Associate Degrees for In-Demand Careers
By Sophia Peters on January 25, 2010
An associates degree is generally awarded by community colleges and junior colleges. However, a few four-year colleges and universities also award the degree. You need about 60 credit hours to graduate from most associate programs.
On average, if you take classes full-time, you can earn your associates degree in about two years. However, part-time students enjoy are quite flexible with online classes and have a broad selection of classes that they require to complete their program of study.
Generally there are two options in associate programs. There are those that will prepare you for a professional degree and those that you can use to work toward your general education course requirements. The programs require you take general courses, program of study requirements and elective courses. In full time programs you can expect to take about four semesters or 15 credit hours. In some accelerated distance programs you would complete the same requirements but with more flexibility although the rigor is the same in most programs.
Two-year virtual learning is available in business, liberal arts, and other disciplines. Many degrees online will accept transfer credits from two-year programs. Some areas of study within associate degrees online are: Accounting, Arts and Humanities Business & Management, Criminal Justice, Design, Early Childhood Development, Education, Engineering, Computers and Technology, Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Law and Paralegal, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Telecommunications to mention a few.
General education coursework is important in associate degree programs. You can expect to take courses in communications, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities. This will lead you to either an associate in science (A.S.) or an associate in arts (A.A.) degree. This will depend on the track that you choose.
Professional and occupational degrees give graduates the option to get be qualified for entry-level jobs in the areas of computers programming or networking, graphic design, nursing, medical assisting, paralegal etc. Therefore they offer graduates the advantage of quick entry into their chosen career field.
As a general rule you need to have a GED or high school diploma to get admission into a degree program. As an additional requirement, SAT or ACT might be needed. Nonetheless some colleges might accept related or relevant work experience for those that do not have a diploma. However, it is always good to check with the college you are applying to if this is the case in their entry requirements.
With more adults working full time, yet wishing to return to college to get a degree or develop their knowledge and skills set, the need and demand for flexible online programs has also grown. One way to help you make the right decision is to conduct research on what online programs are accredited. In addition, also find out if they offer financial aid as an option to those who want to attend school full time.
