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Earning an Associate Degree is similar to earning an undergraduate degree but does not require as many semester hours. Associates degrees are usually obtained in preparation to for entry level career positions and in preparation for higher education opportunities. Programs consist of three general areas of focus: general education courses, courses oriented towards your major and elective courses. Generally, an Associate Degree can be completed in as little as 2 years by attending 4 semesters (two 15 semester credit hours per year).

Traditionally community colleges, junior colleges and select technical colleges offer associate degree programs. While associate degree are recognized as requiring a general education base many value an associates degree for the vocational and career specific training they provide. Associates degrees are awarded in both job-specific vocational areas such as business, technology and electronics or in liberal arts.

Today many employers looking for employees with job-specific training now prefer graduates with an Associate Degree as these graduates are more likely to have the skill set necessary to excel in entry and mid-level occupational positions.

Associate Degree Programs include:

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) - This degree is a preparation or prerequisite degree four-year college or university. Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) - This degree is designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4 year college or university upon completion.
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) - This degree is designed to prepare students for entry level and career advancement opportunities. These degrees may also help student qualify for entry into a 4 year college or university program.
Occupational Associates Degree - The goal of this degree is prepare graduates to fill entry level career positions immediately following graduation. The goal of this degree is be prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.