Your academic work is highly relevant.
• You are changing careers.

Place it below experience when:

• You have several years of relevant work history.
• Your achievements are more important than your education.
• The degree is not directly related to the role.

Should you put an associate degree after your name?

Most applicants should list an associate degree in the education section rather than after their name.

For example, this is usually unnecessary:

Jordan Lee, AA

Credentials after a name are generally reserved for professional licenses, certifications and advanced qualifications that are important in the field.

If an industry or employer commonly uses the degree after a name, follow that convention. Do not confuse an academic degree with a professional license.

How applicant tracking systems read degree abbreviations

Applicant tracking systems may search for the full degree name, its abbreviation or a specific field of study.

Including both versions can improve clarity:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting

Also use standard section titles such as “Education.” Avoid placing essential degree information inside images, text boxes, headers or decorative graphics that may not be read correctly.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using the wrong abbreviation

Verify the exact credential instead of selecting the abbreviation that sounds most familiar.

Listing an unfinished degree as completed

Add “Expected” and the anticipated graduation date if you are still enrolled.

Omitting the field of study

An abbreviation such as AS may not tell the employer what subjects you studied.

Mixing formats

Use the same punctuation, capitalization and date style for every education entry.

Adding an unearned professional title

A degree in nursing, accounting or another regulated field does not automatically provide a professional license.

Including unnecessary academic details

If you have extensive work experience, you may not need to list introductory coursework or older academic activities.

Making the education section difficult to find

Use a standard heading and simple formatting so recruiters and resume software can identify your qualifications.

Conclusion

List your associate degree using its official title and a clear, recognized abbreviation. Include the field, institution and graduation date, and keep the formatting consistent throughout your resume.

Turn your education and experience into professional presentations with Dokie

Your academic background may also support portfolios, interview presentations and project showcases. Dokie is an AI presentation maker that can turn resumes, course projects, documents and notes into a structured professional deck.

You can use Dokie to present your skills, explain a capstone project or prepare an interview portfolio. It helps create clear slide layouts and allows you to edit the content and export the finished presentation as a PPT file.

Frequently asked questions

What is the abbreviation for an associate degree?

It depends on the degree. Common abbreviations include AA, AS, AAS, AAB, AGS, AOS, ADN and ASN.

Should I use AA or A.A.?

Both styles may be acceptable. Check your institution’s preferred form and use one format consistently.

Should I spell out my degree on a resume?

Spelling it out improves clarity. Writing the full title followed by the abbreviation is often the safest choice.

Can I list an incomplete associate degree?

Yes, if you clearly state that it is in progress and provide an expected graduation date. You may also list completed relevant coursework.

Can I put my associate degree after my name?

You usually do not need to. List it in the education section unless using the degree after your name is a recognized convention in your field.