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 Information Technology/Information Technology Support A.A. in Information Technology/Networking A.A. in Foundations of Business More... A.A. in Psychology A.A. in Information Technology/Database Development Location: Phoenix: , Phoenix AP

Virginia College Set your career in motion at Virginia College. Visit www.vconline.edu Programs AS - Paralegal Studies AS - Medical Office Administration AS - Human Resources Management More... AS - Business Administration AS - Healthcare Reimbursement Location: Birmingham: 300 River Hills Business Park, Birmingham AL 35242

DeVry University We're with you, from start to finish. Visit DeVry.edu Programs Associate - Health Information Technology Associate - Network Systems Administration Associate - Accounting More... Associate - Web Graphic Design Associate - Electronics & Computer Technology Location: Chicago: , Chicago Calgary: , Calgary AB

Keiser University For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education. Programs Homeland Security, AA (Online) Medical Assisting, AS Information Technology, AS (Online) More... Associate of Science in Fire Science Accounting, AA (Online) Location: Fort Lauderdale: , Fort Lauderdale FL 33309

South University Online South University offers excellence in education, online convenience, and more than 100 years of tradition. Programs Business Administration (AS) Information Technology (AS) Paralegal Studies (partially online) (AS) More... Psychology (BA) Health Sciences (BS) Location: Savannah: 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah GA 31406-4805

Ultimate Medical Academy Online Boost your career with an education from Ultimate Medical Academy Online. Programs Medical Billing and Coding - Associates Medical Administrative Assistant - Associates Spa Management Associate More... Healthcare Management Associate Pharmacy Technician - Associates Location: Online

Everest University Online Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online. Programs Paralegal (Associate's) Criminal Justice (Associate's) Criminal Investigations (Associate's) More... Homeland Security (Associate's) Computer Information Science (Associate's) Location: Santa Ana: , Santa Ana CA

Allied Health Institute Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time. Programs Medical Assisting Healthcare Management Medical Assistant More... Medical Office Assistant Medical Coding Specialist Location: Online

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

Art Institute Online Develop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class. Programs Kitchen and Bath Design Web Design and Interactive Media Photography More... Graphic Design Media Arts & Animation Location: Online

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