Why associate degree

Certifications and certificate programs can get a little confusing, McDonough said. Some private companies offer their own certification programs, which can be different from degree certifications and certificate programs. It will not only give you the content-specific knowledge you need, it will also give you course work that will help to better understand things like time management, social skills — these are extremely important to employers.

From there, she may decide to further her education along that same path or chart a different course based on her studies and work experience, McDonough said. It can open more career opportunities and doors.

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Program Length The most obvious difference between the two types of degrees is how long it takes to earn each one. Program Focus There are two types of associate degree programs, each with a different focus: Specialized technical or vocational coursework.

This works well if you want to learn a particular set of skills or want to train for a certain job title. General studies approach that does not focus on a particular job, set of skills, or declared major. Additional coursework can also help students adapt to a changing work environment, Jackson says. Associate learners may also take classes in public speaking and computers, plus concentration-specific coursework.

For example, accounting students may need classes in federal taxation and business law, and education students may take child development and literacy courses. Schools can also require college introduction classes, which familiarize students with higher education and help them develop study skills.

Beyond the usual papers, exams, and projects, some programs require field experiences, clinicals, labs, practicums, or internships. These requirements are particularly common in healthcare programs, like medical assistant or nursing degrees.

Similarly, early childhood education programs may require practicums in preschools or childcares, and paralegal students may need to complete an internship. Students may need to take out student loans with payment plans in order to afford tuition, which can lead to student loan default or forced pauses in studying for candidates who fall behind on tuition payments.

To help manage costs like tuition and textbooks, degree-seekers should fill out a FAFSA to apply for financial aid, which can give them access to grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Readers can visit this page for more information on financial assistance. Typically, you don't want your cost of attendance to exceed your financial aid award, though a reasonable out-of-pocket amount is sometimes acceptable.

Public schools are usually cheaper than private institutions. In-state programs can also cost less than out-of-state options, and online students may also pay less for tuition, though they often need to pay technology fees. Students should consider all of these factors when choosing programs. Associate degrees introduce learners to foundational concepts related to their disciplines, as well as general education subjects.

These courses are usually harder than high school classes, but not as in-depth as upper-level or graduate curriculums. Time frames and credit requirements vary, but degree-seekers usually graduate in two years. Individuals who complete AP courses in high school may graduate more quickly.

For some fields, an associate degree meets the criteria for certifications, licenses, or entry-level careers. Other professions require higher degrees, which students can pursue after earning a college associate degree, though they may also go directly into a bachelor's program.

Virtual learning lets students complete assignments on their own schedules and eliminates travel time and cost.