Degrees are broken down into three areas with various requirements depending upon the Associate degree. In the arena of Associate of Applied Science, this area adds up to more like 34 credits and is made up of related requirements and core requirements.
Related requirements are courses in common to a particular occupation.
For example, no matter which specific business or computer occupation you pursue, you need a certain set of general business classes. Core requirements are classes in an Applied Science degree that are specific skill classes and necessary to that occupation. For example, in Accounting and Finance, you need many more accounting classes while for a Marketing degree, you need more classes about marketing. Some degrees restrict your areas so check the specific degree requirements.