An associate's degree is a two-year post-secondary degree awarded by community colleges, vocational schools, and some four-year colleges and universities. It is typically considered a lower level of degree than a bachelor's degree, which is a four-year degree that is awarded by colleges and universities.

The primary difference between an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree is the amount of time and coursework required to complete the programs. Associate's degrees usually require the completion of 60-70 credit hours of coursework, while bachelor's degrees typically require the completion of 120-130 credit hours. As a result, associate's degrees tend to be more focused and specialized, while bachelor's degrees offer a more well-rounded education and a broader range of study options.

Additionally, associate's degrees are often designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a specific field or for transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degrees, on the other hand, are typically seen as a more advanced degree that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for more advanced positions or graduate-level study.