Best answer:

Answer by Sandy B
Just make sure very sure what ever you choose is regionally accredited a national accreditation will not 1. transfer in most cases to another school 2. not generally recognized by privet sector employers 3. usually much more expensive than brick and mortar schools.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

I’m assuming employers still value a bachelor’s degree more, but how much more than two associate’s?

Associate degrees are cheaper than a four year Bachelor’s degree. It is common to complete your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a debt of nearly $50,000 to your name. Associate degrees on the other hand can be half the cost of a higher degree and since many colleges now offer associate degrees online, you also have the option of working while studying and paying for your education. Many students have discovered that they can actually add to their savings while working and earning their associate degree. Since associate degrees are normally for two years, it allows graduates to enter the work force faster and as a result start earning faster. Associate degrees are favorably regarded by employers who value the motivation and maturity required by the student who opts for it and the career skills it qualifies you for. Needless to say, if you are juggling work along with your college degree program, it is always a positive feature for employers. Associate degrees offer more flexibility in terms of being used as a gateway into hundreds of differing advanced degree options. In case you are still unsure of your final career choice, an associate degree is your best bet to narrow down the field of choices. Associate degrees also give you the option of bolstering your grades before applying for a four-year degree program. For those students not near a big city or university, associate degrees offered by a local community college or career school offer the best option to continue your education and prepare for your career.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before applying for an associate degree:

What does your career demand?

In today’s cut-throat job market, you will be competing among highly qualified candidates. If your job demands a Bachelor’s degree or higher, it might be difficult to go far with just an associate degree. Ask around and check with potential employers about what qualifications are required for entry level jobs into the industry.

Will an associate degree meet all your goals?

If you have long term plans that involve climbing the corporate ladder or increasing your potential for promotion, an associate degree might not be enough. Talk to people in the industry you are interested in and find out about their expectations. You may need to go back to school at some point in your career, if an associate degree is your only option right now.

Can your associate degree be transferred to a Bachelor’s degree?

There are some associate degrees that are easily transferable to a Bachelor’s degree program later on while some others are impossible to transfer. Even if graduate degree is not part of your plans right now, you may change your mind later or your job might demand it so always be sure about what type of program you are choosing. Speak to your guidance counselor and admissions officer about all the information you require to make a well-informed decision.

What industry experience do you have?

If you have an associate degree but a large amount of work experience, you may have the upper hand over others with a Bachelor’s degree in your industry. However, if you’re planning on applying for a job without any industry experience, you may have trouble competing against other candidates for even entry-level positions.

Finally, if you are convinced that an associate degree is what you need right now, make sure that the college degree program or college that you choose is accredited. Failing to check on accreditation might leave you spending a whole lot of time and money on a piece of paper that counts for nothing in the future.

An associate degree is defined as, “An academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges and some bachelor’s degree-granting colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years.”

The program consists of three parts: general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. Online associate degrees are the same as on-campus or in-classroom associate degrees, but the degree can be taken entirely through the Internet or by distance education.

An online associate degree in business, liberal arts, and other disciplines, is widely accepted for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs throughout the country.

Types of Associate Degree Programs:

A.A. – “Associate of Arts” degree

This degree is designed to transfer to a four-year college or university.

A.A.S. – “Associate of Applied Science” degree

Designed to prepare graduates for career entry or job advancement after 2 years of college study. AAS degrees may transfer in whole or in part to 4 year colleges. A.A.S degrees may also be known by occupational specific titles such as Associate in Engineering Technology, Associate in Business, etc.

A.S. – “Associate of Science” degree

Designed to transfer to a 4 year college or university.

Occupational Degree

Also referred to as “applied” degree programs, an occupational degree program at a two-year college is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately following graduation. The primary function is career preparation, however some courses and/or programs may transfer to 4 year colleges.

Online Associate Degrees

Associated degrees available nationwide include disciplines such as accounting, arts and humanities, business and management, marketing, design, graphic design, early childhood development, education, engineering, fire science, health sciences, hospitality management, human resources management, law and paralegal, criminal justice, social sciences telecommunications and technology.

Taking a degree in-classroom, online or by distance learning makes no difference except for the cost, time and place. Other than these aspects, education and programs are common to all of them, although there is less emphasis on an industry-specific competency. An Associate degree is more focused on learning the basic academic discipline, than in specialization.

All associated degrees are available through the Internet, but accelerated online programs make it easier to earn a certificate in less time. Earning an Associate degree also enables students to enter interesting professions, with minimal additional training in the field of electronics, health care and other faster growing occupations.

When you earn Associate degree online, you will not be singled out because yours was distance learning. A certificate for an Associate’s degree looks the same, regardless of whether it was earned online or on a campus. When you learn online, you will find that you can schedule work, family obligations and fun as well as learning into your busy life. Lectures can be downloaded and listened to at any time. Documents can also be read on the website, and you can turn in your homework assignments by e-mail or fax. Those who want to earn associate degree online but who are not sure how to get started should browse through various programs and locate one that is right. This requires a lot of research, but ultimately it pays off in the form of greater confidence, qualifications, and pay.

“In the United States and Canada, an associate degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four-year college or university degree.”

Does this mean I can go about using this degree towards a full Bachelor’s degree elsewhere? If so, how would I go about doing this? I’m thinking about earning a communications degree and would love to use my AOS towards this if I could. Thanks!

Are Your Achieving Your Educational Goals?

Once enrolled in a program, the main reason for students not being able to complete their degree has been the difficulty of managing a hectic schedule.

Working parents, business people and other professionals find that the the hustle and bustle of daily life have made their educational goals seem almost impossible to achieve. Fortunately, Associates degree distance education programs provide a solution to this problem.

The Benefits of Higher Education Can’t Be Beat

Generally, career opportunities open up after one has graduated from an associates degree distance education program. It’s no surprise, employers look to resumes with reputable job track records as well as educational level. When two applicants have similar job experience, usually the one with better educational background will be selected.

A Natural Choice For Our Times

Associates degree education program may be less daunting to someone who wishes to obtain a higher degree because it usually takes two years to complete versus four for a bachelor’s degree. This choice is akin to climbing a hill instead of a mountain in order to reach a higher position in life.

And it is much easier to settle into your favorite chair, at home, to start class then it is to make the long drive to a cold, uncomfortable classroom after a stressful day at work. Sipping a cup of hot cocoa with your favorite CD music playing in the background while completing a homework assignment doesn’t sound too bad at all, when thought of in this manner.

The time that one usually spends surfing online is being replaced by searching for information for homework. Furthermore, one does not have to worry about hiring a babysitter or not being able to see one’s spouse. These are the benefits of opting for an associates degree distance education. Of course, the key to studying effectively is self-control and the ability to block out distractions at home.

To discover all the funding options available to you for pursuing and a higher education, sign up for out free report on education grants, scholarships and student loans.

Conclusion

An associate’s degree is a excellent addition to a resume and it is also a route to achieving a higher sense of self-confidence and self-pride. Psychologically, such a degree can make a person feel more capable and intelligent. No wonder so many people are taking up associates degree distance education courses!