Today, online associate degrees prove to be an alternative to the bachelor’s degree education . Many students earn the online associate degree programs in lieu of the bachelor’s degree program. The increasing popularity of the online associate degree is due to the fact that they are not only cheaper but also make the students fit for the job market sooner than the other advanced studies. But sometimes, students are not able to decide as to which of the associate programs is ideal for them.
At present, three different types of online associate degrees are generally available. They are -Associate of Sciences, Associate of Applied Sciences, and Associate of Arts.
Associate of Sciences (AS): This program is under the core curriculum of liberal arts and mainly constitutes the physical sciences like computer sciences, health care programs, and graphic design.
Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS): It is just like AS, with special emphasis on vocational training. Hence, these degrees encompass more manual training with not as much stress on theoretical aspects. Paralegal studies, crime scene investigation, massage therapy and dental hygiene are some of the courses in this curriculum.
Associate of Arts (AA): The Associate of Arts degree is under the core liberal arts curriculum and focuses on humanities and social sciences studies like sociology, psychology and arts. Students can get degrees in subjects like sociology, criminal justice, communications and linguists.
The online associate degree is a viable launching pad that prepares the students for careers after their graduation from high school. An associate degree gives them an added advantage and higher standing in the job market. And the student’s donors have to spend much since the course can be completed online. It can also be completed within eighteen months to two years, which is much less than the normal four-year period at the universities.
Many students also view the associate’s degree as a continuation of their educational career after high school. The reasons why the online associate degrees have become so popular amongst the students are as follows: * Pursuing an online associate degree gives you the freedom to complete it at your own time-schedule and hence you can continue working. You also don’t have to spend less for the first two years of your education for getting the core liberal arts course.
- An online associate degree provides you the options to work for some years and then resume study for their bachelor’s degree.
- The online associate degrees can be studied from anywhere, with a flexible time schedule; making it possible for everybody to pursue their studies. The colleges also readily transfer online associate degree programs.
- Candidates who have been in military find it easy to study for the AS and AAS degrees by virtue of their military training. The knowledge they gained in programs like avionics and mechanics during their military service puts them at an advantage during their AS and AAS online degree course.
The online associate degree program is a great way to boost your educational qualifications as well as job prospects.