An Associate Degree is an undergraduate degree that requires a minimum of at least 60 semester credit hours which is the equivalent of (2)two years or (4) four semesters study. This is the lowest academic degree offered in the US and Canada which prepares you for vocational(work) purpose or transfer to a four-year bachelor's program.

The program usually consists of three (3) parts; general education requirements, major requirements and electives usually in area of major.

It can be done in-classroom (on campus) or out-of-classroom (Internet or distance education). Out-of-classroom can also include an on-line accelerated associate degree. The advantages of out-of-classroom study include doing it at your own pace and convenience.

This type of degree is awarded by community, junior and technical colleges and indicates that the completed program of study is broad based in general education with knowledge in a specific area.

There are four main types of associate degree programs:

1.Associate of Arts degree(AA)-this prepares for transfer to a four years
university bachelor's program
2.Associate of Applied Science(AAS)-this prepares you for transfer to a four years
university program, career entry or job
advancement.
3.Associate Degree of Science(AS)-this degree prepares one for transfer to a four
year university program
4.Occupational studies/Applied Degree (AOS)-this prepares one for entry into
workforce upon graduation or transfer to a
university four year program.

The Associate degree can also be categorized as follows

1. Transfer degrees; these allow the completion of general education
requirements to transfer to a four-year university program.
AAT (Associate Degree in Arts in Teaching)
AA (Associate of Arts)
AS (Associate of Science)

2. Career or Professional Degrees; intended for persons to enter the workforce,
upgrade professional status or transfer to a bachelor's program.

AAS (Associate of Applied science)
AOS (Associate of Occupational Studies)
ABA (Associate Degree in Business Administration)

Some other names of Associate Degrees include

AF (Associate Degree

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