what are the best associates degrees

13 popular associate degree majors

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Is an associate's degree better than a bachelor's degree?

Which is better an Associates's or Bachelors's degree? The better one depends on what you want to use it for. If you don't want to spend much money and time, choose an associate degree. But if you are willing to undergo a more specialized program without minding the duration, then a Bachelor's degree is better .

What is the fastest associate's degree?

The fastest way to get an Associate's Degree

• Complete College Credits in High School. Completing advanced level high school courses or taking college courses during your junior and/or senior year of high school.
• Take Accelerated Programs. ...
• Take Course Competency Exams. ...
• Join Programs with Work Credits. ...

Are associate degrees worth it?

Are associate degrees worth it? Yes, an associate’s degree is worth it for many students. Plus, there are 34% more job opportunities for those with associate degrees as compared to high school graduates. When you want to enhance your skills, but are unwilling or unable to take 4 years to get your degree, an associate’s degree is a good option.

What online colleges offer associate degrees?

SUNY Jamestown Community College’s Cybersecurity program was named one of the nation’s best online associate degree offerings in 2022 by University HQ. JCC’s program came in at 36 in University HQ’s rankings of 50 U.S. colleges. The complete list can be found at universityhq.org/degrees/online-associates-cybersecurity-programs.

What associate degree is most profitable?

What jobs pay well with an associate degree? MRI technologists, nuclear technicians, funeral service managers, and dental hygienists all earn over $70,000 a year, on average, making their respective degrees among the best associate degrees by salary.

What is the most popular associate's degree?

Most Popular Associate Degrees for MenRankDegree Name# of Degrees1Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies46,3972General Studies29,7223Business Administration and Management, General14,7904Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse7,4386 more rows•Dec 4, 2017

What is the easiest associates degree to get?

An associate degree in General Studies is deemed easy to complete because of its broad focus on the liberal arts with an emphasis on the enhancement of students' critical thinking and communication skills. It also has several electives to choose from, and there is no need to select a major or area of concentration.

What jobs make 6 figures with an associate's degree?

24 Highest Paying Associate Degree JobsAir Traffic Controller. Salary: $124,540. ... Computer Programmer. Salary: $82,240. ... Radiation Therapist. Salary: $80,570. ... Nuclear Technician. Salary: $80,370. ... Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Salary: $75,660. ... Dental Hygienist. Salary: $74,070. ... Registered Nurse. Salary: $70,000. ... Web Developer.More items...

What is the quickest degree to get?

What is the fastest and easiest degree to get? Often students focus on Business Administration, Psychology, or Education degrees for the fastest degrees; however, General Studies, English, and Communications may be considered some of the easiest, along with Psychology.

What careers only require 2 years of college?

The Highest Paying Jobs That Only Require 2-Year DegreesDental Hygienist. Want to help the world smile with confidence? ... Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. ... Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists. ... Radiation Therapist. ... Dental Assistant. ... The Earning Potential of 2-Year Degrees.

Is a 2 year degree worth it?

Yes, an associates degree is worth it and may be a wise investment for many students. According to the Center on Education and the Workforce survey, associate degree graduates earn on average around $400,000 more during their careers than those with just a high school diploma.

What degree can you get in 1 year?

BA, MBA in One Year (single sitting), B.Com, M.Com in one year, B.Sc, MSc in one Year, B. Tech, M. Tech in one year, Diploma Engineering in single sitting, BBA, MBA, BCA, MCA in one year, etc.. and Many More Other Course Available.

Can you combine 2 associates degrees?

You can have two associate's degrees. It's called a double-major. Often, when some students enter college, they're unsure what major they would like to pursue, so they pursue double majors. They may also do so because they have multiple interests and don't know which one to settle for between the two.

What are the 3 highest paying jobs that only require 2 years of college?

Highest Paying 2-Year DegreesRankMajorMid-Career PayRank:1Computer Science (CS) & MathematicsMid-Career Pay:$106,0002Nondestructive TestingMid-Career Pay:$99,8003Radiation TherapyMid-Career Pay:$95,7004Software EngineeringMid-Career Pay:$94,00021 more rows

How can I make 100k a year with an associate's degree?

A traditional college degree is not necessary to get a good job and earn a high-paying salary.Radiation therapist. ... Air traffic controller. ... Executive pastry chef. ... Master plumber. ... Real estate sales. ... Construction supervisor. ... Court reporter. ... Bartender.

What two year medical degrees pay the most?

Here is a list of the top 10 highest paying healthcare careers in under two years:Dental Hygienist. ... Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. ... Cardiovascular Technologists. ... Medical Assistant. ... Nuclear Medicine Technologist. ... Occupational Therapy Assistant. ... Radiologic Technologist. ... Respiratory Therapist.More items...•

What 2 year degree should I get?

2 Year Degree Courses After 12th CommerceDiploma in Elementary Education.Diploma in Retail Management.Diploma in Hotel Management.Diploma in Fashion Designing.Diploma in Computerised Accounting.Diploma in Banking and Finance.Diploma in Advanced Accounting.Certified Management Accountant.More items...

Can you make 100k with an associate's degree?

While some people may think a four-year degree is necessary to get a higher paying job, there are a number of professions where you can make around $100,000 per year with only a two-year degree. A traditional college degree is not necessary to get a good job and earn a high-paying salary.

How useful is an associate's degree?

The benefits of earning an associate degree can include higher earning potential, better job security and opportunity, as well as advancement. If you're considering advancing your education, you might wonder what degree best matches your plans for the future. You have specific skills, career goals and interests.

What two-year medical degrees pay the most?

Here is a list of the top 10 highest paying healthcare careers in under two years:Dental Hygienist. ... Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. ... Cardiovascular Technologists. ... Medical Assistant. ... Nuclear Medicine Technologist. ... Occupational Therapy Assistant. ... Radiologic Technologist. ... Respiratory Therapist.More items...•

What is a radiology major?

This major typically helps candidates develop the skills needed to perform radiographic responsibilities within a clinical setting. In such a program, candidates typically learn how to operate radiologic technology including radiography, radiation therapy, sonography, nuclear medicine technology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Candidates who earn AS or AAS degrees in radiologic technology typically study subjects like biochemistry, diagnosis, anatomy, biology, physiology, patient management, radiographic protection and clinical imaging. From here, graduates can secure entry-level radiologic technologist roles in the field or prepare for further study through a bachelor's degree program.

What is an associates degree in nursing?

An associate degree in nursing, or ASN, is a major program that can teach candidates skills needed to succeed in the nursing profession. This major can help you develop the clinical competencies and technical knowledge you need to care for patients effectively in a variety of medical specialties through compassionate and holistic treatment efforts. An ASN typically prepares candidates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) that registered nurses use to pursue their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) later on.

What is an AS in accounting?

Candidates who earn an AS in accounting can pursue entry-level professional careers post-graduation, including roles like accounting assistant, billing clerk, bookkeeper, payroll clerk and accounts receivable clerk. From here, candidates can choose to advance their careers by pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting or business and preparing to take licensure and certification exams to become a certified management accountant (CMA) or certified public accountant (CPA).

What is the major in biology?

This major typically provides students with a foundation in life science, mathematics and the laboratory skills needed to transition into more complex areas of study and research. Most candidates earning an AS or AAS degree in biology take part in practical coursework, such as fieldwork and lab-based work, in subjects like cellular biology, ecology, environmental biology, microbiology, genetics and epidemiology. A two-year degree in biological sciences can help prepare you for more advanced scientific studies through bachelor's degree programs or for entry-level careers in healthcare, science, environmentalism, wildlife and conservation.

How long is an associates degree?

An associate degree is a two-year undergraduate degree program taken as a preliminary to a bachelor's degree or to launch a career in a particular field of study. They're often casually referred to as two-year degrees, although associate degree programs may take less or more time to complete depending on the specific program, a candidate's time limitations and the coursework schedules offered by various schools. Many candidates choose to pursue associate degrees because they are typically inexpensive and require less of a time commitment compared to traditional four-year bachelor's degree programs.

What is an AA in liberal arts?

By earning an AA in liberal arts, you can earn core requirement class credits needed to transfer to a four-year program to pursue your bachelor's degree. In this major program, you may be able to take courses in English, education, history, international studies, nutrition, communication, sociology, urban studies and other disciplines to build a foundational competency in such areas.

Why do people choose associates?

Many candidates choose to pursue associate degrees because they are typically inexpensive and require less of a time commitment compared to traditional four-year bachelor's degree programs. Technical, community or junior colleges are examples of schools that typically award associate degrees. However, some four-year colleges or universities also ...

What are the best private colleges for associate degrees based on Salary Score?

While 87% of the top institutions for associate degree salaries were public schools, eight private colleges and universities made the top 25 list.

What are the top five states for an associate degree?

The top five states for alumni salaries at the associate level are Hawaii, New Hampshire, California, Minnesota, and Connecticut. Many graduates, especially those in community and technical colleges, attend school in the state where they live and work. We found that states with a higher cost of living generally had higher graduate salaries.

How do associate degree programs help students?

Every year, students across the country enroll in associate degree programs to advance their careers and earn higher salaries. To help students maximize their investment in higher education, we’ve created a comprehensive ranking list that highlights schools whose alumni earn higher salaries overall. We rank schools by our proprietary Salary Score based on alumni earnings in the first year after graduation. The scores reflect how much alumni make compared to alumni of the same programs at other colleges, and take into account student enrollment in each program. These rankings are intended to highlight strong colleges that prepare students for a high-paying career, regardless of their major. Each of the schools on our rankings list must offer and provide data for at least five associate programs. Read our methodology to learn more.

What is the salary score of Columbia College?

Columbia College came in fourth for private schools with a Salary Score of 92.29. Nearly 40,000 students are enrolled online and in person at more than 30 campus locations nationwide. Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) was ranked fifth for private institutions, with a Salary Score of 90.51.

How many students are in APUS?

Both schools primarily serve working adults. Together, the schools serve more than 86,000 students.

What is an associate degree?

Associate degrees are a popular option for adult learners looking to earn their first credential, students with specific career goals, or students who want to save money, either on their degree or the first two years of their undergraduate education.

Which state has the highest alumni salary?

Top Five States for Alumni Earnings at the Associate Degree Level. As the most expensive state to live in, it’s no surprise that Hawaii has the highest median alumni salaries overall for those who earn associate degrees. However, Hawaii did not rank in the top five states at the bachelor’s or master’s levels.

What is the job of a dental hygienist?

The job of a dental hygienist is to provide patients with preventative oral care under a dentist’s supervision. They are responsible for talking to patients about proper oral hygiene, teeth cleaning, and assisting the dentist when needed.

What are the benefits of having an associates degree in 2021?

A key component in the benefits of having an associate degree is that it increases your chances of getting hired for a job. Not only that, but it also increases the chances of landing an interview in the first place. If you have the right skills for a job, yet you don’t have a degree, ...

What is nuclear tech?

Nuclear technicians are responsible for operating special equipment in order to assist in energy production and nuclear research. Their job includes assisting engineers, monitoring radiation levels, and working with physicists to create reliable and safe nuclear energy.

What is a medical sonographer?

Medical sonographers are professionals in charge of creating images of the body for physicians to use in order to assess and diagnose their patients. To do this, they use ultrasonic imaging devices. These devices use vibrations and sound waves to create the image of a specific organ.

What is a registered nurse?

Registered nurses are professionals who deal with patients on a daily basis. Their daily duties consist of answering their patients’ questions, administering medical care, and communicating any concerns to their supervisor.

What are the best paying jobs?

Here are some of the best paying jobs that generally only require an associate degree relevant to the field. 1. Air Traffic Controller. The job of an air traffic controller is to direct the flow of traffic in airports. By doing this, they are maintaining the effectiveness of air travel, as well as safety efficiency.

How long does it take to get an associates degree?

Associate degrees generally take around two years to acquire. This can prove beneficial to people looking to save time and enter the job market faster. Additionally, having experience is highly regarded in today’s job market. The sooner you enter the workforce, the easier it will be to obtain this experience.

What are the other medical professions similar to nuclear medicine?

The other medical professions in this ranking are similar. Medical sonographers, radiation therapists, respiratory therapists, and nuclear medicine technicians all have high stakes. A mistake can cost a person their life. Not everybody can handle that kind of pressure.

What is an avionics technician?

Avionics technicians are responsible for the installation, inspection, testing, adjustment and repair of airplane electronics. Some of the systems they are responsible for include radio, navigation, radar, and spacecraft missile control. Avionics techs are often responsible for maintaining the wiring of airplane electronics as well. When something goes wrong, avionics techs troubleshoot and fix the problem. This is one of the best 2 year degrees to consider for a great income.

What degree do respiratory therapists need?

While the job only requires an associate’s degree, it can be quite beneficial to earn a bachelor’s if you want to advance in your career. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, nursing care, and home care. This career is one of several top 10 highest paying 2 year degrees in the healthcare arena.

How long does it take to become a dental hygienist?

While the position only requires an associate’s degree, it can take up to three years to complete all the necessary study and training.

What is a full stack web developer?

Full-stack web developers are capable of designing every aspect of a website, from backend and e-commerce to user experience design on the front end. In the end, getting a job as a web developer is more about what you’re capable of than what degree you hold. But it’s possible to gain all the knowledge necessary to become a full-stack web developer through one of the highest paying associates degrees. This career area is one of the more recent highest paying 2 year degrees.

What is the best job to get with an associates degree?

Most of the best jobs you can get with an associate’s degree are in the medical or technology fields.

What is a registered nurse?

Registered nurses are the backbone of any medical organization. Most of the actual patient care falls to the nurses. Nurses who work in hospitals perform a great deal of the unpleasant tasks, though that can vary between departments. Registered nurses can decide to pursue more schooling and transition to jobs like nurse practitioner, which means they are able to perform many of the same duties as doctors. It’s hard work, and it pays well, especially as a nurse advances in the field and specializes. The BLS forecasts that 371,500 new nursing jobs will be created in the next ten years, making it more likely for new nursing graduates to find a job right out of school. RN makes it into our top five of highest paying 2 year degrees.

What Is an Associates Degree?

An associates degree is an academic program for students who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and want to continue their education without committing to a bachelors degree program.

How Long Does an Associate’s Degree Take?

The length of time it takes to complete an associate degree varies depending on the program as well as your schedule.

Is an Associate’s Degree Worth It?

Yes, an associate’s degree is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring an associate’s degree for entry are set to grow at 6% over the next 10 years, faster than the average job growth for all occupations.

What is an associates degree in industrial engineering?

With this degree, you may qualify to work as an assistant to industrial engineers in manufacturing and industrial settings.

How to get financial aid for associates?

You can start your search for financial aid by visiting the Federal Student Aid website and filling out your FAFSA form to determine your eligibility .

What is the job of a dental hygienist?

Editorial Listing ShortCode: Dental hygienists typically work in dentists’ offices, and their duties include examining patients for diagnosis of oral diseases, removing tartar and plaque from teeth, taking dental x-rays, and applying fluoride treatments.

How much does an occupational therapy assistant make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapy assistants earn $62,940, on average, per year.

How much does a sonographer make?

Annual salaries for diagnostic medical sonographers average around $72,500, while some of the top-paying positions earn upwards of $100,400 per year. In terms of education, the position typically requires at least a professional certificate or associate’s degree.

How much does a dental hygienist make?

Typically, the position requires a minimum of professional certification or an associate’s degree. Annual salaries average around $74,800, while some of the top-paying positions earn upwards of $107,800 per year. Overall, the field is expected to experience a 20% growth within the next six years, meaning it is a highly lucrative field to enter into, and the demand for dental hygienists will be high over the next few years. Ultimately, this job is ideal for hardworking individuals with a drive to succeed and provide themselves and their families with long-term financial stability.

How much does a radiology technologist make?

Most often, these individuals work under the supervision of a professional physician, doctor, or radiologist. Annual salaries average around $59,300, while some of the top-paying positions earn upwards of $86,900 per year. The minimum level of education required for this position is a professional certificate or an associate’s degree. Over the next six years, this field is expected to experience a 12% growth, meaning it is a highly lucrative field. Overall, it takes a responsible and driven individual to pursue a career in this field, but the rewards and long-term success are worth it.

How much does a cardiac catheterization technician make?

Annual salaries average around $70,200, while some of the highest-paying positions earn upwards of $80,200 per year. This position requires a minimum of an associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. All in all, this field is expected to experience a 10% growth over the next six years, meaning it is a relatively lucrative field that will provide financial security and professional success for the long term.

How much does an occupational therapy assistant make?

Annual salaries average around $60,200, while some of the highest-paying positions earn upwards of $91,500 per year. The minimum level of education required is a professional certificate or an associate’s degree, most often in psychology. Within the next six years, the job market will likely experience a 29% increase, meaning this is an extremely lucrative field to enter into. Overall, those who pursue a profession in this line of work are capable, responsible, caring, and driven to succeed in every aspect of life.

How much does a court reporter make?

Annual salaries average around $57,100, while some of the highest-paid positions earn upwards of $104,400 per year. Most court reporters are required to have a professional certificate or associate’s degree. The job market for this field is expected to experience a 4% growth over the course of the next six years, meaning it is a relatively lucrative field. Ultimately, those who pursue this career are responsible, hardworking, and driven to succeed.

How much does an electrical engineer make?

These individuals typically work for major electricity corporations or companies. Annual salaries average around $61,100, while some of the top-paying positions earn upwards of $85,000 per year. In terms of education, the position typically requires an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology. Overall, the field is expected to experience a 2% decrease within the next six years, meaning the demand will not be as high, but all electrical engineering technicians will still be highly valued in their respective positions. Ultimately, this is the type of job that requires diligence, responsibility, and expertise.

What is the salary of a sonographer?

This sound wave technology is used to monitor unborn fetuses, internal abnormalities, help treat diseases, and more. These technicians must possess good bedside manner while working with patients, critical medical and technological expertise, as well as the ability to work seamlessly with a greater healthcare team. Sonographers have a high average annual income at $63,000, and this exciting career starts with an associates degree. An Online Associates Degree in Sonography will offer flexible courses to students in the areas of biology, diagnostic imaging, sonographic instrumentation, and medical terminology. Once online courses are completed, students can then start their 1,350 supervised clinical hours and sit for all the needed certifications and exams.

What is an associates degree in aviation?

An Online Associate Degree in Aviation Management stands as one of the highest paying online associates degrees today. With the amount of air travel that happens in this day and age, for business and for pleasure, the infrastructure and systems to keep that industry safe and sustainable keep advancing. An associate degree in Aviation Management is a great first step on the road to a career as an Air Traffic Controller. With a general foundational curriculum which moves into a core curriculum of aviation and the airspace system, this flexible program can be completed while also gaining important professional experience. According to PayScale, the national average salary for Air Traffic Controllers is over $84,000, and an associate’s degree is their typical entry level education. While there is training and certification required with the FAA before becoming a certified professional controller, this elite and high paying career can start with an accessible online associate’s degree.

What is an associates degree in respiratory therapy?

Associates degrees are consistently deliveries programs that offer specific technical training at a quick pace. One great industry to pursue for a lucrative career in healthcare. This sector is so vast, with a wide array of opportunities, that there is no need to spend the exorbitant amount of time and money needed to go to medical school to find a rewarding career. An Online Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy is a program that gives training and education for students to become Respiratory Therapists. This high paying degree reports an average salary of $53,000. Students in this flexible respiratory therapist program will learn pulmonary physiology and pharmacology, as well as airway management and lung expansion therapy. Upon completion of this online associates, graduates are able to undergo the National Board for Respiratory Care exams. This career can literally mean the difference in life and death, and it all starts with this degree.

What is the best degree for MRI technologist?

One of the best online associates degrees in this high paying sector is an Online Associates Degree in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which prepares students to become a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist. These technologists play an integral role in the investigating and diagnosing of injuries and ailments in hospitals, private offices, or MRI imaging facilities. They will need to not only handle patients with care but also work together with a team of healthcare providers. This career has reported a high average annual salary of $64,000. Students will complete important courses in anatomy, physiology, imaging, and safety, and then undergo in-person clinical courses in order to prepare for the MRI certification exam.

How much does a paralegal make?

Paralegals report an annual average salary of $46,000. With this high paying online associates degree, graduates can happily stay within legal support services or go on to pursue further legal studies.

What is a construction foreman?

The driving forces in this advancing field not only work in the boardroom but also on the construction site. A Construction Foreman or Manager is the hands-on, real-time, decision maker for a construction site. These positions report an average salary of over $50,000 per year. A great accessible degree to start professionals down this high paying career path is an Online Associates Degree in Construction Management. This flexible degree is perfect for the construction worker that already has started working in this fast-paced industry. The curriculum covers topics in safety, construction materials, surveying, and management. Graduates from this program are sure to be set in a career with a great pay off.

Why is an associates degree important?

Pursing an associates degree is a relatively quick and practical way for students to gain employment in exciting and high paying careers.

How many jobs will computer programmers lose in 2026?

The position, however, is expected to decline by 8%, losing as many as 22,600 jobs between 2016 and 2026.

How much do high school graduates make a week?

High school graduates with no college earn a median salary of $726 a week, for an annual salary of $37,752. In this example, this results in an annual gain of $5,148 if you have no college education and were to complete your associate’s degree.

What is the best degree for a nurse?

A bachelor’s level education is a common choice, but an Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is a faster and more affordable option. Although many nurses will eventually move on to the four-year degree, a two-year program will help land a job and gain valuable experience.

What is an AA degree?

Associate in Arts (AA) An AA degree is usually the most broad, and therefore the least specific, of all the associated arts degrees. During the AA program, students will take wide-ranging courses that can include introductions to history, art, literature, music, business, writing, and communication.

What is the best alternative to a bachelor's degree?

One of the most attractive alternatives to a bachelor’s degree is an associate degree. These programs offer fast, and often more affordable routes for education, making them a popular choice, especially among non-traditional students. There are reasonable questions that arise with associate degrees.

Why do people get associate degrees?

There are many reasons that people choose an associate degree, but it really boils down to two major motivations: a faster education, and a cheaper price tag.

How many years of school do you need to become an air traffic controller?

They issue landing and takeoff instructions and monitor the movement of planes on the ground and in the air. While many of the positions suggest a four-year degree, air traffic controller schools offer two-year associate degrees that focus specifically on the career.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Nursing

• An associate degree in nursing, or ASN, is a major program that can teach candidates skills needed to succeed in the nursing profession. This major can help you develop the clinical competencies and technical knowledge you need to care for patients effectively in a variety of medical specialties through compassionate and holistic treatment efforts....

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Business Administration and Management

Computer Science

Biological Sciences

Criminal Justice

Accounting

Culinary Arts

Automotive Technology

Dental Hygiene