Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Microcomputer Applications

So, you’ve probably figured out by now that if you have computer skills, especially advanced computer skills, you’ll probably be able to find a job just about anywhere for the rest of your life. Unlike previous passing fads like MC Hammer and the pet rock, computers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The great thing about computers is that there are so many different directions you can take with them, and getting a microcomputer applications associate degree is one of many paths you could go down.

Getting a microcomputer applications degree is going to qualify you for a boatload of positions in the business world. Look at this degree like you would an open door; on the other side are high-quality employers who are trying to flag you down by waving fistfuls of dollars at your eager face.

Ok, it’s a silly picture to some, but the point is this- a microcomputer applications associate degree is your first step towards working as a computer applications specialist, information systems specialist, or a computer technician. It’s a first step towards a great income, solid job security, and the warm feeling of being one of the most needed people in the company.

Some of the courses you’ll take while getting your microcomputer applications associate degree are:

Programming basics
Website design
Software systems like Microsoft Office
Computer hardware troubleshooting
Networking
Database management

With this degree you’ll be a well-rounded techie, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a great degree choice. You’ll know how to design and build websites, troubleshoot computers, set up and maintain a network, write programs, and provide support to other computer users. You’ll know how to do things that the rest of us simply scratch our heads over.

Now, it’s important to know that the further you go in this field the more you’re going to earn in the future. If you get your microcomputer applications associate degree you’ll be able to find a job, sure. But, if you continue your education in the Information Technology field you’ll have many more opportunities available to you when you finally leave school.

It’s hard to say just how much you can earn with a microcomputer applications associate degree. As a computer support specialist you can expect to earn around $40,000 per year. If, however, you keep going with your education and get into computer engineering or systems administration, you can expect to earn $60,000 to $80,000 or more. This is definitely a field where you’ll earn your tuition back if you keep going to school.

So, what’s the skinny? Well, a microcomputer applications associate degree is going to give you a great starting point for sure, but if you want to earn the big bucks then you should definitely try to keep going with your education. It’ll pay off in the long run!

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.

	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information
	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 » Request Information