Associate Degrees

An associate degree is typically completed in two years of full-time study, but may take longer for part-time students. These undergraduate programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, technical colleges, and some universities. In general, associate degrees fall into three different categories:
Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), or Associate of Applied
Science (A.A.S.).

Associate degrees are a great fit for career-oriented students who want to enter a technical or vocational trade that requires some post secondary education. Along with often being the quickest and cheapest route to a formal degree, an associate program can also be a stepping stone to a four-year degree. Many schools offer students the option to apply credits earned from an associate degree, which is generally 60 semester credits, towards a bachelor’s degree.

Earning an associate degree comes with many benefits. For starters, Associate degrees can be earned on a shorter timeline than four-year degrees, which can mean quicker entry into the workforce. Meanwhile, a growing body of research shows that associate degrees will be in high demand in the future. According to a Georgetown University study on job growth and education requirements through 2020, 30 percent of job openings through 2020 will require candidates to have an associate degree or better. Further, many of the industries where associate degrees

dominate health care, community services and STEM fields,
for example  are expected to be some of the fastest-growing occupational clusters.

While earning a two-year, associate degree can help students enter the workforce quickly, it can also be more affordable in the long run. According to figures from the College Board, average tuition at a public two-year school was just $3,347 for the 2014-15 school year, while tuition at public, four-year schools averaged out to $9,139. With such a huge disparity in the cost of these programs, it’s no wonder that so many students see associate degrees as a faster, more affordable option.

Students interested in a two-year degree can choose one of the following options:

(1) Associate of Arts (A.A.): This degree is designed to transfer to a four-year college or university.

(2) Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): This degree option is designed to prepare graduates for career entry or job advancement after two years of college study.

(3) Associate of Science (A.S.): This degree type is designed to transfer to a four- year college or university.

(4) Occupational degrees: Also referred to as applied degree programs, this option is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately following graduation.