An associate’s degree is a two-year degree that can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to enter the workforce in a variety of fields. Associate’s degrees are offered at community colleges, junior colleges, and trade schools.
The number of credits you need to earn for an associate’s degree varies depending on the school you attend and the program you choose. However, most associate’s degrees require between 60 and 90 credits.
What is a Credit?
A credit is a unit of measurement that represents the amount of work you complete in a course. Credits are typically assigned based on the number of hours you spend in class and the amount of homework you are required to do.
For example, a three-credit course typically meets for three hours per week for 15 weeks. This means that you would spend 45 hours in class and complete an additional 45 hours of homework for a total of 90 hours of work.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate’s Degree?
The number of credits you need to earn for an associate’s degree varies depending on the school you attend and the program you choose. However, most associate’s degrees require between 60 and 90 credits.
The following table shows the number of credits required for an associate’s degree in some of the most popular fields:
| Field of Study | Number of Credits |
|---|---|
| Arts and Sciences | 60-64 |
| Business | 60-72 |
| Computer Science | 60-78 |
| Education | 60-72 |
| Engineering | 60-84 |
| Health Sciences | 60-78 |
| Public Safety | 60-72 |
How Long Does it Take to Earn an Associate’s Degree?
The amount of time it takes to earn an associate’s degree depends on the number of credits you take each semester and the number of semesters you attend school.
If you take 15 credits per semester and attend school full-time, you can earn an associate’s degree in two years. However, if you take fewer credits per semester or attend school part-time, it will take you longer to earn your degree.
How Much Does it Cost to Earn an Associate’s Degree?
The cost of earning an associate’s degree varies depending on the school you attend and the program you choose. However, the average cost of an associate’s degree is between $10,000 and $30,000.
The following table shows the average cost of an associate’s degree in some of the most popular fields:
| Field of Study | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arts and Sciences | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Business | $15,000-$25,000 |
| Computer Science | $18,000-$28,000 |
| Education | $14,000-$22,000 |
| Engineering | $18,000-$30,000 |
| Health Sciences | $16,000-$26,000 |
| Public Safety | $14,000-$22,000 |
Is an Associate’s Degree Worth It?
An associate’s degree can be a valuable investment in your future. With an associate’s degree, you can qualify for a wide variety of jobs in a variety of fields. You can also use an associate’s degree to transfer to a four-year university and earn a bachelor’s degree.
The following are some of the benefits of earning an associate’s degree:
- Increased earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate’s degree earn on average 15% more than workers with only a high school diploma.
- Greater job security. Workers with an associate’s degree are less likely to be unemployed than workers with only a high school diploma.
- More career opportunities. An associate’s degree can open up new career opportunities that are not available to workers with only a high school diploma.
- Increased earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate’s degree earn on average 15% more than workers with only a high school diploma.
- Greater job security. Workers with an associate’s degree are less likely to be unemployed than workers with only a high school diploma.
- More career opportunities. An associate’s degree can open up new career opportunities that are not available to workers with only a high school diploma.
How to Choose an Associate’s Degree Program
When choosing an associate’s degree program, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Your career goals. What do you want to do for a living?
- Your interests. What subjects do you enjoy learning about?
- Your budget. How much can you afford to spend on tuition?
- Your schedule. How much time do you have available to attend school?
Once you have considered these factors, you can start researching associate’s degree programs. There are several resources available to help you find the right program for you, including:
- The College Board’s College Search website: This website allows you to search for colleges and universities by location, major, and other criteria.
- The National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator website: This website provides data on colleges and universities, including enrollment numbers, tuition costs, and graduation rates.
- Your local community college or university: Your local community college or university can provide you with information on the associate’s degree programs they offer.
Conclusion
An associate’s degree can be a valuable investment in your future. With an associate’s degree,
