Associate’s Degree Programs

Do you want to finish your post-high school course quickly? Are you short on funds to cover your tuition and other study expenses? Do you desperately want to start working fast? If your answers to these questions is ‘Yes,’ then consider pursuing an associate’s degree instead of a bachelor’s. A large number of institutions in the USA offer associate’s degree courses, and they are advantageous in various ways.

Definition of Associate’s Degree

These courses are available in post-high school institutions, and they are somewhere between a high school certificate, and a bachelor’s qualification. They typically take two years, but they may take longer if you are not studying full-time. These degrees allow you to qualify for certain jobs soon after high school. In many cases, you will get the chance to add your credits towards your bachelor’s. This means you can start your bachelor’s in the third year and complete it faster.

To enter an associate’s course program, you will usually need the same qualifications needed for a bachelor’s degree program. You have to graduate high school and qualify for certain courses at university. Admission deadlines for associate courses are often longer than those of bachelor’s courses. If you fail to get your preferred bachelor’s degree course, you should consider applying for an associate degree course. This is because the deadlines take much longer.

The cost of your associate’s degree course will depend on the school you attend and the specific course you are taking. But generally, associate’s degrees cost less than bachelor’s degrees. They can be ideal for people who are not ready to spend lots of money on their post-high school courses. Also, since the courses are completed in relatively shorter periods, you will start working and earning money sooner. If necessary, you can go through essay writing reviews to find a service which will help you complete the course fast.

Associate’s Course Titles

Associate’s courses are widely available in the USA. You can get such a degree in a college, vocational school, and some universities. Titles in these degrees can be divided into Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Arts (AAA), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

Applied courses center on practical abilities. They usually get people ready for specific tasks in vocational fields. Coversely, AA and AS get students ready for bachelor’s courses. You can go through writing service reviews, if you are uncertain about some aspects of the courses you intend to pursue. The credits in these courses are transferable.

Some popular AAS degrees include, web design, entrepreneurship, human services, customer relationship management, and paralegal studies. You should note that these do not necessarily offer learners the credits required to continue with a bachelor’s course.

AA is more general and covers topics like literature and language. If you want to take a bachelor’s course in art, you can start by taking an AA.

AS is ideal for people who are planning to seek beginner jobs immediately after school. The courses under this title cover math and science, and they have wide career applications. Some of these subjects include nursing, business administration, technology, and criminal justice.

AAA courses are more focused on performing and visual arts. They will give you extensive artistic training and may even offer narrow specializations. The general areas of study fall into the fields of humanities and social sciences. Just like AAS degrees, the credits in AAA courses are not necessarily meant to be transferred to a bachelor’s. AAA courses are a lot fewer than those in AAS, but they can be taken in almost all institutions that offer associate’s courses.

Prospects in the Job Market

When you select a course, it is important to check the employment opportunities, especially if you are hoping to start earning money right after graduation. That being said, you should also ensure that you are a good fit for the field and job opportunities.

A good number of associate programs have a stellar employment outlook, especially those that fall under the AAS titles. The highest-paying professions available to holders of associate’s degrees include physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy, ultrasound technicians, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians, petroleum technicians, and legal assistants.

Besides the career opportunities available, you should also choose a course based on your future education plans. If you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the future, you should consider going for an associate’s degree course which transfers credits.

Also, make sure you pick a course that naturally interests you. This way, you will be able to attend the classes, take the exams, and write any essays required with ease.

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