Associate’s degree

Associate's degree is a type of undergraduate degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, and some universities and colleges in many countries. The degree is typically completed in two years of full-time study, but may also be obtained through part-time or online study.

Overview

The associate's degree is designed to provide a basic academic foundation and practical skills for a specific vocational field. It is often used as a stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree, with many students transferring to a four-year institution after completing their associate's degree. In some fields, an associate's degree may be sufficient for entry-level employment.

Types of Associate's Degrees

There are several types of associate's degrees, including the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). The AA and AS degrees are designed for transfer to a bachelor's degree program, while the AAS is a career-oriented degree designed to prepare students for immediate employment.

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree is typically awarded in fields such as liberal arts, social science, and humanities. It provides a broad academic foundation and is designed to transfer to a bachelor's degree program.

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science degree is typically awarded in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Like the AA, it is designed to transfer to a bachelor's degree program.

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science degree is typically awarded in vocational and technical fields. It is designed to prepare students for immediate employment.

Benefits of an Associate's Degree

Obtaining an associate's degree can have several benefits. It can provide a cost-effective way to obtain a post-secondary education, as tuition at community and junior colleges is typically lower than at four-year institutions. It can also provide a pathway to a bachelor's degree, with many students transferring to a four-year institution after completing their associate's degree. In some fields, an associate's degree may be sufficient for entry-level employment.

See Also

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctorate degree
• Vocational education
• Community college
• Junior college
• Technical college