An associate degree can be an ideal way for students to break into their field and start earning a salary, and can save them money over time.
Adult learners looking to pursue four-year degrees but need time to orient themselves with academic settings and reduce course loads can find success through distance education programs.
1. You’ll be ready for the workforce
An associate degree can be an excellent starting point to your career, equipping you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and credentials to compete successfully in today's job market. Furthermore, an associate degree may open doors to other career options which don't necessitate a bachelor's degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain occupations only require an associate degree and their jobs are projected to grow faster than those that require a bachelor's degree.
Community colleges typically provide associate degrees, which typically take two years to complete. One year is typically dedicated to taking general college-level coursework; then in year two you focus on your field of interest.
Be it an adult returning to school or recent high school graduates looking to hone skills applicable to future career goals, an online associate degree is an ideal way to integrate back into academia. Many online programs provide flexible pacing or even accelerated options so you can complete it sooner.
2. You’ll be more competitive in the job market
Are You Exploring Career Change or Want to Advance Current One? An Associate Degree Can Open Doors If you're considering switching careers or jumpstarting current ones, an associate degree will give you an important competitive edge. While some positions only require high school graduation certificates for admission, an associate degree demonstrates to potential employers that you are serious about investing time and energy to your career development and taking all available measures to learn as much as possible about it.
No matter whether it is technical or academic in nature, your coursework will be tailored specifically to the field that interests you and will prepare you to enter specific occupations with higher salaries than people holding only a high school diploma.
Individuals looking to broaden their education can also opt for a general associate degree, which combines intensive courses specific to one major with more general studies and electives.
3. You’ll have a better understanding of the world around you
After high school, it can be challenging to determine your goals for life. While pursuing a bachelor's degree may lead to more lucrative job opportunities, an associate degree can provide quick career changes for those needing quick solutions.
An associate degree typically comprises units directly related to your chosen major and some general education courses and elective options, providing a more in-depth education than high school could.
If you decide to pursue a degree in cyber security, for instance, once you gain some field and professional experience you could advance to supervisory roles before going back to university to get your bachelor's degree and work toward management roles.
4. You’ll be able to pursue a bachelor’s degree
No matter your chosen field - be it business, art, or another - an associate degree will help provide you with the knowledge you need to further your education. A program focused on arts or social sciences may be known as an Associate of Arts (AA) while scientific-related courses typically fall under the banner of Associate of Science (AS). Both can act as gateways toward attaining a bachelor's degree.
Studies and data demonstrate that workers with bachelor's degrees tend to earn more than those holding only an associate degree (AA), yet it doesn't negate its worth as a means of providing you with a good life. An AA can serve as the starting point for larger and more promising career goals as well as opening doors into four-year programs more quickly so you can transfer credits quickly.
