What Can I Do with an Associate’s Degree?

What can you do with an associate’s degree? First of all, getting your associate’s degree proves to potential employers that you care about your education. A degree shows employers that you have follow-through and are willing to do what it takes to achieve a goal – both highly desirable traits in the workforce.

Another bonus to getting your associate’s degree is that it “gets your feet wet” with school. If you’re not sure you’d like to get a bachelor’s degree in web design, for example, then why not go for an associate’s degree first to see if it’s right for you? It’s so easy to change your mind that you can try several different degrees to see what you like the most.

With an associate’s degree you’ll also make more money than you would with only a high school diploma. Associate degree holders earn, on average, $6,600 more than high school graduates and have a 30% lower unemployment rate, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you’re job-hunting this should be music to your ears.

So, what can you do with an associate’s degree? A lot depends on which degree you get. Some fields, like information technology, can offer competitive salary as soon as you graduate. You can bank on earning a great living with only your associate’s degree in fields like web design, systems administration, and IT.

Other fields, like radiology and nursing, are expected to grow due to the retiring Baby Boomers, so anyone in the medical field should have no trouble finding a job in the next twenty years. Job security is a huge bonus for anyone, associate degree or not.

You can also use your associate’s degree to give you a competitive edge. If you’re currently in a career that you really like and you have dreams of getting promoted one day, then going back to school to get your associate degree can help you move up the ladder. Associate degrees in human resources, business, management, or accounting can be especially beneficial, depending on what field you’re currently in, and what position you’d like to have one day.

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