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What Is an Associate Degree? Requirements, Costs, and More
Written by Coursera • Updated on
Associate degrees open paths to new job opportunities and can be used to transfer into bachelor's degree programs.
An associate degree is a two-year college degree that you can obtain from a community college, junior college, online university, or some four-year institutions in the US. In terms of education, an associate degree falls between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree.
Students go on to do different things with their associate degree: some transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, while others choose to go directly into the workforce. You can also earn your associate degree after working for several years; it can be the first step to a new career or help you advance in your current one.
Read on to understand key facts about earning your associate degree, and the important factors—like educational and professional goals—you should consider as you decide whether it's the right choice for your future.
Associate degrees: Key facts
Earning your associate degree is typically more affordable and takes less time than earning your bachelor's degree. It can also help you forge new career paths in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, and computer science. Let's review the basics of what it costs—and what it takes—to get an associate degree.
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements vary from college to college, but you'll generally need to meet the following conditions in order to gain entry to an associate degree program:
Be 18 years of age by the time you begin your first day of class
Have a high school diploma, or have passed a General Education Development test (GED) or an equivalent test
Meet GPA requirements established by some community colleges
Cost
While tuition levels vary between colleges and programs, the average tuition for one year in an associate degree program is $3,800 in 2021, according to the College Board [1]. That’s for public in-district schools—meaning you’re a resident in the district the associate degree program is located.
Compare that with the average tuition for a year in a bachelor’s degree program, which is $10,740 for public in-state schools, $27,560 for public out-of-state schools, and $38,070 for private nonprofit schools.
Financial aid
Students enrolled in an associate degree program might be eligible for federal financial aid, as long as the institution is accredited. You can submit a FAFSA application to see if you qualify to receive federal aid or federal student loans. For the 2021-2022 school year, 56 percent of community college students received aid, while 33 percent received federal grants [2].
How long it takes
It generally takes full-time students about two years earn an associate degree, though it can take longer for part-time students. If you prefer to work while earning your associate degree, you'll be in good company. More than four million community college students attended part-time in 2021 (compared to 2.2 million full-time attendees) and 72 percent of them worked [2].
How many credits is an associate degree?
In order to graduate, you’ll typically need to complete the 60 course credits required (or 90 if your college is on the quarter system), and maintain a minimum GPA set by your college or department. Learn more about college credits and how they're measured.
Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider
Types of associate degrees
The most common types of associate degrees are:
Associate of Arts (AA): Associate programs focused on business, humanities, arts, or social sciences are often called Associate of Arts degrees. An AA may be a stepping stone to transfer to a bachelor’s degree.
Associate of Science (AS): Associate programs in a field related to science or math are often called Associate of Science degrees. Along with an AA, the AS is typically recommended by schools for students who want to transfer to four-year programs.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Associate programs that focus on technical and vocational skills are often called Associate of Applied Science programs. These programs are generally designed to prepare students for a specific occupation or work in a specific field after graduation. Fields can include computer science technology, hospitality management, paralegal studies, law enforcement, welding, among many others. Although it’s less common to use an AAS degree to transfer into a bachelor’s program, some four-year degree programs have begun accepting them for transfers.
What can you do with an associate degree?
Once you earn your associate degree, you have two options to consider. You can extend your education and apply to a bachelor's degree program, or you can pursue jobs in the medical, engineering, computer science, or legal fields, among many others.
Transfer to a bachelor's degree program
If you're interested in continuing your education, you can apply to bachelor's degree programs after you earn your associate degree, and begin completing courses in your declared major.
In fact, a number of students earn their associate degree at a lower-cost community college before transferring to a four-year college or university to finish their bachelor's. Remember that for in-state students, the average annual cost of attending a community college was $3,800 in 2021, compared to $10,740 for a public four-year school, which can amount to a significant savings over two years or more [1].
Earning your associate degree before deciding to pursue your bachelor's also gives you time to:
Build up study skills: If you’ve been out of school for a while and want to brush up on your study skills, or your high school GPA didn’t quite meet admission requirements for a four-year degree, an associate program can give you a boost. Not all community colleges have a GPA requirement for admissions.
Get more time to explore: If you’re not sure what you want to study, attending a community college for general studies courses can give you time to explore courses that might interest you before you fully commit to getting a bachelor’s degree in a subject.
Enjoy added flexibility: Many community colleges keep working people in mind and offer courses at night or on weekends. If you’re working or have family to take care of, starting off with an associate degree could bring you the flexibility you need.
If you’re hoping to start a degree, and factors like affordability and flexibility are important, online bachelor’s degrees may be another option. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in a wide range of topics, like computer science or psychology.
Pursue a career
You can explore new career opportunities with your associate degree—often with higher salaries than a high school diploma will yield. Associate degree holders in the United States earn a median income of $938 per week compared to $781 for high school graduates [3].
Here is a brief snapshot of some of the jobs you can typically start with an associate degree. They’re expected to grow at least as fast as average, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [4], and the median salaries in the US are at least $40,000.
| Job | Median salary range |
|---|---|
| Computer network support specialist | $60,000-80,000 |
| Web developer | $60,000-80,000 |
| Physical therapist assistant | $40,000-60,000 |
| Dental hygienist | $60,000-80,000 |
| Occupational therapy assistant | $60,000-80,000 |
| Radiation therapist | $80,000 and over |
| MRI technologist | $60,000-80,000 |
| Civil engineering technician | $40,000-60,000 |
| Environmental engineering technologist | $40,000-60,000 |
| Geological and hydrologic technician | $40,000-60,000 |
| Agricultural and food science technician | $40,000-60,000 |
| Mechanical engineering technician | $40,000-60,000 |
| Legal assistant | $40,000-60,000 |
Keep in mind that employers for some positions—like registered nurses—might prefer bachelor’s degree holders but may also hire associate degree graduates.
Read more: How to Get Your First Job: A Guide
Differences between associate and bachelor’s degrees
There are benefits to pursuing any kind of higher education, be it an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Holding an academic degree can lead to more career opportunities and higher salaries. If you're unsure which degree is right for you, here are important differences to compare:
| Associate degree | Bachelor's degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of time | 2 years | 4 years |
| Average annual tuition | $3,800 (public in-district schools) | $10,740 (public in-state schools), $27,560 (public out-of-state schools), $38,070 (private nonprofit schools) |
| Credit requirements | 60 credits | 120 credits |
| Common enrollment requirements | High school diploma or GED | High school diploma or GED, letters of recommendation, GPA, standardized test scores |
| Campus experience | Students usually commute from off campus. Sports teams, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities are available. | Students can live on campus or off campus. Sports teams, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities are available. |
| Financial aid available | Yes | Yes |
| Median weekly earnings in 2019 for graduates | $938 (some college or Associate degree) | $1,305 |
Data on average annual tuition and weekly earnings comes from the College Board and the Bureau of Labor Statistics respectively [1, 3].
Which is better: Associate degree or bachelor's degree?
The best degree will be the one that helps you achieve your goals—either personal, educational, or professional. While there are a number of careers you can pursue with an associate degree, you may find more opportunities with a bachelor's degree. But if time is a major factor, then an associate degree may be the best choice for your immediate needs. Ultimately, it's important to review your situation—your financial resources, your schedule, your objectives—to determine which is the best degree for you.
If you're interested in earning an academic degree to gain entry to a new career path or advance your career in a chosen field, it can help to look at job postings and see the minimum education required. Understanding the standards your industry expects may help determine which degree you eventually earn.
Associate degree alternatives
If your goals don’t require an academic degree, there are other options that may offer some flexibility.
Professional certificates
Professional certificates are qualifications you can earn by completing courses or exams to demonstrate your ability in a field. They often require no previous experience in a subject, and can take anywhere from several months to a few years to finish. You can get a professional certificate in a variety of fields, including IT support, data analysis, computer programming, and marketing.
Certificate programs can be part-time or full-time, and may be offered online and in person. Because they tend to take less time and financial resources than degrees, professional certificates can be a solid option for those who know what specific skills they want to develop, and prioritize flexibility. If you’re ready to explore, browse some online certificate options.
Trade or vocational school
Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, train students to enter professions that require a certain set of skills. They’re characterized by their emphasis on hands-on training.
Graduates go on to work as electricians, dental hygienists, chefs, construction managers, and car mechanics, among many other professions. Trade schools typically take two years or less to complete, though some professions may require additional apprenticeships after the program. They can be a good option if you have a specific job in mind and don’t need or want to pursue an academic degree to secure employment in that profession. Some characteristics to consider when researching trade schools include: whether the program is accredited, has a track record of job placement, and makes sense for you financially.
Bootcamps
Bootcamps—intensive programs that are designed to quickly equip you with a new skill set—can be a fast way to enter a new field or advance in your current one. Bootcamps typically take a few months to complete. Though computer coding bootcamps are popular, you can enroll in digital marketing, cybersecurity, or UX/UI design bootcamps, too. Bootcamps can be online or in person, full-time or part-time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
This depends on the courses you took and the bachelor’s program you’re transferring into. Universities will generally evaluate your courses and decide if they’re transferable or not. Thanks to accreditation, some community colleges may have agreements with universities that will guarantee that some of your credits will transfer (if the requirements are met).
To make sure you maximize your transferable credits, talk to your academic advisor at your community college, and reach out to an admissions officer at the university you want to transfer to.
Other academic degrees include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years (as little as two if you have an associate degree). You may go on to enroll in a master’s degree program after completing a bachelor’s. A doctoral degree, or PhD, is the generally the highest academic degree you can receive in most fields. Other professional degrees—such as JDs for aspiring lawyers, or MDs for doctors—are usually pursued after finishing a bachelor’s degree.
Yes. Though hospitals might prefer nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree, the minimum academic requirement to become an RN in the US is generally an associate degree or a diploma in nursing, according to the College Board [5].
Students must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and any state licensure requirements. Many community colleges offer degrees specifically for those who want to enter the nursing field. An associate degree can also be transferred to a bachelor’s nursing program.
Read more: Your Guide to Nursing Degrees and Certifications
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Related articles
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
10 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with an Associate Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?
Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree at Community College?
Article sources
1. College Board. "Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021, https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2021.pdf." Accessed August 8, 2022.
2. American Association of Community Colleges. "AACC Fast Facts 2022, https://www.aacc.nche.edu/2022/02/28/42888/." Accessed August 8, 2022.
3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Education Pays, The median salaries in the US are at least $40,000." Accessed August 8, 2022.
4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupation Finder, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder." Accessed August 8, 2022.
5. College Board. "Career: Registered Nurses, https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/health-diagnosis-treatment-registered-nurses." Accessed November August 8, 2022.
Written by Coursera • Updated on
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
FAQs
What are 3 reasons why someone would want to earn an associate degree? ›
- Higher Earning Potential.
- Path to a Higher Degree.
- Career Advancement Opportunities.
- Finish What You Started.
- Accomplish Your Goal.
If you're deciding between no higher education degree at all and an associate degree, the answer is, quite simply, “Yes; getting an associates degree is worth it!” If you are hoping to break into a professional field and want to raise your job prospects, getting an associate degree is going to serve you much better ...
Which associate degree is most basic? ›Associate of Arts (A.A.)
This includes several credit hours of general education coursework and several credit hours of major coursework. Most A.A. degree programs usually include a major in the social sciences or humanities.
Other factors to take into consideration when choosing an associate degree program include the following: Your interest in the field. The applicability of the degree to possible professional fields. The courses the program offers and their relevance to the professional avenues you wish to explore.
How many credits do you need for an associates? ›In accordance with commonly held standards, the minimum requirement for an associate degree is 60 semester or 90 quarter credits.
What are the disadvantages of an associate's degree? ›- You may be competing with people with bachelor's degrees for the same jobs. ...
- Your earnings may be lower than that for people with a bachelor's degree.
- Getting into managerial or supervisory positions may be difficult without a higher degree.
Earning an associate's degree is not hard, according to those who have earned the degree. They said its ease or otherwise depends on the seriousness and dedication with which you tackle your studies.
How many years is an associate degree? ›Most full-time students can complete an associate's degree in two years, however, online and flexible learning options can allow students to complete the program in a shorter window of time.
Is associate's degree worth it? ›For the average U.S. worker, there's a clear benefit to getting a 2-year associate degree. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2020 workers with an associate degree had median weekly earnings of $938, compared with $781 for people with just a high school diploma.
Which associate's degree pays most? ›- Radiation Therapy. ...
- Nuclear Technology. ...
- Nuclear Medicine. ...
- Dental Hygiene. ...
- Web Development. ...
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering.
What is the fastest degree to get? ›
What is the fastest and easiest degree to get? Often students focus on Business Administration, Psychology, or Education degrees for the fastest degrees; however, General Studies, English, and Communications may be considered some of the easiest, along with Psychology.
What is the best 2 year degree to get? ›| Rank | Major | Early Career Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Rank:1 | Computer Science (CS) & Mathematics | Early Career Pay:$45,500 |
| 2 | Nondestructive Testing | Early Career Pay:$49,900 |
| 3 | Radiation Therapy | Early Career Pay:$65,300 |
| 4 | Software Engineering | Early Career Pay:$53,600 |
Colleges may consider several or all of the following factors in determining admission eligibility: pattern of high school coursework, grades in academic courses, grade point average, test scores, essay, college major, talents, leadership roles, community activities, evidence of exceptional motivation, letters of ...
What are the pros and cons of getting an associate's degree? ›| Associate Degree Pros | Associate Degree Cons |
|---|---|
| Shorter duration | Lower earnings than bachelor's degree holders |
| Enter the job market ahead of bachelor's degree holders | Compete for some of the same jobs as bachelor's degree holders |
| Affordable tuition | May take longer to attain managerial positions |
It pays to advance from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree because a bachelor's degree is more desirable, and often required, by many employers. That reality is reflected in a lower unemployment rate and higher average wages for those with a 4-year degree, compared to those with an associate degree.
What can I do after associate's degree? ›...
- Police officer. National average salary: $51,176 per year. ...
- Avionics technician. ...
- Physical therapist assistant. ...
- Registered nurse. ...
- Web developer.
(Do take a close look at the requirements for the jobs you are interested in.) But two Associates are not equivalent to one Bachelors. You are missing all or almost all the upper level classes. In addition, some community colleges' courses are not well aligned with those of the state university in the same state.
What are the courses in associate degree? ›| Associate of Arts | Associate of Agribusiness |
|---|---|
| Associate of Arts in Business Administration | Associate in Applied Science – Agriculture |
| Associate of Arts in General Studies with a concentration in Business | Associate of Applied Science in Business: Accounting |
There are more majors for you to pick from.
Two-year programs focus on specific job training, while at a four-year institution you have the option to major in the liberal arts, performing arts, sciences, or something career-focused (like architecture, pre-med, or engineering).
Even without a college degree, it's still possible to get a job. There are many job positions that do not require applicants to be college graduates. However, the kinds of jobs available, as well as opportunities for the career and income advancement, may be limited.
How many people in the US have an associate's degree? ›
The percentage of the population age 25 and older with associate degrees rose from 9.5% to 10.5% between 2011 and 2021. Between 2011 and 2021, the percentage of people age 25 and older who had completed a bachelor's degree or higher increased by 7.5 percentage points from 30.4% to 37.9%.
What is the easiest 2 year degree to get? ›- Associate in Liberal Arts or General Education.
- Associate in Accounting.
- Associate in Healthcare Management.
- Associate in Marketing.
- Associate in Business Administration.
- Associate in Fashion Merchandising.
- Associate in Family and Child Therapy.
- Associate in Computer Programming.
While it's true that many jobs require a bachelor's or master's degree, the reality is that associate degrees can open many job opportunities, too.
Can you skip associate's degree and go straight to bachelors? ›An associate degree is not a prerequisite to earn a bachelor's degree, you can skip an associate degree and go straight to a bachelor's degree.
Is associate degree a diploma? ›Associate Degree
Unlike certificates and diplomas, Associate Degrees comprise a breadth of general academic subjects as well as a specialization in an area of interest (similar to a major). Common examples include the Associate of Arts (Business) and Associate of Arts (Science).
Whether you visit a gym, classroom or a local government agency, you are likely to encounter employees with two-year college degrees. These degrees, formally titled "associate degrees," are offered by two-year community colleges across the United States.
What are the 4 types of degrees? ›College degrees generally fall into four categories: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Each college degree level varies in length, requirements, and outcomes. Each college degree aligns with students' different personal interests and professional goals.
Can I be successful with an associate's degree? ›You can build a prosperous career without pursuing higher education. But a degree certainly doesn't hurt your chances of landing a high-paying job—and that includes an associate's degree. An associate's degree can lay the foundation for a financially rewarding career.
How many classes is 60 credits? ›To get an Associate's degree, you need to complete 60 – 65 credit hours or 20 classes. To earn a Bachelor's degree, you need to complete 120 – 130 credit hours or 40 classes.
Is an associate's degree a big deal? ›Those with an associate degree had a median pay of $39,687 per year in 2009, while those with a high school diploma had a median pay of $33,213 the same year. Overall, those with an associate degree earn roughly $400,000 more over their lifetime than those who have a high school diploma.
What jobs make 6 figures with an associate's degree? ›
- Air Traffic Controller. Salary: $124,540. ...
- Computer Programmer. Salary: $82,240. ...
- Radiation Therapist. Salary: $80,570. ...
- Nuclear Technician. Salary: $80,370. ...
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Salary: $75,660. ...
- Dental Hygienist. Salary: $74,070. ...
- Registered Nurse. Salary: $70,000. ...
- Web Developer.
While some people may think a four-year degree is necessary to get a higher paying job, there are a number of professions where you can make around $100,000 per year with only a two-year degree. A traditional college degree is not necessary to get a good job and earn a high-paying salary.
What job has the highest hourly pay? ›| Rank | Occupation | 2021 Median Wages |
|---|---|---|
| Employment column one Hourly | ||
| 1 | Cardiologists | $100.00+ |
| 1 | Dermatologists | $100.00+ |
| 1 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | $100.00+ |
- Nursing.
- Finance.
- Business administration.
- Statistics.
- Mechanical engineering.
- Computer science.
- Economics.
- Marketing.
For the 1 year program, BBA, BSc, BA, BCA, and BCom degrees are all available, and the curriculum consists of the important and relevant topics so that students can complete all the syllabus in a short period of time.
What degree can I get in 6 months? ›- Emergency Medical Technician.
- Funeral director.
- Brick Mason.
- Personal trainer.
- Medical coder.
- Firefighter.
- Air traffic controller.
- Automobile service station manager.
A doctorate degree typically takes anywhere from four to six years to complete. On average, a Ph. D. is earned within eight years. The length of time it takes to earn your doctorate is based on numerous factors.
Which medical field is the easiest? ›Which medical field is the easiest? Phlebotomy is the easiest medical field to get into and to practice. Part of your training can come online, and with an accelerated program, you can be ready for your state licensure exam in under a year. Phlebotomists draw blood and transport it for lab testing.
What is a 4 year degree called? ›Types of Bachelor Degrees
Designed to be completed in 4 years, bachelor's degree programs provide in-depth knowledge and skills across a wide variety of career paths to help you stand out in today's competitive job market. Bachelor's degrees are in high demand.
Good grades, a challenging high school curriculum, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, and a strong essay are a few key factors admissions officers assess. Each university may emphasize different elements of the application process.
What are the six college entrance requirements? ›
- ACT (American College Test) ...
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) ...
- SAT Subject Tests. ...
- CLT (Classic Learning Test) ...
- AP Test (Advanced Placement Test) ...
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) ...
- GED (General Education Development)
An underdog story is never a bad one! Most universities will consider your child's overall high school GPA, but will always consider their GPA and transcript together, meaning that an admissions officer will see if your child's grades have improved over time.
How do you turn an associate's degree into a bachelor's? ›- Know what kind of associate degree you have. ...
- Research your current university's articulation agreements. ...
- Work with your prospective university to determine which of your credits will transfer. ...
- Test out of classes where possible. ...
- Leverage your academic advisor.
In general, an associate degree encompasses a varied educational platform that requires courses specific to your degree concentration in addition to general education courses. Certificate degrees are extremely focused in their objective(s) and are related to a specific job or career niche.
Is a associate degree better than a bachelor's degree? ›Level of study
If you're not yet set on a specific degree or want to rewrite your educational performance, an associate is your best bet. Comparatively, if you find a program that will put you on the career path you wish for and plan to continue with a master's degree, a bachelor's degree will benefit you most.
In accordance with commonly held standards, the minimum requirement for an associate degree is 60 semester or 90 quarter credits.
Can you skip associate's degree and go straight to Masters? ›You can go directly from an associate degree to a master's degree, although the traditional education path for students is to earn an undergraduate degree first and pursue a master's after they attain a bachelor's. A bachelor's degree is often a prerequisite to enter graduate programs of most universities.
What are the benefits of having an associate's degree? ›- Lower Cost. Since it takes less time to complete an associate degree than a bachelor degree, associate degree programs typically cost less.
- Less Time. ...
- Further Education Options. ...
- More Career Opportunities. ...
- Higher Earnings. ...
- Lower Risk of Unemployment. ...
- Earning Your Associate's Degree.
It pays to advance from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree because a bachelor's degree is more desirable, and often required, by many employers. That reality is reflected in a lower unemployment rate and higher average wages for those with a 4-year degree, compared to those with an associate degree.
Is an associate degree an accomplishment? ›You have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain. And when you earn that associate degree, best of all, it's an accomplishment that nobody can ever take away from you!
What is the difference between associate's degree and bachelor's degree? ›
The most obvious difference between the two types of degrees is how long it takes to earn each one. For a full-time student, an associate degree program lasts two years. A bachelor's degree program, on the other hand, lasts four years for a full-time student.
What's next after associate's degree? ›Because associate degrees are typically two years in length, students will transfer into a bachelor's degree program with two years of general education and foundation-level coursework completed. Then, they will only need to take courses directly related to their bachelor's degree.
How many years is an associate degree? ›Most full-time students can complete an associate's degree in two years, however, online and flexible learning options can allow students to complete the program in a shorter window of time.
Can you skip your associate's degree and go straight to bachelor's? ›An associate degree is not a prerequisite to earn a bachelor's degree, you can skip an associate degree and go straight to a bachelor's degree. However, one option you may want to consider is earning your associate degree at a community college prior to transferring to a four-year university.
Is an associate's degree hard to get? ›Earning an associate's degree is not hard, according to those who have earned the degree. They said its ease or otherwise depends on the seriousness and dedication with which you tackle your studies.
Are associates degrees worth it? ›According to the BLS, people with associate degrees have better prospects for employment and earnings than those who have taken some college courses but haven't received a degree. If you didn't do quite as well in high school as you now realize you could have, an associate degree program is a great starting point.
What are the types of associate degrees? ›- Associate in Arts (A.A.)
- Associate in Science (A.S.)
- Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) to help you transfer to a CSU and certain UC, HBCU, and private universities.
| Rank | Declared degree | Percent with advanced degree |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Architectural Engineering | 29% |
| 2 | Construction Services | 12% |
| 3 | Computer Engineering | 40% |
| 4 | Aerospace Engineering | 51% |
Is it worth going back to college at 40? Researchers have linked college degrees with higher levels of job security, earning potential, and job satisfaction. Going back to college at 40 can also help you advance your career or make a career change.
What should I get a degree in? ›- Pharmacology. For a lucrative career helping people, pharmacology is at the top of the list for in-demand degrees. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Health Science. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Engineering. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Finance. ...
- Human Resources.
How do you turn an associate's degree into a bachelor's? ›
- Know what kind of associate degree you have. ...
- Research your current university's articulation agreements. ...
- Work with your prospective university to determine which of your credits will transfer. ...
- Test out of classes where possible. ...
- Leverage your academic advisor.
(Do take a close look at the requirements for the jobs you are interested in.) But two Associates are not equivalent to one Bachelors. You are missing all or almost all the upper level classes. In addition, some community colleges' courses are not well aligned with those of the state university in the same state.
Is associate degree a diploma? ›Associate Degree
Unlike certificates and diplomas, Associate Degrees comprise a breadth of general academic subjects as well as a specialization in an area of interest (similar to a major). Common examples include the Associate of Arts (Business) and Associate of Arts (Science).