Understanding Associate’s Degree Courses
MD: Associate’s degrees are an excellent option for high school graduates, and although they are lower than bachelor’s degrees, they have their benefits. Read on to learn about associate’s degrees.
Associate’s Degree Programs
Do you need to complete your post-high school course quickly? Are you short on funds to cover your tuition and other study expenses? Do you desperately need to enter the job market as soon as possible? Of your answers to these questions is ‘Yes,’ then you need to consider getting an associate’s degree instead of a bachelor’s degree. Many institutions in the USA offer associate’s degree courses, and these types of degrees can be advantageous in many different ways.
What is an Associate’s Degree?
An associate’s degree is offered in post-highschool institutions, and it is somewhere in the middle of a high school degree and a bachelor’s degree. Associate’s degrees typically take two years, but they may take longer if you study part-time. These degrees allow you to qualify for certain jobs soon after highschool. Usually, the universities will allow you to start your bachelor’s degree program in the third year, if you already have an associate’s degree. This is because the credits you earn in the associate’s degree can be transferred to the bachelor’s degree course. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
To get into an associate’s degree program, you will need the same qualifications needed to start a bachelor’s degree program. You will need to graduate high school and qualify for certain courses at university. Admission deadlines for associate degrees are usually longer compared to those of bachelor’s degrees. If you fail to get your preferred bachelor’s degree course, you should consider applying for an associate degree course since 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 be able to get into the job market sooner and start earning money in a shorter period.
Associate’s Degree Titles
In the USA, you can get an associate’s degree in community colleges, vocational schools, technical colleges, universities, and general colleges. Titles in associate’s 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 are more focused on technical and practical skills. They usually prepare students for specific courses and vocational fields. On the other hand, Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees help to prepare students for bachelor’s degrees.
Some popular AAS degrees include web design, entrepreneurship, human services, customer relationship management, and paralegal studies. Such degrees do not necessarily give students the credits required to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
AA degrees are more general and cover subjects such as literature and language. If you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any of the art courses, you can take an AA course.
AS degrees are the best for people who want to get entry-level 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 degree courses are more focused on performing and visual arts. These courses 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 degree. AAA degrees are a lot fewer than AAS courses, but they are available in almost all institutions that offer associate’s degrees.
Career Opportunities
A good number of associate degree programs have a stellar employment outlook, especially those that fall under the AAS titles. 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 courses and job opportunities.
The highest-paying professions available to holders of associate’s degrees include physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants, ultrasound technicians, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians, geologic and petroleum technicians, and paralegal 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 even write any essays required. You should be able to lower your stress in your studies by going through writing service reviews.