Earning an online associate degree can help recent high school graduates and working professionals increase their career and salary potential. Associate degree programs feature a mix of general education and major courses. Coursework trains students for specific careers while imparting transferable skills in communication, writing, and research. Associate programs typically last 1-2 years, depending on the student's enrollment status.
Online degree programs offer benefits including affordability and flexibility. Many programs deliver online classes asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at convenient times. This scheduling flexibility is ideal for learners with personal and professional obligations. Also, online students usually avoid costs associated with meal plans, campus housing, and commuting.
Top 10 Cheapest Online Associate Degrees
Most online associate programs use the same admission requirements as on-campus programs. However, admission requirements vary by school. Learners should contact their prospective college for details regarding admission requirements and the application process.
What Can I Do With an Associate Degree?
Individuals often enroll in associate degree programs to qualify for entry-level positions or promotions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), associate degree-holders earn a median of $141 per week more than individuals with only a high school diploma.
High-paying career options for professionals with an associate degree include air traffic controller, construction manager, and registered nurse. Each of these jobs pays a median annual salary exceeding $64,000, according to the BLS.
Colleges that offer associate programs typically provide students with helpful career resources. Learners can often access job boards, mock interviews, and career planning guides. Degree-seekers may also take advantage of individual counseling appointments to help them identify potential career paths based on their passions, skills, and life goals.
Accreditation for an Associate Degree
Colleges and universities that offer online associate degrees should hold accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) charters six regional accrediting agencies to review postsecondary institutions. To earn and maintain regional accreditation, schools must meet specific criteria and undergo regular evaluations. Many employers and bachelor's programs only recognize degrees earned from regionally accredited institutions.
Schools that offer online programs should also possess national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC accreditation signifies that the school's online programs deliver the same academic rigor and learning outcomes as its on-campus programs.
Finally, some online associate degree programs feature programmatic accreditation. This field-specific accreditation demonstrates that the program provides students with an excellent education that prepares them for careers in the discipline. Prospective students can research approved programmatic accreditation agencies using the ED's searchable database.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What kinds of jobs can you get with an associate degree? | An associate degree may qualify graduates for entry-level positions or promotions. Associate degree-holders typically earn higher salaries than workers with only a high school diploma. |
| What is the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree? | Associate degree programs require approximately half as many credits as bachelor's programs. Bachelor's-level curricula include in-depth major courses and electives. |
| What are the benefits of earning an associate degree? | Professionals with an associate degree typically qualify for more positions than workers who possess only a high school diploma or some college education. |
| Should I get an associate degree before a bachelor's? | Prospective students who are unsure about their career plans or academic interests often earn an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor's. Two-year schools generally offer lower tuition rates than four-year colleges. |
What Are the Requirements for an Associate Degree?
Although admission requirements for associate degree programs vary by school, applicants typically need a high school or GED diploma. Some schools also accept HiSET or TASC exam results. Prospective students typically submit FAFSA results, which schools use to determine financial aid eligibility.
Typical graduation requirements for associate degree programs include a minimum GPA. Professors often require students to contribute to online discussion boards and meet assignment deadlines.
Courses in an Associate Program
Associate-level curricula typically include general education courses in areas such as the humanities and natural sciences. This coursework helps learners hone transferable skills they can apply to nearly any career. Degree-seekers also take specialized courses based on their major.
The following courses represent a sample associate degree curriculum. Course titles and class requirements vary by school. Learners can research major requirements on their prospective school's website, and admission counselors can provide additional details.
Study, Organize, Succeed Online associate degree programs often help first-time college students develop academic success skills. Learners typically take this course during their first semester. Topics include learning strategies, research skills, and career awareness. Degree-seekers work to align their academic and career goals. Schools may exempt students with college experience from this course.
Composition 1 Many careers for associate degree-holders require strong written communication skills. This class covers various forms of writing. Programs may also require courses in rhetorical writing, which train learners to write persuasively, and expository writing, which prepare students to present information in an understandable way. Learners typically perform original research and write one or more research papers. Students apply the skills they learn in this course to upper-division courses.
Modern World History General education requirements typically include at least one history course. Modern world history covers world history from approximately 1500 A.D. to the present day. Students analyze the social, economic, cultural, and political impacts of historical events. This class may focus more on Europe and North America, and learners may need prerequisite coursework in early world history.
Quantitative Literacy Students earning an online associate degree in business or accounting usually take at least one course in quantitative literacy. The class introduces degree-seekers to topics including personal finance, economic growth, and numeracy. Learners develop the tools necessary to interpret large data sets and reach logical conclusions. Although learners typically take this course during their first year of studies, they may need prerequisite coursework in integrated reading.
Child Development 1 Aspiring early childhood educators generally take this class during the first year of their associate program. Students analyze children's physical and mental development from birth to age four. Additional course topics include environmental factors that influence development, disabilities that appear in early childhood, and various cognitive domains. Although this class does not require prerequisites, some schools may require a corequisite in integrated reading and writing.
Certifications and Licensure for Associate Degree Students
After earning an online associate degree, graduates may need to obtain additional credentials to qualify for certain careers. Some positions require a state-issued license or certification from a professional organization. Typical licensure and certification requirements include a degree, experience, and passing scores on one or more exams. Individuals must often complete professional development courses to renew their credentials.
CompTIA Network+ Certification
Nursing Licenses
Society for Human Resource Management Certification
Professional Organizations for Associate Degree Students
Associate degree-seekers can join a professional organization to access membership benefits such as professional development opportunities, exclusive scholarships, and networking events. Many organizations charge student members a low introductory rate. Additionally, some organizations offer mentorship programs, private job boards, and career resources.
Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda
Accounting, business, and economics students can join FBLA-PBL to network with peers and learn about potential employers. In addition to undergraduate students, the organization admits high school and middle school students. Members receive access to discounts, exclusive scholarships, and the FBLA magazine. Individuals can continue their membership after graduation.
National Student Nurses' Association
Associate-level nursing students can join NSNA to access professional liability insurance, NCLEX-RN exam preparation resources, and discounts. Members can use the association's career center to research local job openings, and prospective nursing students can view information on the nation's top programs.
National Education Association
NEA advocates for K-12 public school teachers at the local, state, and federal levels. Students training for careers in early childhood education can join the association for a low introductory rate. Benefits include liability insurance, professional publications, and retirement planning tools. The NEA website provides educators with information on the latest teaching best practices.
Phi Theta Kappa
PTK recognizes high-achieving students pursuing degrees from two-year colleges. The honor society awards millions of scholarships each year to members, and PTK provides opportunities for members to obtain leadership and service experience. Other benefits include access to a career training program and assistance applying to bachelor's degree-completion programs.
Scholarships for Associate Degree Students
Applying for private scholarships can help online learners minimize student debt. Many scholarship programs, including those below, accept applications from associate degree-seekers. Students should research each scholarship program's requirements and deadlines before applying.
AAWCC National Board Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship from the American Association for Women in Community Colleges supports women enrolled in two-year associate programs. Candidates need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and must submit a recommendation letter and a 250-word essay. AAWCC also considers each applicant's financial need.
Amount: $500
Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The American Association of Geographers awards 2-4 scholarships each year to community college learners studying geography. Candidates must plan to transfer to a bachelor's program. Applicants must submit the online form and undergraduate transcripts by December 31. The association notifies recipients within six months of the application deadline.
Amount: $1,500
Career & Technical Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The Horatio Alger Association awards more than 1,000 scholarships each year to community college students enrolled in technical programs. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and must be younger than 30. Recipients may only apply funds toward tuition, and recipients cannot reapply the following year.
Amount: Up to $2,500
Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund
Who Can Apply: Women who are at least 35 years old and who demonstrate financial need can apply. Applicants must attend a technical or vocational associate program. The scholarship renews for up to five years as long as the recipient continues to meet eligibility requirements. The foundation accepts applications from November 2 to February 26.
Amount: Varies
UNCF Scholarships
Who Can Apply: The United Negro College Fund awards numerous scholarships each year to African American students. Applicants must be pursuing a two-year or four-year degree and must submit FAFSA results. The organization maintains a list of scholarship opportunities and deadlines on its website. Some scholarships require applicants to have a minimum undergraduate GPA and submit an essay.
Amount: Varies
