UNDERSTANDING ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Let’s start with the basics. A commonly recognized definition for an associate degree is that it is a college degree that requires roughly one-half of the credit hours needed to earn a bachelor’s degree. Generally, this means students enrolled in associate degree programs can complete the requirements to graduate and be prepared to enter the workforce in about two years. It is not unusual to hear associate degrees referred to as ‘two-year degrees’ for this reason. In some cases, it is possible to complete an associate degree even faster. That’s often the case for students who have existing, transferable college credits or who are able to obtain credits for satisfactory CLEP or AP exam results.
Your next question might be “Where can I earn an associate degree?” Typically, associate degrees are earned at two-year, community or online colleges. The associates degree college definition also includes many four-year colleges and universities, although, in many cases, these colleges offer fewer associate programs because their primary focus is on bachelor’s and post-graduate degree programs.
WHY CONSIDER EARNING AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE?
Earning an associate degree requires roughly one-half of the time needed to earn a bachelor’s degree. That means the associate degree path is usually significantly more cost effective, and graduates can start working in their chosen careers right away.
Some students also choose to earn an associate degree with the intention of transferring their credits to a four-year institution in their sophomore or junior years of college. This can be a cost-effective way to meet general education requirements for students who aren’t yet sure what type of career they want to pursue.
When it comes to the types of degrees you can pursue with a two-year program, there are a wide range of options, including Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and others. Taking it a step further, you can find associate degrees that can prepare you for a variety of careers. A common occupational associates degree definition includes programs such as criminal justice, paralegal studies, business administration, court reporting, and other majors that teach students real-world skills they can use upon completion of their degrees.
If you are considering earning a college degree, it would be worth your time to explore and consider all your options before deciding on a degree type and college. Generations College, located in the heart of Chicago, offers on-campus and online associates degree programs in several exciting disciplines. Contact us today to learn more and to take the first step toward your future career!
