Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Computer Science
If you’re into computers and have been harboring the secret dream of owning your own business, then getting a computer science associate degree might be the perfect way to get going. Even if you have no desire to own your own consulting business, then this is still a great degree choice.
Here’s why: you know, of course, that computers are the driving force behind our entire economy. Anyone who knows the inner workings of these vital machines, and how to read and write the code that they work off of, is always going to be in high demand. Getting a computer science associate degree is a great way to enter a career where everyone wants you.
Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well, it is. Most people with a computer degree are golden. They can live and work pretty much anywhere there are businesses, and for many people that’s a huge perk. This is also a field where tele-commuting is definitely an option, so if you like the idea of having a home office and working all day in your pj’s, then this is the career for you.
To get your computer science associate degree you’ll have to learn all the major programming languages such as Java, C++, SQL, XML, and HTML. It’s challenging, but if you’re interested in computers then you might know some of this information already. You’ll also learn problem solving skills, operating systems, database theory, network security, data structures and algorithms, and a ton of other fascinating things.
A computer science associate degree will prepare you for many different types of careers. Many graduates begin work in database administration, figuring out the best way to store their client’s data. This is big business, and there are many positions that are expected to open up in the future as more and more companies amass more and more information they need to store. It’s safe to say that if you have at least a computer science associate degree, you should have no trouble finding a good job.
Plus, like we said earlier, if you have a dream of owning your own business then this is a great field to do it in. Computer consulting is field that is growing faster than average, and the potential to make big money as “outsourced work” is a very real possibility.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the IT field is expected to grow by at least 27% through 2014. That’s a huge number that should tell you that getting an associate degree in computer science will more than repay your time and financial investment. The average IT person makes around $60,000, and many times they make much more than that. If you decide to open your own business as a private consultant, then the world’s your oyster.
Getting an associate degree in computer science can be challenging, but there’s no doubt the rewards are more than worth it. If you like the idea of making a comfortable living doing challenging, interesting work with computers then this is the degree for you.
Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs
Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.
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With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » |
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The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » |
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With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » |
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One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » |
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The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » |
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Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » |
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DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » |
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Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » |
