What Is an Associate’s Degree?

An associate’s degree is a two-year program that prepare students for employment or advanced study. Some students obtain their associate’s degree and enter the workforce immediately while other continue their education and apply to a bachelor’s degree program.

Associate degrees are usually 60 credit hours worth of classes. The learning experience is divided into three major parts: your major classes, any electives, and general education courses.

Your major classes are those classes that specifically relate to what degree you’re going for. So, if you’re going for graphic design, let’s say, your major classes will be Graphic Design 101, Digital Design, 3-D Design, Color Theory, Photoshop, and other core classes.

Electives are classes you take to get to your 60 hours, but you’ve got some wiggle room here. You can take Art History, or Web Design. Your electives are generally going to be focused on your major, but you have the freedom to pick what you want to learn about.

Your general education classes are classes that everyone has to take. Classes like psychology, algebra, history, and English are usually included in general education. This is what helps your education become so “well rounded”.

So, what areas can you get your associate’s degree in? Well, there are more than a few to choose from. Here are a few to give you an idea of what your options are: Accounting, Web Design, Nursing, Electronics, E-Commerce, Computer Animation, Early Childhood Education, Marketing, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Management, Computer Science, and Psychology.

And trust us, this is only the tip of the iceburg!

The nice thing about associate degrees is that you can choose to go to a brick and mortar school, or you can get your degree online. There are hundreds of online universities that offer online associate degrees, and many students come away from their experience satisfied. Now that more and more online universities are seeking third party accreditation (to ensure they keep the same high-standards as their brick and mortar counterparts), you can rest easy knowing that even though you’re pursuing your associate’s degree online, you’re still receiving a top-notch education.

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