We understand the daunting feeling of passing high school and being unsure of the courses or subjects you want to choose for your bachelor’s degree. Don’t worry, a solution exists- An Associate’s degree. This popular degree choice is a great stepping stone to further your education before you zero in on one specialization.
But what is an associate degree? Let’s dive right in.
An Associate Degree is a college degree that lasts for about 2 years and can be obtained from community colleges, junior colleges, online universities, or certain four-year institutions in the US. Considering the educational hierarchy, an associate degree falls between your high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree.
An Associate Degree is usually more affordable than a bachelor’s degree course. Moreover, in comparison with a four-year bachelor’s degree program, an associate degree course lasts just two years. This gives enough time for the aspirant to understand what they would like to study further and specialize in when they move forward in their higher education journey.
Let’s take the next step and understand the different types of Associate degrees
Types of Associate Degrees
While there are several types of associate degree programs, some of them are more common than others. Let’s look at some of them in detail:
1. Associate of Arts (AA)
An Associate of Arts degree program includes subjects like business, arts, humanities, and social sciences. For an individual with a creative mindset, an Associate degree in Arts can prove to be a great step towards a bachelor’s degree program.
2. Associate of Science (AS)
Those interested in science or math can enroll for an Associate of Science degree. For students who wish to transfer to four-year programs, along with an Associate degree in Arts, the AS degree is greatly recommended by the majority of schools.
3. Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
If you have a flair for technology and want to hone your vocational skills, then an Associate degree in Applied Science may be the right fit for you. These programs are designed to equip individuals to perform specific occupations or work in specific industries.
These industries include and are not limited to hospitality management, paralegal studies, computer science technology, law enforcement, welding, etc. Certain four-year degree programs now allow AAS degree to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
What Are the Differences Between an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s Degree?
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree:
| Fields | Bachelor’s Degree | Associate’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Time duration | 3-4 years | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee | Higher | Lower |
| Depth of Study | More intensive | Basic working knowledge |
| Employment and Salary | Better employment opportunities and higher salary potential | Limited job opportunities and lower salary potential |
| Admission Requirements | High school transcripts, SAT/ACT test scores, personal essays, proof of finances, passport copy, application fees | High school transcripts, SAT/ACT test scores, proof of finances, application fees (optional for some programs) |
Trends in Associate Degree Education
It is no surprise that, as compared to a high school diploma, you have a better chance of being noticed by potential employers and earn a higher salary, once you earn an associate degree. Here are some top trends in the associate degree education space:
- Studies suggest that the lower unemployment rate for those with an associate degree is 2.7%, which is more than the rate for those with only a high school diploma.
- It has also been noticed that the median weekly earnings for individuals with an associate degree were $887 in the year 2019. This figure was almost 18% higher than for those with only their GED.
- While some professionals used to accept a high school diploma to kickstart their career, in the past couple of years, have started demanding a higher education degree course, namely an associate. This has given associate degrees the chance to become a preferred option among many young individuals who want to do a foundational course in the area of their interest.
- Moreover, a considerably increasing number of traditional 4-year colleges are now offering 2+2 programs (also known as articulation agreements), thereby making it easier for a candidate to earn an associate degree while he prepares for a bachelor’s course. This has proven particularly beneficial for individuals who are working professionals but also want to pursue higher education.
Highest Paying Careers With an Associate Degree
Here are some jobs that pay quite well, with just an associate degree:
| Jobs | Average Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| MRI Technologist | $116,321 |
| Dental Hygienist | $96,298 |
| Registered Nurse | $92,607 |
| Computer Programmer | $72,149 |
| Nuclear Technician | $70,605 |
Conclusion
Once high school ends, one might find choosing a path for further education quite confusing. An associate degree is just the right fit to get a basic understanding and broad knowledge of the subjects of your interest as it gives you ample time and opportunity to make a choice before you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.
We hope this article helped you understand what is an associate degree, the types of associate degrees and gave you an insight into how you can make the most of this course, along with the highest paying associate degrees.
Don’t forget to check out our Knowledge Vault for more information on higher education.
FAQs
Is an Associate degree equal to a Bachelor’s degree?
No, the main difference is the time span for both degrees. An associate degree is a 2-year course that provides a basic understanding of a particular subject, while a Bachelor’s degree is a 4-year course that delves deeper into the selected subject.
How many credits are required to complete an associate degree?
Commonly, to complete an associate degree, a student requires about 60 semesters or 90 quarter credits to obtain their degree.
