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Associate Degree

Moneyzine Editor
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Moneyzine Editor
2 mins
September 25th, 2023
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Definition

The term associate degree is used to describe an award given to students that complete at least sixty credit hours of post-secondary study. An associate degree is the lowest of the post-secondary academic degrees, and is typically achieved after two years of full-time study.

Explanation

While an associate degree is usually associated with community colleges and junior colleges, it can be granted by any post-secondary institution upon completion of two years of full-time study. This includes approximately 20 courses or 60 credit hours. Typical coursework under these programs is broken down into three sections:

  • General Education: also known as GenEd, this includes required classes in areas such as communications, mathematics, social studies, history, humanities, foreign language, and natural sciences.

  • Major Requirements: includes classes that are specific to an area of concentration such as accounting, biology, finance, journalism, and sociology.

  • Electives: includes a wide range of classes that a student can choose from as part of their coursework.

Associate degrees can be further subdivided into the following types of study:

  • Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.): awarded to students that plan to continue their education at a four year college or university; does not require the student to declare a major.

  • Associate of Science (A.S.): designed for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in areas such as agriculture, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics.

  • Associate of Arts (A.A.): designed for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in areas of study such as the fine and performing arts, English, and music.

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S): includes specialized areas of study such as dental hygiene, emergency medical services, and nursing care.

  • Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS): considered a vocational degree; typically excluding requirements such as GenEd.

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