A lot of careers that focus on assistance only require an associate’s degree. For example, a medical assistant doesn’t need a medical degree. They do require post-secondary educational experience though.
An associate’s degree will expose you to a variety of subjects. This may give you the experience needed to figure out what you want to major in at a 4-year university.
You have to research an associate program to see if they have an articulation agreement with the board of higher education where you live. Some programs won’t transfer your credits.
Look up a school’s faculty to see what they’ve written or researched. A school’s faculty will give you a good indication of what their classes may be like.
Most community colleges have open enrollment, which means that anyone with a high school degree can sign up for classes. While community college is often much cheaper than a traditional 4-year university, there is usually a small fee for each class that you sign up for. You’ll also have to pay for any books that are required by your professors. Community colleges have financial aid offices, just like 4-year universities. Attend an open house for your local community college to get more information about the associate programs that they offer.
Online programs are typically more expensive than a community college program, but they offer you the ability to work from home or late at night. Online programs usually cost more money than a community college, but less money than a traditional 4-year university.
Getting an associate’s degree at a 4-year university or college will be a lot more expensive, but you won’t need to worry about getting your credits transferred. Being able to complete your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees at the same time will keep you from taking extra or non-accredited classes in an associate’s program.
An associate in art will take more classes in fields related to the liberal arts, like English literature, history, or philosophy. An associate of science degree will require more classes in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics. An associate degree in applied sciences will emphasize specialized classes required for specific careers. For example, an associate degree in applied sciences may focus on aviation, dentistry, or construction.
Associate programs usually offer the same resources that are available to regular college students. If you’re struggling in a class, consult your school’s tutoring program or writing center.
An associate’s degree can be completed in 2 years if you’re a full-time student or 1 year if you take an increased course load. If you take a lighter class load though, they can take more than 2 years to complete.
Career certification exams refer to tests that result in licensure or certification in your field. These are highly specialized tests that are typically built into your program if you’re getting an associate’s in applied sciences. Examples of certification exams include mechanic certificates, cybersecurity endorsements, or dental assistant licenses.
4-year universities and 2-year community colleges have transfer advisors that are available to assist you in switching schools. While completing your associate’s program, make sure that your GPA doesn’t drop below the requirements as stated by your 4-year university.
General education classes tend to cover broad topics like American history, introduction to sociology, and algebra.
Get a couple of letters of recommendation from tenured professors before you graduate.
