By Natasha Bright
This year, we have slowly begun to see the economy improve. One of the most important indicators everyone is looking at is the unemployment rate. While there are still many people who are out of work, the numbers are slowly beginning to improve. Many people who are unemployed are deciding to go back to college to get their associate degree to improve their chances for employment.
An associate degree is a college degree that doesn't take four years to complete. The program for this degree is typically two years. Associate degrees are different from bachelor degrees because often they focus on a particular job or job skill, rather than a broad based academic education. However, there are also numerous associate degrees that are meant to prepare students to continue onto a bachelor degree program.
Typically, two year colleges administer associate degree programs; often, these are community colleges that are based in a particular area. Commonly, community colleges act as feeders for larger educational institutions in the area or state. As a general rule, if a student has already achieved an associate degree from a community college, they will be readily accepted at most four year colleges for bachelor degree programs.
While many students attend traditional community colleges to get their degrees, there are other options. A number of students, especially if they work full time, may seek this two year degree by taking night classes, or, more commonly, supplementing their education by taking online classes. More and more students with busy schedules are choosing to enroll in associate degree programs that are completely online, because it allows them to work full time and complete their studies at home.
Not all students who seek an AA degree want to move on to a four year degree program. They may choose instead to attend this degree program in order to gain particular job training or skill sets. For example, many of these are technical degrees that teach students to do a very particular job. A nursing degree is a good example of an associate degree that is a technical degree.
One of the best things about an AA degree is that it teaches students what college is all about. In only two years, they will graduate with a degree that allows them to enter a certain field. Often, if the technical degree field involves certification or a licensing exam, that exam is part of the degree program. The associate program will not only allow them to earn a degree, it will prepare them for their certification or licensing exam. However, the licensing exam fee may not be included in the tuition cost; it may be separate.
Earning a two year degree, whether in a technical field or not, gives a student choices. They can choose to immediately enter the work force with their AA degree, if they like. However, if they find that they have done well in their associate degree program, they may choose to move on to a four year degree program in order to increase their educational background.
READ MORE - Associate Degrees Prepare Students For Work And Four Year Degree Programs
This year, we have slowly begun to see the economy improve. One of the most important indicators everyone is looking at is the unemployment rate. While there are still many people who are out of work, the numbers are slowly beginning to improve. Many people who are unemployed are deciding to go back to college to get their associate degree to improve their chances for employment.
An associate degree is a college degree that doesn't take four years to complete. The program for this degree is typically two years. Associate degrees are different from bachelor degrees because often they focus on a particular job or job skill, rather than a broad based academic education. However, there are also numerous associate degrees that are meant to prepare students to continue onto a bachelor degree program.
Typically, two year colleges administer associate degree programs; often, these are community colleges that are based in a particular area. Commonly, community colleges act as feeders for larger educational institutions in the area or state. As a general rule, if a student has already achieved an associate degree from a community college, they will be readily accepted at most four year colleges for bachelor degree programs.
While many students attend traditional community colleges to get their degrees, there are other options. A number of students, especially if they work full time, may seek this two year degree by taking night classes, or, more commonly, supplementing their education by taking online classes. More and more students with busy schedules are choosing to enroll in associate degree programs that are completely online, because it allows them to work full time and complete their studies at home.
Not all students who seek an AA degree want to move on to a four year degree program. They may choose instead to attend this degree program in order to gain particular job training or skill sets. For example, many of these are technical degrees that teach students to do a very particular job. A nursing degree is a good example of an associate degree that is a technical degree.
One of the best things about an AA degree is that it teaches students what college is all about. In only two years, they will graduate with a degree that allows them to enter a certain field. Often, if the technical degree field involves certification or a licensing exam, that exam is part of the degree program. The associate program will not only allow them to earn a degree, it will prepare them for their certification or licensing exam. However, the licensing exam fee may not be included in the tuition cost; it may be separate.
Earning a two year degree, whether in a technical field or not, gives a student choices. They can choose to immediately enter the work force with their AA degree, if they like. However, if they find that they have done well in their associate degree program, they may choose to move on to a four year degree program in order to increase their educational background.
