Associate's Degree Overview

An associate's degree is an undergraduate academic degree typically offered by community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities. An associate's degree provides students with a foundation in a specific field of study and prepares them for entry-level employment or further education. Transferring associate's degree credits to a bachelor's degree program can decrease the cost of a bachelor's degree. Some associate's degree programs offer guaranteed admission into specific bachelor's degree granting institutions. Associate's degree programs cater to all industries. An associate's degree program usually lasts two to three years, although the duration can vary depending on the school, specific field of study, and number of classes taken per semester. While the availability of online courses has expanded significantly, associate's degree programs still commonly require students to attend in-person classes. High school students have the option of participating in dual enrollment college courses to experience higher education, and save time and money in the pursuit of an associate's degree. Colleges offering associate's degrees often provide extensive career support to students. This can include resume and cover letter assistance, career counseling, job search workshops, mock interviews, and networking events. Access to individualized career support services may be impacted by the size of the institution's student body.