Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Software Engineering

Try to imagine what life was like before Microsoft Windows. Many of you might remember the green and black DOS screens, and having to use the up and down arrows and specific codes to get anything done. It was archaic, counter-intuitive, and completely overwhelming for some people. But then, a ray of light. Bill Gates invented Microsoft Windows and changed the computer world forever.

If you’ve ever had dreams of following in famous Bill’s footsteps, or even just having the thrill of working on a new software program, then getting a software engineering associate degree might be the perfect career path for you.

Software engineering associate degrees have really gained popularity in recent years, simply because the field is growing so rapidly. Everyone uses computers these days, and new software to serve our needs is coming out all the time. As a software engineer, you’d be responsible for creating these programs and making sure they run correctly.

With a software engineering degree you also might be working with a company’s networks. It all depends on what you decide to specialize in.

The great news is that this field is expected to explode in the next few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth is going to meet or exceed 45%, which is practically unheard of. So, if you’re interested in creating software, you won’t have any trouble finding a job.

Another great thing about getting a software engineering degree is how much you can make. Most people go on to get their Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, so these income figures are based off of that level of education. But, if you pursue your education you can expect to earn around $77,000 if you specialize in applications, $82,000 if you specialize in systems, and $66,000 if you specialize in programming.

Not too bad, right? And if you get in with a huge company like Google or Microsoft, your perks might be worth as much, if not more, than your yearly income. Yep, it’s a pretty sweet deal.

By going to school for a software engineering associate degree you’ll be learning things like:

Java
C++
Principals of software engineering
Advanced mathematics
Web Development
Computer Hardware and Software installation
Networking
Data Structures
Emerging technologies
Systems thinking
And much more!

As you can see this is a challenging, but rewarding, field to get into. Most people that get a software engineering associate degree go on to get their Bachelor’s Degree. Why? Because this is definitely a degree where you’ll earn more with an advanced degree. There is a lot to know in this field, and taking the time to pursue your education will definitely 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