Earning Your Associate’s Degree Online
So, you only have your high school diploma, and you’re ready to go back to school and further your education. Good for you! The more education you have, the greater lifetime earnings you can expect. And, going back to school can be a way to embark on a more satisfying career and to change your life path for the better. Earning your degree online can be a way to fit school into your already busy life, since distance learning usually means a more flexible school schedule. Check out the basics of earning your associate’s degree online, and how it can improve your life.
The Basics of Associate’s Degrees
Associate’s degrees are two year degrees, designed to give students a more thorough understanding of a particular subject matter or trade. Associate’s degrees are commonly offered by community colleges and vocational and technical schools. In associate’s degree programs, students generally take a year’s worth of general study courses, such as humanities, math, and science. The rest of their credits are in their degree’s specific area of focus.
Associate’s degrees can serve a couple functions, depending on the goals of the student and the type of the degree. Associate in science degrees are usually terminal degrees, meaning that those who complete the degree will be ready to enter the workforce with a specific skill. These degrees tend to be more career oriented, and are less focused on giving students a well-rounded, liberal education. (cf.edu)
Some popular associate in science degree programs:
- Nursing
- Accounting
- Paralegal
- LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Unlike associate in science degrees, associate in arts degrees are not meant to prepare students directly for the workforce. Instead, they are meant as an introduction to a field. The credits from associate in art programs can be transferred to four year colleges, for completion of a bachelor’s degree. Although A.A. degrees will help improve students’ job prospects, in themselves they are not a complete, in depth introduction to a subject of study. (cf.edu)
Some popular associate in arts degree programs:
- Psychology
- Communications
- Advertising
- Biology