Associate's degree

Associate's degree is a post-secondary academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, and some four-year colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years. In the United States, an associate's degree is often equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree.

Overview

The associate's degree is designed to provide a balanced liberal arts education and general vocational training. The degree may serve as the stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or as a credential for entry-level jobs depending on the field of study.

Types of Associate's Degrees

There are four general categories of associate's degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and Associate of Applied Business (AAB). The AA and AS degrees are most designed to transfer to a four-year college or university, while the AAS and AAB degrees are designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for associate's degree programs vary. Some programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, while others may require a certain level of academic achievement or prerequisite courses.

Career Opportunities

Many careers can be pursued with an associate's degree. Some of the most common fields include nursing, information technology, business administration, and criminal justice.

See Also

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree
• Vocational education
• Higher education in the United States