An Associate of Arts degree is a two-year degree, usually offered at community or junior colleges, that shows you have completed the general education requirements necessary for a bachelor's degree program. You may apply the course credits toward a four-year degree. If your career choice requires humanities-based skills, the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree would be the best degree for you. Degree program is an adaptable degree, meaning that it is flexible and encompasses all topics that are not primarily related to math or science. An associate degree in applied science is a 2-year degree that you can obtain from an accredited 2- or 4-year school. Some who receive an associate degree in applied science will further their degree in a 4-year program in liberal arts and sciences. The associate degree in applied science is a 2-year degree.

1. What Is An Associate Degree Of Science
2. What Is An Associate Degree In Nursing
3. What Is An Associate Degree General Education

You can also start your search by checking out or jumping straight to our. Jump to:.Associate Degree BasicsThe typical associate degree programs will require you to earn roughly 60 credits, which can be completed in two years of study. Some associate programs utilize an accelerated format that lets you earn a degree in as little as one year of study. However you approach it, the associate degree program provides an abbreviated path of study in comparison to bachelor’s degree programs, which typically take a minimum of four years to complete. Though not as in-depth as a bachelor’s degree, the associate degree program provides a foundation in higher learning that can qualify you to continue into a bachelor’s degree program or obtain various entry-level jobs in both general and specialized fields.It’s also noteworthy that a great many community colleges have expanded their reach by making a growing set of courses and programs available online. This means that you can earn an online associate degree from a reputable and accredited two year program in nearly any subject.Associate degrees come in four varieties. AA and AS degrees generally focus on developing core knowledge alongside introductory education in a selected focus.

These associate programs typically focus on theory as well as instruction in analytical and critical approaches. With an AA, you will typically take a set of liberal arts or humanities courses alongside courses in your area of concentration.With an AS, you will typically take a set of courses in the hard sciences—chemistry, biology, mathematics, etc.—alongside courses in your area of concentration. The AA or AS is a highly recommended path for students who intend to use the associate degree as a stepping stone into a bachelor’s degree program. Download game need for speed most wanted pc. The applied degrees, AAS and AAA typically focus on developing technical skills for specific careers, and are recommended for students who are preparing to go directly on to the job market from community or online college. As with AA and AS programs, Arts imply a parallel emphasis on the humanities, while Science implies a parallel emphasis on the hard sciences.In both cases, your coursework will include more practical and hands-on experience.

This makes the applied associate degree a good option if your next step is into a job. Degrees AwardedAn associate degree can develop a useful foundation of general knowledge in the humanities, liberal arts, and natural sciences, alongside some introductory education in your chosen discipline. Some popular fields for associate degrees include:.What can you do with an Associate Degree?Many people with associate degrees go straight from the classroom to the job market, with entry-level positions in fields relevant to their area of study. For some, an associate degree is the highest level of education they will ever need to earn.

Depending on your career goals and opportunities, it is possible to work up from an entry-level position to a stable, well paying, long-term career.Plenty of students will use their associate degree to go back to school and earn a bachelor’s degree, which provides greater opportunities for employment and advancement than an associate degree by itself. As long as your associate degree comes from a regionally accredited institution, many universities will accept transfer credits from your associate program that can be applied toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree.This provides a flexible cost-effective route toward completing a bachelor’s degree. By choosing to earn an associate degree first at an inexpensive institution, such as a community on online college, you can cut down on the overall cost of education. This approach may also allow you to earn an associate degree, take a break from school for work and life, and return to finish a bachelor’s program when you are ready.If you do plan on eventually making the transition from your associate program to a four-year school, it is critical that you take every step to maximize the transfer of your credits.

There may be some bureaucratic and practical challenges ahead. Check out our transfer tip sheets for details on managing credit transfer challenges:.Admission RequirementsThe admission requirements for associate degree programs are typically less rigorous than those of bachelor’s degree programs. This make the associate degree a more accessible degree for most high-school graduates. All associate programs require a high school diploma or GED.

Rather than require a minimum ACT or SAT score, many associate degree programs require you to submit a score simply for class placement. In most cases, low scores will not prevent you from gaining admission. This is another reason that associate degree programs are a good option for many students. This provides an accessible path of entry to college and a way to build up your academic record before seeking admission to a more competitive four-year public or private school. Associate Degree CostsAs with any degree, the actual cost of an associate degree can be influenced by a number of factors. Private schools, by and large, cost more, and although they offer associate degrees, it is more common to earn an associate degree from a public university, which usually costs less than a private university, or a community college, which costs significantly less than either of these options.When attending a public university, your state of residence matters. Out-of-state tuition can be very expensive, averaging about three times the price of in-state tuition.

We recommend that you earn your degree in your state of residence to avoid paying the steep price of out-of-state tuition (unless, of course, you have a full-ride scholarship).Moreover, there is no reason that an associate degree should be expensive. Part of their attraction is that you can gain a college education at minimal cost, so students are commonly advised to earn an associate degree from the most affordable quality option available: community colleges.

The most expensive community college associate degree programs can be earned for a net price of less than $10,000; the majority cost much less than that.For a look at some of the best educational value for your money, check out. Online Associate Degree ProgramsOnline associate degrees are rising in popularity, in large part because they capitalize on the affordability and flexibility common to both online education and the associate degree model.

Online associate degree programs allow students to earn the education they need, at a very affordable price, on a flexible schedule that fits the needs of even the busiest working adult. These programs allow students to earn a degree with the same level of rigor as their on-campus counterparts, often at a reduced cost, and with fewer complications, such as the need for reliable transportation, or scheduling around odd working shifts. If you are considering earning an associate degree, take the time to. Last Updated: September 05, 2018.

Prepare for the career you want by enrolling in an associate degree program online or on campus at Southern New Hampshire University. In our 60-credit associate programs, you'll learn from industry experts and gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance in your field or pursue a new career. Whether attending classes on campus or earning your associate degree online, you'll have the support of academic and career advisors who are dedicated to your success.The benefits of earning your associate degree from SNHU include:.

Transfer-friendly programs. Transfer credits toward your bachelor's degree. Once you've earned your associate degree, you can seamlessly transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's. Convenience. Whether you're looking for 24/7 access to coursework online or the traditional classroom experience on campus, you can choose the program that best fits your learning style. Affordability.

What Is An Associate Degree Of Science

SNHU is committed to making education accessible and affordable. We keep our tuition low and offer financial aid to those who qualify. Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience.Earning your associate degree at SNHU will help prepare you for entry-level positions or promotion opportunities. Or, you can choose to continue your education seamlessly with one of our bachelor's programs.Explore our associate degrees today. Getting Started with an Associate DegreeWhether you’re looking to get ahead in your current job or break into a new field, earning an associate degree is a great step in taking your career to the next level.

Designed to be completed in as little as 2 years – or even faster if you have transfer credits – the associate degree is an attractive option for learners looking to further their education. Standing Out in a Competitive Job MarketWith the job market becoming increasingly difficult to maneuver, earning an associate degree can open doors to new opportunities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are expected to rise 11% from 2016-2026.After taking time off school and struggling to find her niche in healthcare, decided to branch out and enroll in an associate degree program at SNHU. “My supportive husband suggested I should take some courses in business administration to broaden my scope of practice,” she said. Shortly after beginning her schooling, Gilbert received a job offer.Her story isn’t a coincidence, either.

What Is An Associate Degree In Nursing

On average, people who have earned an associate degree are less likely to be unemployed than those who didn’t pursue a degree beyond high school. Climbing the Career LadderIt isn’t just entry-level job seekers who are affected by the demand for candidates with college degrees. Increasingly, adults with workforce experience are enrolling in associate degree programs to help advance their careers.“Recently, I have seen my company leaning more towards people with degrees when considering promotions,” said associate in business administration student.

“I decided to step out of the shadows and go back to school for business administration.”Beyond opening doors to more job opportunities, earning your associate degree is a good way to invest in yourself. On average, associate degree holders earn 17.4% more than those with only a high school degree. Stepping into Your Bachelor’s DegreeAn associate program is also a great option if you’re on the fence about pursuing your bachelor’s degree. Some students choose to use their associate degree as a stepping-stone to earn general education credits that can later be put toward a bachelor’s program of choice.When initially enrolled at SNHU, she had the goal of earning her associate in accounting. After successfully completing the program, she was inspired: “Now with the encouragement of my academic advisor, I am looking forward to enrolling for my BS.”The good news is when you earn your associate degree at SNHU, choosing to continue your education isn’t a chore – you can seamlessly transfer your credits to one of our down the road.Want to learn how SNHU can help you see yourself succeed?.Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupations that Need More Education for Entry are Projected to Grow Faster Than Average, 2017, on the Internet at (visited June 22, 2018).Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.

What Is An Associate Degree General Education

Department of Labor, Employment Projections, Unemployment rates and earnings by educational attainment, 2017, on the Internet at (visited June 22, 2018).