Top Reasons to Pursue an Associates Degree

Associate degrees are offered through two-year programs comprised of general education courses, major field requirements, and electives. Today's associate degree programs, offered by community colleges, trade schools, technical and vocational institutes, are often delivered in self-paced, online modules that allow students to build a degree while attending to family and work commitments.

Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees (associate degrees online) satisfy the general education requirements for transfer to bachelor's degree programs, while the Associate of Applied Science degrees are often accepted by employers for technology jobs. Professionals who have completed an associates degree earn nearly a half million dollars more throughout their working lives than those with only high school diplomas.

Here are other great reasons for enrolling in an associates degree program:

You're unsure of your ultimate career field
Since the associates degree satisfies general education requirements, you can transfer to a four-year bachelor's program when you are certain of a college major. Use your general education to weigh your career options. And while you're studying for your associates, you can meet with college career counselors who will help you find your way.

You're seeking job certifications or specific career training
If you've already decided on a goal, you can shorten your path into the workplace by completing specialized courses leading to a career degree. For example, associates degrees or certificates in healthcare (nursing, medical assisting, medical training and laboratory work) or high tech (computer repair, computer networks, customer care) can qualify you for immediate employment.

You can't afford a four-year education
College is expensive. By enrolling in an associates degree program, you carve two years from your bachelor's degree requirements. You can live at home while pursing an associates degree, continue working, and save money for additional undergraduate or advanced degree work.

You want to sharpen specific skills for your employer
A career degree program can allow you to broaden your appeal in the workplace. Many employers will pay fees for your online training in health-care, computer science, construction technology, electronics, and other disciplines.

Source
ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education

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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... A.A. in General Studies A.A. in Information Technology/Database Development Location: Online

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... Homeland Security (Associate's) Paralegal (Associate's) Location: Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA

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... Associate of Science in Fire Science Information Technology, AS (Online) Location: Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309

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... Web Design and Interactive Media Media Arts & Animation Location: Online

Virginia College Set your career in motion at Virginia College. Visit www.vconline.edu Programs AS - Human Resources Management AS - Office Administration AS - Accounting Specialist More... AAS - Network Engineering AS - Medical Office Administration Location: Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242

DeVry University Five colleges of study.  One clear focus: Your career success. Earn the respect of employers with a degree you can earn on campus, online or both. Visit DeVry.edu Programs Associate - Health Information Technology Associate - Web Graphic Design Associate - Electronics & Computer Technology More... Associate - Accounting Associate - Network Systems Administration Location: Chicago: , Chicago IL

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... AA: Business Administration AA: Economics Location: Online

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... AAS in Business Administration - Food/Hotel Management AAS in Business Administration - Travel Counseling Location: Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309

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... A.S. in Management A.S. in Marketing Location: Waterbury: 800 Country Club Rd., Waterbury CT 06723

Colorado Technical University Online Earn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech Online today. Learn more today. Programs Associate of Science in General Studies Associate of Science in Health Administration Services Associate's Degree in Business Administration (ASBA) More... Associate's Degree in Accounting (ASACC) Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Project Management Location: Colorado Springs: 4435 North Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs CO 80907

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