An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that can serve as a terminal degree for entering the workforce or as a pathway toward a bachelor’s degree. Typically completed in 2 years at community colleges or technical schools, associate degrees aim to provide foundational knowledge and skills for careers or further study.
To earn an associate degree, students must complete around 60 credit hours across general education, major-related, and elective courses. They must also meet minimum GPA requirements, usually a 2.0. Some programs require additional hands-on training through internships or clinical work.
There are several types of associate degrees, each with a slightly different focus. The Associate of Arts (AA) emphasizes general education in the liberal arts and humanities. The Associate of Science (AS) focuses more heavily on math and science. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) provides technical and vocational training for specific occupations. Other variants like the Associate of Fine Arts cater to particular disciplines.
Popular majors range from nursing and healthcare fields to business, accounting, computer science, and psychology.
What Is The Associate Degree?
An Associate Degree is an undergraduate degree that serves as a foundation for higher education. Associate degrees are typically offered in the United States, but similar programs exist in other countries under different names.
This degree is generally completed in two years and is offered by various post-secondary institutions including community colleges, technical colleges, and some 4-year universities.
Typically, there are 3 main types of Associate Degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
Associate degrees offer a pathway for students seeking quick entry into the workforce. For many technical and vocational fields, an associate degree can lead directly to employment. Fields such as nursing, dental hygiene, HVAC and culinary arts often require or prefer candidates with an associate degree.
Additionally, associate degrees can act as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. The cost advantages of community college lead many students to start there and then transfer to a 4-year institution through credit-transfer agreements between institutions.
What Are The Requirements For an Associate Degree
There are 3 main requirements for an associate degree: credit hours, GPA, and practical or residency requirements.
Credit Hours
Associate degrees typically require students to complete 60 credit hours. This generally equates to about 20 college classes.
These credit hours are distributed across 3 categories:
- General Education: Usually around 20 to 40 credit hours.These are foundational courses in mathematics, science, arts and humanities, social sciences and english.
- Major Requirements: Major courses within a chosen discipline must account for 20 to 40 credit hours.
- Electives: Students often have some flexibility to explore other areas of interest.
In most cases, an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree requires slightly more than 60 credits due to hands-on lab, residency, or technical requirements.
GPA Requirement
The minimum GPA to obtain an associate degree varies by institution, but typically a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is the standard. This translates to a ‘C’ average, although some associate programs may require a higher GPA for core courses related to the major. For instance, a Computer Science program might require a 2.5 GPA in all core programming classes.
Practical or Residency Requirements
Some associate programs often require students to complete certain practical experiences such as internships, clinical rotations, or other hands-on training relevant to their degree program. For example, nursing programs may require 200 clinical hours in a healthcare setting. Similarly, technical programs might mandate apprenticeships or on-the-job training.
What Are the Different Types of Associate Degrees
There are 3 main types of Associate Degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
Associate of Arts (AA)
The Associate of Arts degree is a type of degree focusing on liberal arts and humanities. It’s designed for students who intend to transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor degree in fields such as literature, business, social sciences, or humanities and arts.
An AA degree typically includes a comprehensive set of general education courses like English, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. These courses aim to develop a student’s critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. The curriculum also allows students to take elective courses related to their planned bachelor’s degree major like psychology, sociology, or languages.
While the AA degree is primarily designed for academic transfer, it also equips students with skills in some entry-level positions in education, social services, sales and marketing.
Associate of Science (AS)
The Associate of Science is tailored for students focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Like the AA, it is often a precursor to transferring to a 4-year institution for a bachelor’s degree.
The AS degree includes a core curriculum in mathematics and science subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus. General education courses in English and social sciences are also required, but there’s a stronger emphasis on science and math. Electives are typically chosen based on the student’s intended major for their bachelor’s degree.
While many AS degree holders transfer to 4-year institutions, this degree can also lead to employment in technical and health science fields, such as laboratory technology, nursing, or assistant in health science.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science is a vocational degree focused on providing practical skills and training for direct entry into the workforce. Unlike the AA and AS, the AAS is typically not designed for transfer to a 4-year school.
AAS programs offer coursework directly related to specific job skills. Fields of study include nursing, culinary arts, computer technology, graphic design, HVAC or automotive technology, etc. These programs combine classroom learning with hands-on experience by including internships or practicums.
Graduates with an AAS are prepared for a wide range of career fields, depending on their area of study. These can include roles in healthcare, nursing, technology, business, or trades. For example, a graduate with an AAS in Nursing is equipped with the required skills to begin working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
What Are the Other Types of Associate Degrees?
Apart from the commonly known Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, there are a few other specialized types of associate degrees:
- Associate of Fine Arts (AFA): This degree is focused on the fine arts, such as music, painting, or drama. It’s typically pursued by students planning to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA): This degree focuses on the applied arts, such as graphic design, photography, creative writing, and interior design. It prepares students for entry-level creative industry positions or transfers.
- Associate of Engineering (AE): This degree is awarded for programs that focus on engineering and technology. It prepares students for entry-level work or transfer to a bachelor’s program in engineering.
- Associate of General Studies (AGS): This degree provides a broad education and is often chosen by students who are seeking a general education rather than specializing in a specific field.
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN): This is a common pathway for becoming a registered nurse (RN). It includes courses in nursing and clinical practice.
What Are Popular Majors for Associate Degree
Here are 10 most popular and in-demand majors for associate degree:
Medical Assistant: Medical Assistant programs equip students with skills to perform clinical and administrative duties in healthcare settings. Examples of coursework include anatomy, medical terminology, and patient care techniques. Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Nursing: The Nursing major focuses on providing basic healthcare and support to patients. Students learn through a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. Registered Nursing (RN) and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) are common paths within this major.
Health Science: Students pursuing an associate degree in Health Science typically study topics that lead to careers in healthcare such as nursing, medical technology, or dental hygiene.
Business Administration: In Business Administration, students learn foundational skills in business operations. Coursework typically includes subjects like marketing, economics, and human resources. Graduates often pursue roles such as office manager or administrative assistant.
Business Management: Business Management focuses on the skills needed to supervise and lead teams. Key topics might include project management, leadership, and organizational behavior. This major is a solid stepping stone for those aiming for management positions.
Accounting: Accounting majors acquire expertise in financial reporting, taxation, and auditing. They often learn to use industry-standard software to manage financial transactions. Career paths for graduates can lead to positions such as bookkeepers or accounting clerks.
Computer Science: Computer Science students gain knowledge in programming languages, software development, and data analysis. They work with technologies that range from Python to Java, preparing for roles such as web developer or IT support specialist.
Engineering: The Engineering associate degree covers fundamentals in mathematics, science, and engineering principles. Programs such as an Associate of Science in Engineering can prepare students for roles as engineering technicians or for transferring to a four-year degree program in disciplines like Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering.
Psychology: Psychology students at the associate level explore human behavior, mental health, and social services. This degree often serves as a stepping stone for psychology bachelor’s degrees, where students may pursue careers in counseling, social work, or educational psychology.
Education: Associate degrees in Education focus on teaching methods, child development, and educational theory. Graduates may become paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, or use their degree as a foundation to transfer to a four-year education program to become certified teachers.
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Associate Degree?
For most students, an associate degree takes about 2 years to complete when attending full-time. This time frame allows students to take a full course load of 4-5 classes per semester and complete the required 60 credits over 2 academic years.
Students who enroll part-time or take lighter course loads need 3-5 years to graduate with an associate degree.
Attending summer sessions can help accelerate progress and reduce the time spent earning the degree as well. Some students try to fast-track their program by taking advantage of flexible online class options. However, online programs still require completing the same number of credits.
What Questions To Ask When Planning Your Associate’s Degree
Planning an associate degree requires asking the right questions to match your goals. Based on College Success book from Rice University, here are some quick questions to ask whether students aim to immediately enter the workforce or plan to transfer to a four-year institution:
If you plan to enter a technical field that requires certification:
- Does your college prepare you to take a certification exam, or will you be meeting those requirements through your courses?
- Does your college have internships or job placements to help you gain experience and get started in your field?
- What career services are available for job placement after graduation?
If you intend to transfer after graduating:
- Is your college regionally accredited? This is key for credit transfer.
- Does your college have transfer agreements to guarantee credit transfer or offer discounted tuition?
- Does your state have special transfer agreements or requirements that make it easier to transfer to colleges or universities within the same state?
What is an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is a specialized associate degree offered in California in the United States. It has 2 main purposes:
- To provide a foundational education in a field or subject area, similar to a traditional associate degree. This includes general education courses as well as major-specific classes.
- To streamline the transfer process to a four-year university. For California students, the ADT guarantees admission as a junior to the California State University system, though not necessarily to a specific campus or major.
The goal of the ADT is to minimize the loss of credits and ensure community college courses fulfill requirements when students transfer to a four-year school. This makes it easier for community college students planning to transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Students should work closely with advisors if pursuing an ADT, to ensure they meet all requirements for their intended transfer goals.