Before you pursue the Associates Degree, take the time to know exactly what it is. An Associates degree is a two year degree which can be earned at community college or at a university that offers associates degrees.

Why do most people pursue this degree instead of the most favored route-University?

First off, people who pursue this degree were not slackers in high school, and some do have money and financial aid, even scholarships.

People who earn an Associates Degree, come from many varied backgrounds: moms who have been homemakers or in the workforce for a while, People with Master's Degrees who want a change of pace, people who want a flexible schooling while still able to work and keep a light load of courses.

So, the stereotype of someone failing their SATs, or not having a high enough GPA has to be eradicated. Speaking from experience, I graduated top of my class in high school and had decent enough scores for my SATs, but I didn't feel ready for such a huge school yet. So I went to a community college and graduated with an Associates in Science degree in Social Sciences.

Now that we've established what an Associates degree is and who obtains these degrees. What you need to know next is: what in the world kind of jobs are there for two year degrees?

According to cnn.com, there are ten "hot" jobs for those with an Associates degree:

Computer Specialist- $59, 480
Nuclear Technician- 59, 200
Dental Hygienist- 58,350
Radiation therapist- 57, 700
Nuclear Medicine Technologist- 55, 840
Fashion Designer- 55,840
Aerospace Engineer- 52, 500
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer- 52, 490
Registered Nurse- 52, 330
Engineering Technician- 49, 440

This is just a short list. Jobs also may include Paralegal and Laboratory Technician. The importance of an education is what should matter. No way in this society should anyone be judged when they declare: "I have an Associates degree!" As fellow men and women we should be happy that people are going out an earning degrees and learning. Learning definitely is its own reward.

Pick a career, any career and one may find that the requirements may include experience and "some education" well at community colleges and definitely at four year universities, you can get an internship. For those who haven't much experience you have the leg up in the competition against those without a degree at all. Most critically, those with a bachelor's or master's may be over qualified for some positions whereas you with the Associates degree can enter with great starting pay.

The possibilities abound with an associates degree.

Learn more about this author, Erica Whitaker.
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