Associate Degrees
Berkshire University offers accredited Associate Degree Program in a wide range of disciplines or areas of study. Below we have mentioned the admission requirements & fee structure for this program. You will also find
the list of majors that we offer under our associate program. If your desired major is not listed, you can make a request for that by clicking here.
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.
Benefits of Online Associate Degrees
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.
Types of Associate Degree Programs
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.
Admission Requirement
The students seeking admission to Associate program are required to fulfill any one of the following minimum requirements:
– A high school diploma or equivalent
– Your previous work experience, coursework, elective classes and previous credits will be recognized as course credits, after being evaluated by our evaluation committee. If you have had professional training or have served in the military, you may be able to convert previous experience into academic credits
Majors Offered
In addition to the majors listed below, other majors are also provided. If your desired major is not listed below, you can make a request for that by clicking here.
– Business & Management
– Education & Human Development
– Criminal Justice
– Science
– Psychology
– Engineering
– Performing Arts
– Law and Legal Studies
– Nursing
– Occupational Safety & Fire Science
– Applied Arts
– Health Sciences
Course Credits and Duration
The program is spread over 65 credits and may take 2 to 4 years to complete, depending upon the schedule selected by the student.
Tuition Fee
Below is the tuition fee structure for our associate degree program:
| Type of Fee | Amount | Type of Fee | Amount |
| Application Fee(one-off/non refundable payment) | $200 | Fees for publishing the thesis | $500 |
| Course fee | $199 x 65 (total courses)= $12,935 | Print, approve and certify from the notary public | $500 |
| Late Payment Fee | $30 | Shipping Cost | $500 |
| Graduation Audit Fee | $55 waived | Curriculum Vitae ( CV ) | $300 |
| Embassy Legalization Fee | Applied | Status Certificate | $50 |
| Secretary of State Legalization | $700 | Certified Copy | $150 – $300 |
| US Department of State | $1000 | Student ID | 50 |
| Notary Public | $500 | Financial Aid Fee | $100 |
| Technology Fee-Internet use,etc.(per semester) | $175 | E&G Facilities Construction and Renovation | $190 |
| Classroom Renewal Fee | $100 | Academic Credentialing Fee | $50 |
| Arts Fee | $70 | Visa Processing Fee (for international students only – non refundable) | $250 |
| Medical insurance fee for 5 weeks (for international students who receive an I-20 and live on campus) | $50 | Graduation Application fee | $180 |
