UNDERSTANDING ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Before you can decide if it makes sense to earn an associate degree after high school, it is important to gather as much information as you can. The foundation of that information is understanding what an associate degree is and what is involved to earn one.
A typical bachelor’s degree requires students to complete at least 120 credit hours, which takes most students at least four years. In contrast, most associate degrees are 60 credit hour programs — or half the credits needed for the four-year degree. Generally, the cost of obtaining an associate degree is significantly lower than the cost of pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Most college classes are worth three credit hours, although it is not unusual to find some electives and even some required classes in the one- or two-credit range. Degree-seeking students will need to complete a set curriculum of required courses for their programs. These include general education and program-specific courses designed to ensure graduates have a satisfactory level and mix of information when they enter the workforce.
In addition to the required curriculum, students can also generally choose from additional electives to meet the 60-credit hour requirement. Electives allow students to tailor their degree programs by focusing on specific topics in their chosen fields. Choosing courses that interest you can also help you identify or narrow down career specialties.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS FOR YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE
If you are wondering how to get an associates degree, start by finding a college or university that offers two-year degree programs in the field of study you want to pursue. As you evaluate options, you may want to consider if you want to attend courses in a traditional campus setting. Some on-campus options include daytime and evening courses, and you might be able to find classes offered on Saturdays. This can be a great option for students who need some scheduling flexibility but believe they would perform best with the accountability and collaboration offered in person in a traditional classroom setting.
Alternatively, you could choose to earn your degree online, from the comfort of your home and on your schedule. Many colleges and universities offer accredited online associate degree programs, where the course material and instruction are substantially similar to traditional, in-person classes and programs.
Generally, the time needed to complete your associate degree should not change significantly based on whether you take courses on campus or online. That said, some students find that the flexibility of online courses allows them to take a heavier load than they might otherwise be able to manage with existing work and family responsibilities. The result can be completing all degree requirements faster than two years — in as little as a year and a half, in some cases.
Whatever length of time you need to complete your associate degree, you should graduate with the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in your chosen field (or to continue your education by transferring credits to a four-year institution, if that is your goal.) To learn about the on-campus and accredited online degree programs offered by Generations College in Chicago, contact us today.