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Associate's Degrees

Associate Degrees are undergraduate degrees that typically take two years to complete. The three-part degree program is comprised of general education courses, major field of study courses, and elective classes--adding up to a total of 60 semester-credit hours. The Associate Degree, offered by community colleges, junior colleges, business colleges and trade schools, acknowledges that the student has completed a traditional undergraduate general education along with a foundation of studies in a major field.

There are typically three kinds of Associate Degrees offered by American colleges: the Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.), Associate of Science Degree (A.S.), or the Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.). The A.A. Degree traditionally focuses on arts, humanities, or social sciences, while the A.S. Degree may concentrate on technology, mathematics, or natural sciences.

The A.A. and A.S. degrees are customarily accepted when a student transfers or enters a four-year, Bachelor Degree program at a college or university. Up to 60 hours of the Associate Degree coursework may be accepted toward the four-year degree. The A.S.S. degree traditionally is a career-focused degree program that allows graduates to enter the workplace with their new specialty or transfer to a four-year college.

There are also technical, career-oriented Associate Degree programs that name their specialty, such as Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Occupational Studies, Associate of Science in Nursing, or Associate in Physical Therapy.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the Associate Degree can qualify applicants for America's fastest-growing occupations as veterinary techs, registered nurses, dental hygienists, paralegals, computer support specialists, and legal secretaries.

Source

U.S. Department of Labor



Top Associate's Schools

      
  • University of Phoenix

    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • A.A. in Health Care Administration-Medical Records
    • A.A. in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism
    • A.A. in Information Technology/Networking
    • More...

    Location: Online

    University of Phoenix
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  • Everest University Online

    Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice (Associate's)
    • Computer Information Science (Associate's)
    • Criminal Investigations (Associate's)
    • More...
    Location:
    Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA
    Everest University Online
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  • The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

    The Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts. We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills to match your ideas—helping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career.

    Programs

    • Photography
    • Kitchen and Bath Design
    • Graphic Design
    • More...

    Location: Online

    The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division
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  • Kaplan University

    Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.

    Programs

    • AAS in Business Administration - Information Processing
    • AAS in Business Administration - Small Business Management
    • AAS in Business Administration - Health Club Operations
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Kaplan University
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  • Strayer University

    Earn a degree that fits your schedule at Strayer University.

    Programs

    • AA: Information Technology
    • AA: Information Systems
    • AA: Acquisition and Contract Management
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Strayer University
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  • Keiser University

    For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice, AA (Online)
    • Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
    • Accounting, AA (Online)
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Keiser University
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  • Virginia College

    Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.

    Programs

    • AS - Human Resources Management
    • AS - Office Administration
    • AS - Accounting Specialist
    • More...
    Location:
    Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242
    Virginia College
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  • DeVry University

    We're with you, from start to finish.

    Programs

    • Associate - Health Information Technology
    • Associate - Web Graphic Design
    • Associate - Electronics & Computer Technology
    • More...
    Location:
    Chicago: , Chicago IL
    DeVry University
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  • American InterContinental University Online

    Earn an online degree that really matters from AIU Online.

    Programs

    • Associate's (AABA) - Visual Communication
    • Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration
    • Associate's of Business Administration
    • More...
    Location:
    Schaumburg: 231 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg IL 60173
    American InterContinental University Online
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  • Post University

    Earn your degree online or on campus and accelerate your life.

    Programs

    • A.S. in Accounting
    • A.S. in Early Childhood Education
    • A.S. in Legal Studies
    • More...
    Location:
    Waterbury: 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury CT 06723
    Post University
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