An associate degree is an undergraduate degree earned from a community or
junior college, a technical college, or from an online university.
Types of Associate Degrees
Associate degrees are typically earned in two years and with the completion
of a minimum of 60 credits. Students take a combination of general education
requirements, requirements for their chosen major, and electives.
There are many types of associate degree programs, such as associate of arts
(A.A.), associate of applied science (A.A.S.), associate of science (A.S.), and
occupational degrees. Many of these degrees have credits that transfer to a
four-year institution. If all credits transfer, students will only need to
complete 60 more credits, or another two years of courses, to earn their
bachelor’s degree.
Associate degrees are offered in a variety of majors, including: accounting,
computer networking and computer information systems, engineering, education,
art, nursing, paralegal, real estate, visual communications and design,
photography, criminal justice, business, hospitality management, social
sciences, graphic design, marketing, publishing, foreign language, mathematics,
human resources, automotive technology, marketing, health care administration,
and more, depending on the college.
Students have the option of going to a community college, technical college,
or taking the entire course load online through distance learning courses.
Community colleges offer flexible scheduling and are usually located within or
near moderately populated communities. Technical colleges typically specialize
in a few majors, such as medical careers or information technology. Online
courses can be offered through a community college or technical college, but are
exclusively offered via online colleges and universities.
Some community colleges offer the opportunity for high school students to
earn credit towards an associate degree. This gives high school students a head
start and allows them to get a close-up look at college life.
Another option is an accelerated degree, which is simply a degree earned in a
shorter amount of time, either through the use of longer courses, or the option
of taking both internet- and classroom-based courses.
Benefits of Higher Education
An associate degree is a happy medium between a high school diploma and a
four-year bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees are completed in a shorter period
of time than a bachelor’s degree and, instead of delving into academia,
associate courses tend to offer more practical, on-the-job training.
An associate degree commands a higher salary than a high school diploma
alone. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average full-time
worker with an associate degree makes $37,492 annually, a salary $6,500 higher
than a full-time worker with a high school diploma.
Since many colleges offer distance learning, obtaining an associate degree is
convenient. It can even be done in the comfort of your living room. According to
the National Center for Education Statistics, over half of all degrees earned
online are associate degrees.
Associate Degrees and Affordability
Community colleges, technical colleges, and online universities are much more
affordable than a four-year college or university. Additionally, many two-year
colleges offer a wide range of financial aid, making college accessible to and
affordable for everyone.
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