Online Associates Degrees are post secondary college programs that could award an AA (Associate of Arts), AS (Associate of Science), AAA (Associate of Applied Arts) and AAS (Associate of Applied Science). Associates degree majors might help students prepare to pursue a career after graduation, or serve as a basis for additional education.
What Is an Associates Degree?
After high school, online Associates degrees could provide a first stage of academic education. Most online associate degrees entail about 60 course credits, which could come out to 20 or so classes. Most online associates degree programs are founded on a core curriculum that could support or enhance the discipline-specific courses. Because they often involve less time and half the credits than Bachelors degrees, online associates degrees may be referred to as a “2-year degrees.” i That said, some schools do offer part-time programs which could help busier students extend their time to graduation.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements to many online associates degree programs at public community colleges typically requires a high school diploma or a passing score on the high school equivalency exam. Aside from public community colleges, one might conveniently work towards an online associates degree through private 2-year colleges, for-profit technical institutes, and many 4-year colleges and universities. i Make sure to refer to individual schools to see what you need to apply into the program of your choice.
What Is an Accelerated Associates Degree?
An Accelerated Associates degree online program is a course of study that could award an associates degree in less time than two-years. What’s the catch? Accelerated associates degree programs are often designed for students who have previous college credits under their belt. Those who receive credit for past college courses tend to then have fewer required courses to complete for their associates degree. As a result, it places them on a ‘faster track’ to graduation. If this appeals to you, consult with an academic advisor at prospective schools to verify the validity of transfer credits before you enroll.
DID YOU KNOW?
The hallmark of associate degrees is flexibility, both in what to study and how to study it. i
Types of Online Associates Degrees
Aside from the potential flexibility for at-work students, there are two main aims of online associates degrees. These objectives may answer the burning question, “why should you get an associates degree?”
- To help students learn career-oriented skills and knowledge
- To prepare students to transfer into a bachelors degree program
In fact, the four main types of awards that students could achieve (AAA, AS, AAS and AA Degrees) ultimately choose sides. Thus, there are two primary types of programs: Occupational and Transfer. i
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Keep in mind that ultimately, you should consult your specific degree program display to identify the courses required to earn a degree. Also, make sure if your goal is to pursue a specific career that you speak with an academic advisor. S/he may help you ascertain whether there are any other requirements to consider.
Occupational Degrees: The AAA and AAS Degrees
Some online associates degrees could provide a stand-alone credential upon successful completion of the program requirements. Primarily, these programs could lead to either an Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. You could think of them as programs where you might learn to apply what you know into real time. Whether it is to operate special diagnostic medical imaging or to convert architects’ designs into technical drawings.
Pursue a Career After Graduation
Typically, both the AAA and AAS degrees are intended as terminal degrees. This means that the courses aren’t necessarily meant to be transferred to a bachelors degree program. That said, if you do decide to continue your studies, some colleges may accept the credits from an AAA or AAS degree. Of course, it is always wise to consult an academic advisor.
Coursework
In both the AAA and AAS degrees, students could learn the basic technical skills and academic topics that pertain to their major. Usually, students take general education classes—such as mathematics, writing, and speech—as well as courses specific to a professional or trade-specific major. For instance, you could look for an AAS in nursing degree online.
Online AAA Degree: Associate of Applied Arts
An online Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degree is often planned-out to help students to gain skills and acquire some of the fine arts knowledge necessary to pursue a career upon graduation. The focus of an AAA degree program is typically on a performing or visual art. Therefore, you might find courses that are geared towards artistic training (e.g. advertising art). Most of the other coursework could come from general education courses in the humanities and social sciences. .
At a glance, some of the majors you might find linked with an online AAA degree are as follows.
- Fashion Design
- Digital Arts
- Photography
- Art Education
- Art History
Online AAS Degree: Associate of Applied Science
An online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree could provide students with the opportunity to gain technical, technological or science-based skills and knowledge. Whereas the AAA highlights fine and applied arts, the AAS focuses more on science and applied sciences. AAS degree programs generally require fewer general education courses. Instead, students could learn industry-relevant material such as medical insurance billing and coding.
Some examples of areas where one might earn an AAS could include the ones listed below.
- Construction management
- Vet technology
- Retail management
- Nondestructive testing
Transfer Degrees: The AA and AS Degrees
Some Online Associates Degrees are specifically planned-out as the first step towards a bachelors degree. Hence, they are sometimes called “transfer degrees.” The two main transfer degrees are the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree. And, on the bachelors side, you might find programs labelled ‘degree completion’ or ones with adjectives like ‘faster track’. The words vary but tend to mean the programs are potential next steps after you have completed your associates degree credits.
Complete College Credits
For either track, students could complete about half the credits they need for their bachelors degree (120 credits) through their AS or AA degree online. Coursework tends to include general education topics such as writing, literature, science or math. Also, some students might be ready to declare a major like graphic design and multimedia or a STEM degree field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
Transfer Policies
It is important to keep in mind that an institution needs to have a transfer policy or what is sometimes called, an articulation agreement, in place. This agreement states that the school’s associates degree fulfills all the general education requirements of a bachelors degree. A few programs might also look beyond the bachelors, as in the case of some pre-pharmacy programs. I This could be important should you want to study to achieve your associates degree online, then work towards your bachelors degree at another school.
Some universities and colleges may have “transfer-friendly” online associates degree programs. For instance, you might work towards an Online Associate of Science in Accounting at a specific school. Once you successfully earn your degree, you might roll over the credits into the (same) college’s online bachelor of accounting program. If this is your goal, you should ask your school for more details.
Think and Study for the Future
With a good academic plan in place, an AS or AA degree program might prepare students to further study in their chosen field. For instance, students who earn an online associates degree in psychology might pave the way for a future bachelors degree in psychology. In turn, successful completion of a bachelor of psychology might turn into a platform for a masters degree in counseling or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). You see how this might work? Examples of this type of program could include also include an online associates degree in business or online associates degree in nursing.
Online AA Degree: Associate of Arts
An online Associate of Arts, or in short-form, AA degree, is often used as a college transfer degree to a Bachelor of Arts degree program. Most programs require students to complete general education courses as well as courses that reflect their (liberal arts-based) major. AA degrees are often awarded in liberal arts and humanities disciplines.
Possible AA degree majors might include areas such as the ones below.
- Communication Studies
- General Education
- History
- Elementary Education
- Psychology and Social Work
Online AS Degree: Associate of Science
An online Associate of Science, abbreviated as the AS degree, is often used as a college transfer degree to a Bachelor of Science degree program. Most programs require students to complete general education courses as well as courses that reflect their (science-based) major. AS degrees are usually awarded in areas which require scientific analysis
Some examples of AS degree majors are listed as follows.
- Healthcare Administration
- Mathematics
- Computer Science and IT
- Business Administration and Management
- Engineering
Easily Compare Online Associates Degrees
As a savvy student and ‘smart shopper’, you are likely interested in a few get-to-the chase comparisons. You may wonder whether to pass go and head straight to a bachelors degree program or which associates degree online program could align with your personal and professional goals.
What’s the Difference between an AA vs AS Degree?
If your deliberation is associate of arts vs associate of science, the differences could be found in the curriculum makeup. While both the AA and AS degree programs could require students to complete 60 credits, the way these credits are spent could indicate how the degrees differ. Since each school sets their credit and course requirements, please refer to individual institutions to see what their programs entail. The following is a general example.
- An AA degree program could require 12 credit hours of humanities, 12 credit hours of social science and 9 credit hours of mathematics and science. Remainder credits could be allotted to general education courses such as arts and humanities, writing, science, communication and computer literacy
- An AS degree program could require 12 credit hours of humanities, 6 credit hours of social science and 24 credit hours of mathematics and science. Remainder credits could be allotted to general education courses such as arts and humanities, writing, science, communication and computer literacy
What’s the Difference between an AAS vs AS Degree?
If you question whether to pursue an online Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Science track, consider your career goals. In some cases, “applied” courses stress preparation for a specific type of career so they could focus on practical vocational skills. By comparison, the AA and AS degree programs target students who want to go on to a bachelor’s degree. Online associates in science degree programs might therefore emphasize preparation for higher levels of academic study.
Beyond this, differences might be apparent in individual degree plans. As credits and courses vary between schools, refer to the colleges on your list for more information. Below is an example of how the AAS and AS degree programs might allot their courses.
- An AS degree program could entail about 33 percent general knowledge (humanities and social sciences) plus a maximum of about 67 percent scientific and technically related courses (math, science)
- An AAS degree program could entail about 33 percent of general knowledge (humanities and social sciences courses plus a math or science course). Also, from 50 to 67 percent technical and technically related courses
What’s the Difference between a Bachelors Degree vs Associates Degree?
Both bachelors degrees and associates degrees are undergraduate academic options. One could enroll in either type of program with a completed secondary school education. Ultimately, the associates degree could prepare you for a bachelors degree, so it does not necessarily mean you have to choose one or the other.
Why Earn an Associate Degree Online?
Several reasons could factor into the popularity of an online associate degree. Many students today prefer the potential portability and flexibility of online associates degrees. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “taking classes from home is more common in associate degree programs than in any other type of educational credentials program”. In fact, the BLS continues, “more than 9 percent of associate degree students using distance learning in 1998, according to the U.S. Department of Education.” I
Convenient Coursework
While plenty of students may want to enter an online associates degree program straight from high school, others might be out of school for some time. If you are too busy to ‘get to class’, you could let the classroom come to you. In many cases, online coursework could be completed in a self-paced manner. This could be an asset if you are an adult with duties or an at-work professional who wants to earn a degree with minimal interruption. Usually, you receive and complete assignments through a web-based portal, and often engage with fellow students and faculty through various digital tools.
Jumpstart or Launch a Career
If you want to jumpstart or launch a career, are open to a few years of study, and know what interests you, an online associates degree could be a great way to keep doors open. Furthermore, there are a variety of occupations where the Associate's degree is regarded as entry-level education. Some students may be able to parlay current interests into a fascinating career path. Whether you are drawn to health, IT or something else. Study to build a knowledge base in areas like desktop publishing and dental hygienists to web developers and veterinary technicians.ii
Find Accredited Online Associates Degree Programs
Many regionally and nationally accredited schools offer accredited online associates degree programs. Accreditation is a voluntary review process that a school could choose to undergo at regular intervals. There are two types of accreditation that speak to different things.
Institution: Approved schools have either met or passed certain quality standards, and could qualify to award federal student aid. However, just because a school is accredited does not mean they automatically accept transfer credits. This is something that you need to inquire about directly with each prospective college. iii
Program: Approved programs are ones that have undergone a separate process by a professional agency. For instance, the Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits some dental hygiene programs while the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) accredits some business programs. Approved programs are found in accredited schools.
Take the Next Step
Easily compare great online associates degrees on our vast directory. Here’s how. Use the on-page menu bar to select an area of interest at the Associate’s degree level. A list of paid programs that uses your filters is generated. Find a few you are interested in? Fantastic! Contact schools right away – all you do is request information about the online AAA, AAS, AS or AA degree programs on your list.
[i] bls.gov/careeroutlook/2002/winter/art01.pdf | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm | [iii] ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html#Overview
Original article and pictures take www.elearners.com site
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