Reasons for Earning an Associate Degree
Community and Junior College Continuing Education Degrees
Jan 20, 2009
After graduating high school many people go directly into the work force and do not continue their education. The reasons vary from academic to financial issues. However, in most cases it is quickly apparent that the road to financial security travels through continuing education doors to earn a college degree.
As you begin to journey down the road to earning a college degree you need to choose an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or both. There are strong arguments for choosing either degree; however, there are some excellent reasons for considering the associate degree as a starting point. Reading 8 Steps for Continuing Education Success will provide a guide for deciding which path to take on your journey.
For example, earning an associate degree first provides a sense of accomplishment and a jumping off point. Once an associate degree is earned, doors are now open to career fields which were not available before. If your long term goal is a bachelor’s degree or higher, an associate degree is transferable to most colleges and universities as a replacement for freshman and sophomore years. Therefore you start as a junior and dive directly into the major of your choice.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree is an academic degree awarded for completing two years of lower level studies – general education courses. These courses include: college algebra, college math, English composition, U.S. History, Sciences, art appreciation, and other general studies required in the freshman and sophomore years of a most bachelor’s degrees.
Completing the degree in two years is not mandatory. Full time students can complete required courses quicker and part time students may spend several years completing all requirements. The completion time is strictly up to the student and his or her situation.
Types of Associate Degrees
There are three types of associate degrees.
- Associate of Arts (AA) degree – requires completion of 60 semester hours in traditional academic lower level studies. A large percentage of studies include traditional arts and sciences, such as: math, science, English, social science, history, etc.
- Associate of Science (AS) degree – requires completion of 60 semester hours in lower level studies. AS degrees require fewer courses from the arts and sciences, allowing students to select a greater number of free electives. Free electives allow students to tailor an AS degree to meet their long term educational goals and objectives.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree – these degrees are typically professional degrees, such as: electronics, avionics, mechanics, culinary arts, etc. AAS degrees are designed for entering the work force upon completion and not for pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Reasons for Earning an Associate Degree
There are three main reasons for considering an associate degree.
- Flexibility – AA and AS degrees do not require declaration of a degree major: such as business, biology, accounting, etc. This allows focusing on completing general education requirements for transfer to a college or university. A major study area is then deferred to college or university enrollment to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Saves Time and Money – with full time enrollment AA and AS degrees are typically earned quicker than in traditional colleges and universities. Community and junior college tuition is typically much less than college and universities. When comparing the typical cost of an associate degree and the typical costs for the first two years at a typical college or university, the monetary savings is significant.
- Increase Your Income – for those pursuing their long term continuing education goals as a part time endeavor, an associate degree can open doors to higher income and promotions in their current career field as they continue down their education path.
The three main reasons for earning an associate are only the beginning. Anyone considering earning a bachelor’s degree who has not decided on a major study area should begin his or her continuing education in a community or junior college. While earning an associate degree, you can explore areas of interest to help decide before entering a bachelor’s degree program. Planning for Continuing Education is the first step in earning an associate degree.
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