Let us start at the beginning; an associate’s degree is obtained either through a college or a technical institution. Location can be online or onsite, with several options to choose from. It takes roughly 20 courses, or 60 credit hours, to graduate, and has grown in popularity so much so that it was recently reported that more than a half million are awarded in the United States every year. Considering the high unemployment rates, this is a great way to increase the possibilities of finding a job or getting a higher paying position. In addition, these degrees can be the launching point to later achieving a bachelor’s degree. There are various types of associate degrees; the first is a transfer degree. Such as an Associate of Art or an Associate of Science degree, allowing the student to continue on to a bachelor’s degree at a later date. Students are required to take general courses of study, although many of these can begin in high school by taking college preparatory classes in English, science, history and social studies. Another type of associate degree is the occupational degree, which prepares students to work in a particular field. This program is usually in a hands-on form, and many times vocational and/or work experience is recommended. However, basic courses such as math and English are still required. Upon completion, the graduate is able to immediately join the workforce. Depending on the institution, however, it can also be possible to transfer the degree credits towards a bachelor’s degree program. Finally, is the associate’s degree that can be either transferred to a four year program or be considered an occupational degree. These have specific titles such as Associate in Engineering Technology, Associate in Business, etc. Many of the programs of both types, the occupational and transfer degree, also offer certificates after only one year of classes, which make it possible for the student to start working in their chosen field. Depending on the area of study, internships or cooperative programs provide flexibility to maintain employment during the pursuit of this degree. Choosing the institution for study when considering this degree is a very important factor. The school’s accreditation is vital should credits be later transferred to another program. Also, the curriculum must be considered when deciding if the program offers the needed classes for the field chosen. Ultimately, career services and job placement rates should be evaluated when making the final decision whether or not to enroll. The benefits of the associate degree are several, such as flexibility and as a tool to enter the work force more quickly, and, of course, the lower cost. Tuition is usually considerably less than that of a bachelor’s degree when comparing credit for credit. Of course, increased earning potential and employment possibilities are much better than that of a high school diploma.
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