Associate Degrees for In-Demand Careers
January 16, 2010 by Sophia Peters
Filed under Online Colleges
An associates degree is generally awarded by community colleges and junior colleges. However, a few four-year colleges and universities also award the degree. You need about 60 credit hours to graduate from most associate programs.
On average, if you take classes full-time, you can earn your associates degree in about two years. However, part-time students enjoy are quite flexible with online classes and have a broad selection of classes that they require to complete their program of study.
There are two main categories of associates degrees: Those that prepare you for your professional degree and those that you can use to earn your four-year degree as transfer courses. The second type helps you work toward your general education (Gen. Ed.) courses or foundational coursework. Typically, programs are made up of general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. Full time study is equal to 4 semesters or 15 semester credit hours. Some accelerated distance two-year programs are also available online and most associate degrees online have many of the same requirements as on-campus or in-classroom courses.
Two-year virtual learning is available in business, liberal arts, and other disciplines. Many degrees online will accept transfer credits from two-year programs. Some areas of study within associate degrees online are: Accounting, Arts and Humanities Business & Management, Criminal Justice, Design, Early Childhood Development, Education, Engineering, Computers and Technology, Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Hospitality Management, Human Resources Management, Law and Paralegal, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Telecommunications to mention a few.
Classes in general education are a major part of your associates program. More than likely you will be required to take classes in communications, mathematics, English composition, humanities, and social sciences. With this you will either get an associate in arts (A.A.) or an associates in science (A.S.) depending on the track you elect.
Both professional and occupational degree programs give their graduates the advantage of being qualified for entry-level positions in professions such as medical assisting, computer networking, computer programming, nursing, paralegal, and criminal justice. These programs offer graduate the advantage of expedited entry into their profession.
As a general rule you need to have a GED or high school diploma to get admission into a degree program. As an additional requirement, SAT or ACT might be needed. Nonetheless some colleges might accept related or relevant work experience for those that do not have a diploma. However, it is always good to check with the college you are applying to if this is the case in their entry requirements.
With more adults working full time, yet wishing to return to college to get a degree or develop their knowledge and skills set, the need and demand for flexible online programs has also grown. One way to help you make the right decision is to conduct research on what online programs are accredited. In addition, also find out if they offer financial aid as an option to those who want to attend school full time.
Sophie Peter’s website has on graphic design programs and technology programs. Get more at her website for related programs in computing.
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