An associate degree is a wonderful educational investment that is adaptable to many life situations. A degree awarded by an academic institution after successful completion of about 60 semester credits, this undergraduate degree is a great launching tool for a vocational or professional career, or for expanding your college career to the bachelor degree level.
Be certain to check if the program you are entering for an associate ... degree has transferable credits, or is a terminal degree program. Both types can be great as long as they are from a regionally accredited college or university, and they match your current and future goals. Many students enter an associate degree program online to meet their general education and elective requirements, with the hopes of transferring those academic credits to a four-year postsecondary institution down the road. If you want to leave the option open to continue your education in the future, then be sure that you are going into a program that specifies that the credits can be transferred. A vocationally focused program's credits will not be transferable, and will be designed to give you the skills you need to begin to work in the field of your choice right away
Some potential online associate degree candidates put off enrolling in classes because they do not understand the details of different programs. It can be confusing, but keep asking questions and looking for resources to get the answers you need. There is a huge variety of specializations in online associate degrees, with the area that will best meet your career goals available. There are two types of associate degrees: An Associate of Science (AS) will usually be for majors in mathematics, natural sciences, or technology. An Associate of Arts (AA) is typically for majors in the social sciences, humanities, or general studies.
Full-time students earning an associate degree are usually expected to accomplish their degree in two years. Online associate degree students can sometimes accelerate that process and earn their degree in less time. The efficiency of distance learning, with the flexible schedule that allows for working around other obligations, is a great bonus. Part-time students who are also working, or raising a family, find online learning to be very beneficial. The number of programs available for an associate degree online tend to be vast compared to geographically anchored community colleges.
