Home » Online Degrees » Associate's

Online Associate's Degrees

Sometimes known as a two-year degree, an associate's degree is a basic college degree that is earned by a student in full-time enrollment after approximately two years. To get an associate's degree, students need to complete basic coursework, such as college-level math, such as algebra, calculus, and trigonometry; composition, such as literature and writing; basic sciences, such as biology and chemistry; and humanities courses, such as history and art.

You will normally find that students completing an associate's degree fall into two tracks — Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science degree (A.S.), sometimes known as the Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.).

The Associate of Arts degree track often leads the student into coursework for a bachelor's degree, which would then take only two additional years to complete. When the associate's degree is completed, you are really getting a diploma stating you finished your first two years at a college or university.

The Associate of Science degree, however, normally gives a student coursework designed to lead them straight into a specific field of employment. The classes are more specific and tailored to teaching specific skills. Some examples of A.S. or A.A.S. degrees are veterinary technician, legal secretary, nurse, medical assistant, and dental hygienist.

When looking for associate's degree programs, you will often find them offered through local community and junior colleges. Basically, a community college is much like the A. A. degree itself: it is a jumping-off point for the student, leading to transfer to a larger college or university for the completion of a bachelor's degree.

You can often earn associate's degrees online, as well. Many programs are offered online through reputable colleges and universities. You can earn your basic A.A. degree then move to a local college or university for the completion of your education.

Online Associate's Degree Programs