Associates Degree
The National Center for Education Statistics estimated that in 2009 out of the 18.4 million students attending a college/university, 6.8 would attend a 2-year college to acquire their associate’s degree. An associate’s degree is a great step towards making yourself a commodity in the workplace. Employees with a college degree get paid more by employers and have a bigger chance of getting hired in the first place. An online associate’s degree is also the perfect degree for someone who wants to have a college degree for further career development, but might not have the time to take out and go to school full-time for a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges offer just one class a semester so full-time workers can work towards a college degree at their own pace without sacrificing too much time.
Although many companies require a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree is perfect for becoming a flight attendant, dental assistant, desktop publisher, broadcast technician, physical therapist assistant, and more. Some of the highest paid associate’s-degree-only-needed careers are:
- Computer specialist
- Dental hygienists
- Fashion designers
- Commercial pilots
- Court reporters
- Funeral directors
In order to be a full-time student for an online associate’s degree you only need to take 4 semesters, or two years, of classes (if you are taking a full credit semester each semester. It might take a longer time if you are a part-time student). The areas of study available for pursuing an associate’s degree are endless, and will prepare you for an online associate’s degree in areas of study like accounting, design, engineering, law, nursing, technology and more.
With your online associate’s degree in hand you can choose to enter the work force or continue for another two years to get your bachelor’s degree.
How many years to attain this degree: 2
Credits needed: 60
Average salary: $38,200
Prerequisites: GED or high school diploma
