Associate Degree
The Info You Need on Earning an Associates Degree
The easiest way to think about an associates degree is that it translates to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program. It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn an associates degree, which has made it a popular and less costly option for people seeking changes in their careers.
You can earn an associates degree from community colleges, junior colleges, technical and vocational schools, and universities. Some four-year institutions offer articulation agreements, which guarantee that students can earn a bachelor’s degree at a larger school once they earn their associates degrees. This has become a popular method for earning a bachelor’s degree at a lower cost than spending four years studying at a university.
There are three types of associates degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). These degree types have varying course requirements. While AA and AS programs are more focused on general education, AAS degrees are typically more geared toward specific careers and vocations. Here are the basics for all three types:
- Associate of Arts (AA): The best choice for those who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in literature, languages, or the fine arts. An AA degree is also a good fit for those who want to go directly into sales or management positions.
- Associate of Science (AS): There is a greater focus on math and science subjects in a typical AS program. Common majors include nursing, criminal justice, and computer science.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Those who are more interested in going directly into a profession than earning a bachelor’s degree should consider this type of associates degree. A typical AAS program is more career-targeted, with popular majors including paralegal studies, web design, and entrepreneurship.
There are some high-paying jobs that require only an associates degree, including dental hygienist, computer network support specialist, and registered nurse. In fact, having the right type of associates degree can lead to better earning potential than many bachelor’s degrees.
The typical associates degree program includes 60 semester hours of study. This equates to about 20 courses. The fact that many schools offer both online and traditional programs means you can maintain a flexible schedule as you earn your associates degree. There are accelerated options to help you make faster progress, but you could also take one or two courses per semester if you have a busy work schedule.
Online study might also be a good option for you if you plan to maintain a career while advancing your education. There are many for-profit colleges offering online associates degrees, but make sure to carefully compare costs before going too far with such a program. For-profit schools can charge much more than their public college counterparts.
It’s also important to ask yourself if your intended career path and personal learning style align with online education. You might find that hands-on guidance is a priority for your desired career, or that you’ll thrive with face-to-face instruction rather than virtual interactions.
FIND COLLEGES FOR ASSOCIATE DEGREE
10 schools found
Centura College
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:4455 South Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Centura College, with campus locations in Virginia, and South Carolina, is dedicated to helping students gain the skills and attitudes necessary to succeed. Drawing from over 30 years of career school experience, we are committed to the education and personal enrichment of each student. Whether you are a recent high school graduate just starting out, planning to return to the workplace in a new career field, or a member of our Armed Forces preparing to enter the civilian workforce, Centura College can get you the training you need quickly. At Centura College, it's all about the training!
Colorado Christian University Online
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: More than 4 years
Location:8787 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
Colorado Christian University is dedicated to helping adults pursue their passion by earning a degree that integrates faith and learning. CCU overs over 70 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree program options 100% online.
Why Choose CCU Online?
1. Flexible schedule that fits your life.
2. Most classes are only 5 weeks long.
3. Transfer credits from another accredited school.
4. Learn vital skills from faculty with real-world experience.
Davenport University
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:6191 Kraft Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, non-profit university with campuses across Michigan and online serving nearly 7,500 students. Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience and more than 80 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs addressing in-demand careers.
Keiser University
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:1500 NW 49th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives. Keiser University continues to be a valuable partner to employers, the community, and, above all, a valued choice for students serious about their education and career.
Los Angeles Film School
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:6353 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Our goal is to prepare the next generation of creative professionals for a future in the entertainment industry. We offer degrees in Film, Audio, Animation, Music, Graphic Design and Entertainment Business. Whether you begin your journey on our Hollywood campus or choose the flexibility of online classes, our programs are designed to help you along your path.
South University
Type: Public
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805
Education That Fits Your Life
At South University, we know that many people view getting a higher education as a milestone in life. To help more people reach this accomplishment, South University offers a supportive faculty, a diverse community, and options for learning that best support your lifestyle. Let us help you achieve a brighter future.
Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805. ©2022 South University.
And SCHEV
South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).
South University online programs
Type: Online
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805
Degrees for a Brighter Future
Training online just clicks. Earning a diploma or degree online is common nowadays. But quality training at a competitive price with help every step of the way (even after graduation)—that’s not common.
Start Earning Your Degree Online with South University Today.
Not all programs are available to residents of all U.S. states.
South University online programs, 709 Mall Blvd., Savannah, GA 31406.
2022 South University. All rights reserved.
Southern New Hampshire University
Type: Private Non-Profit
Institution Level: Between 2 and 4 years
Location:2500 North River Rd Manchester NH 03106
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Wichita Technical Institute
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Less than 2 years
Location:2051 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67213
WTI was founded with YOU in mind, and nearly six decades later, continues to provide students with superior training for today’s in-demand careers. With five campuses throughout the Midwest, WTI has the facilities and the network to give you the convenience and the flexibility you need to make sure nothing stands in the way of the education you deserve.
WTI provides top-notch instructors, the latest technology, and curriculums designed with the market’s evolving needs in mind. Plus, WTI stands committed to a focus on hands-on training, which means you’ll learn by doing. It’s a simple concept with highly marketable results. WTI’s goal, and the goal of its experienced instructors, is to give you the ability to succeed from day one – and that’s a trait that all employers crave.
YTI Career Institute
Type: Private For-Profit
Institution Level: Less than 2 years
Location:3050 Hempland Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601
YTI Career Institute's industry-modeled curricula, qualified instructors direct from the field, and facilities that mirror the workplace are all designed to prepare graduates to begin careers in healthcare, skilled trades, computers, business, criminal justice or culinary arts.
