Getting your Top Online Associate Degree

Regardless of your long-term academic goal, going for an online associate’s degree now can be a great first step towards a brighter future. Not only will you gain a sense of accomplishment by earning your associate degree, you will also gain more motivation to continue with your education and pursue your online bachelor’s degree and from then on, “The sky’s the limit.”

Online Associate’s Degree Explained

An associate’s degree is awarded by community colleges, junior colleges and some four year colleges and universities to students completing a course of study in general education for two years. Many students first attend a community college for two years before transferring to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. The first two years of study in a four-year university is parallel to an associate’s degree which is considered to be the lowest of degrees, offered.

Advantage of an Associate’s Degree vs. High School Diploma

According to the United States Department of Bureau and Labor Statistics, Associate degree holders earn, on average of $6600 per year more than high school diploma holders, and enjoy 30 percent lower unemployment rates.

Four Reasons to Consider an Online Associate Degree

  • Lower costs
  • Flexibility
  • Saves time and money
  • Increase your income

What Will I Learn During my Two Years at a Community College?

Earning your associate's degree will provide you with the basics of your general education requirements. General education will provide a solid background in: communication, science and math, humanities and social science.

How Long will it Take to Earn my Associate’s Degree?

It typically takes two years to earn an associate's degree at a junior college, provided you are a full-time student. However, as a part-time student, it will take much longer to complete your associate's degree. Most associate's degree programs require you to complete 60 semester or 90 quarter units.

Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree vs. Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree

At a community college you can earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Sciences degree. The Associate of Arts degree is a two-year course of study that covers the core materials needed to complete the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree. An A.A. degree is the credential earned when a student has successfully completed a two-year course of study in liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on humanities. Associate of Applied Science is geared more towards students who want to move directly into employment in nursing or medical assisting among others.

Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree

An online degree in A.S. generally takes about two years to complete. A.S. degree programs give students the required knowledge to perform and excel in a specific profession. The Associate of Science degree program teaches liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis on math and science. If you plan to pursue a business, engineering or agriculture degree, an Associate of Science is your best option.

Whether you plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree or not, earning an online associate’s degree will give you a better advantage in the workforce over those holding a diploma. This is your first step towards a brighter future! If you want to complete your graduate or undergraduate study, it is wise to consider top online degree from an accredited online college.