Associate's Degree

An associate's degree is a type of undergraduate academic credential that is typically awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, or technical colleges. Associate's degree programs are generally designed to be completed within two years of full-time study and are typically pursued by students directly after completing their secondary education (high school or equivalent). Most associate's degree programs are intended to provide students with a well-rounded education by developing broader skills, such as critical thinking, inductive reasoning, communication, and problem-solving.

Associate's degree programs provide students with a foundational understanding of a particular field of study and often include a mix of general education and major-specific coursework. The completion of an associate's degree signifies that a student has acquired a general level of knowledge and skills in a specific discipline. Some students use this degree as a stepping stone to enter directly into the workforce, while others transfer the credits that they've earned to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. 

Associate's degree programs can be advantageous by enabling students to complete some of their baccalaureate-level courses at a more affordable cost. The lesser financial constraints can provide these students with the freedom to explore a variety of different subject areas before fully committing to a specific discipline. Therefore, the shorter duration and increased flexibility of an associate's degree program make it a valuable option for those seeking practical skills or a more affordable pathway to higher education.

Anyone can typically enroll and start taking courses at a community college at anytime, offering a flexible pathway for individuals eager to embark on their academic journeys. However, to officially start earning credits toward an associate's degree, you usually need to meet one of the following requirements:

1. Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (such as a GED)

2. Be at least 18 years of age

Although these are the conventional requirements, there are some community colleges that operate on an open enrollment basis, with no prerequisites at all. However, it is important to recognize that the extent of this policy can vary based on the specific geographical region in which the college is physically situated. Therefore, it is always advisable for individuals interested in pursuing an associate's degree to check the admission requirements of their desired institution prior to making any definitive plans to enroll.

The two most commonly awarded associate's degrees are the Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS). While an Associate of Arts would likely require more coursework involving the liberal arts and humanities, an Associate of Science would likely put a greater emphasis on the natural sciences and mathematics.

Unsurprisingly, these degrees align with the two most commonly awarded bachelor's degrees which are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). This alignment enables students to smoothly transition from their associate's degree program to a bachelor's degree program if they so choose. This is because the coursework required for obtaining an Associate of Arts is usually comparable to the general education coursework required for obtaining a Bachelor of Arts. Similarly, the coursework required for obtaining an Associate of Science is usually comparable to the general education coursework required for obtaining a Bachelor of Science. 

Therefore, it is often recommended that students interested in pursuing a major in the liberal arts or humanities strive to obtain an Associate of Arts, while those interested in pursuing a major in the natural sciences or mathematics strive to obtain an Associate of Science. 

The timeline for degree completion is ultimately dictated by the total number of credit hours required by your school. Generally, most schools require approximately 60 credit hours to obtain an associate's degree, with 1 credit hour being equivalent to roughly 60 minutes of lecture and 120 minutes of independent study per week. 

In the United States, full-time students have historically needed about 2 years to complete the total number of credit hours required for obtaining an associate's degree, however, it has become increasingly common for students to take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to finish their degree program. This range is largely dependent upon the total number of credits completed per term. In a semester term system, students generally enroll in 12 to 18 credit hours twice per year, whereas in a quarter term system, students typically enroll in 8 to 12 credit hours thrice per year. 

Prior to choosing a school to attend, it may be useful to check whether the school abides by a quarter or semester term system. 

In a quarter term system, classes are usually taught at a much faster pace since the average duration of a quarter is only about 10 weeks in length. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a fast-paced learning environment. A quarter term system also offers increased flexibility since there are more term start dates throughout the year. 

On the other hand, in a semester term system, the average term duration is approximately 15 weeks in length. This enables students to engage in a more in-depth exploration of course content, potentially offering additional research or comprehensive learning opportunities. At the same time, the longer duration of a semester term may provide students with a more stable and predictable schedule for achieving their educational goals. 

Ultimately, the choice between attending a school that abides by a quarter or semester term system comes down to your own personal preferences. While some students prefer the fast-paced environment of a quarter term system, others appreciate the depth and stability of a semester term system.

A college major is a specific field of academic study or specialization that a student chooses to focus on during their undergraduate education. College majors vary widely and cover a diverse range of subject areas, including but not limited to the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences. 

Most colleges require students to complete general education coursework during their first two years of undergraduate study before pursuing specialized major coursework during their last two years. This gives students some time to explore different subject areas before deciding on the major that they truly want to pursue. When selecting your major, you should strive to choose the one that best aligns with your future career goals, interests, and academic strengths. Some students may also choose to double major or pursue a minor to gain proficiency in multiple fields. 

Ultimately, your college major will play a significant role in shaping your future, so it is highly recommended that you spend a considerable amount of time thoroughly evaluating which one will best enable you to achieve your professional aspirations. While you don't have to fully commit to a major while pursuing an associate's degree, it is strongly recommended that you plan ahead and start taking classes that align with your desired major if your goal is to eventually transfer into a bachelor's degree program.