You may finish your degree faster with an Accelerated Associates Degree Online! Explore the most in-demand majors and careers for 2024: Business, IT & more.
An accelerated associates degrees online may be an efficient, cost-effective way for you to earn an associates degree online fast.
This type of degree may pay-off quickly without taking up too much of your time. In many cases, you can earn college credit for what you already know.
People who hold a college degree often make significantly more money over their lifetimes than people who don’t hold a degree. It may take more time, money, energy and effort right now to earn a degree, but the payoff is clear.
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List of the Best Schools that Offer Online Associate’s Degrees
Rankings Methodology
The following list of online schools that offer associate degrees will help you narrow down your choices based on degrees offered, accreditation, and even tuition costs.
Amarillo College
Associate’s Degrees
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
- General Studies – Education
- Mortuary Science
- Radiation Therapy
Amarillo is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Baker College
Associate Degrees
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
Baker is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bethel University
Associate Degree Programs
- Arts
- Science
Bethel University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Campbellsville University
Associates Degrees
- Business Administration
- Christian Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- General Studies
- Mass Communication
Campbellsville University is officially accredited and/or recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Central Texas College
Fast Track Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting Technician
- At-Risk Youth
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Business Management – Real Estate
- Chemical Dependency
- Child Development
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice – Corrections
- Culinary Arts
- Cyberdefense – Information Assurance
- Engineering
- General Studies
- Fire Service Administration
- Food and Beverage Management
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Hotel Management
- Information Technology
- Journalism/Communications
- Kinesiology
- Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management
- Mathematics
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Medical Office Technology
- Modern Language
- Network Systems Administrator
- Office Technology
- Paralegal / Legal Assistant
- Restaurant and Culinary Management
- Social Work
- Teaching Certification
CTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers the following associate degrees.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Fast Track Associate’s Degrees
- Accounting Technology
- Administrative Office Professional
- Computer Programming and Database Management – Computer Software Development
- Financial Services
- Health Information Management
- Hospitality Management
- Pre-Business Administration
Cincinnati State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Clarion University
Associate Degrees
- Administrative Technology
- Allied Health
- Arts & Sciences
- Business Administration (Part Time)
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education (Part Time)
- Industrial Technology
Clarion University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
College of Southern Idaho
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting Technology
- Administrative Office Professional
- Computer Programming and Database Management – Computer Software Development
- Financial Services
- Health Information Management
- Hospitality Management
- Pre-Business Administration
CSI is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
College of Southern Nevada
College offers these Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Casino Management
- Communication
- Computing and Information Technology – Software – Programming
- Computing and Information Technology – Software – Web Development
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- English
- History
- Hospitality Management
- Psychology
- Secondary Education – Life and Physical Science
- Sociology
- Special Education
- World Languages
CSN has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1975.
Colorado Christian University
Accelerated AA Courses in the following majors:
- Biblical Studies
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Computer Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
- Health Care Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Marketing and Sales
- Nonprofit Management
- Psychology
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia College
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Systems
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Fire Service Administration
- General Studies
- Human Services
- Environmental Studies
Columbia has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1918.
Columbus State Community College
- Accounting
- Arts & Sciences
- Business Management
- Criminal Justice
- Digital Photography
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Geographic Information Systems
- Health Information Management Technology
- Marketing
- Probation and Supervision
- Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Sport Management
- Supply Chain Management
CSCC has been proudly accredited by The Higher Learning Commission since 1973.
Crown College
- Business
- Christian Ministry
- General Studies
Crown is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Dakota College at Bottineau
- Accounting Technician
- Administrative Assistant
- Advertising and Marketing
- Caregiver Services
- Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Paraprofessional Educator
- Photography
- Recreation Management
- Urban Forest Management
DCB is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Davenport University
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Systems
- Finance
- Health Information Technology
Davenport is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Daytona State College
- Accounting Technology
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Technology
- Computer Programming and Analysis
- Criminal Justice Technology Bridge
- Industrial Management Technology
- Internet Services Technology
- Office Administration
Daytona State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Aeronautics
- Aviation Business Administration
- Aviation Maintenance
- Engineering Fundamentals
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Technical Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Accounting & Finance
- Arts
- Business Administration – General Administration
- Business Administration – Human Resources Management
- Business Administration – Marketing
- Business Administration – Operations Management
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Management Technology
- Fire Protection Technology
- General Education
- Healthcare Management Technology
- Hospitality Management
- Intelligence Studies
- School-Age Education
- Science
FTCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Florida Institute of Technology
- Accounting
- Aviation Management
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Healthcare Management
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State College – Jacksonville
- Accounting Technology
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Early Childhood Management
- Office Administration
- Supply Chain Management
FSCJ is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Foothill College
- Accounting
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Economics
- English
- General Studies / Social Science
- Geography
- Graphic & Interactive Design
- History
- Humanities
- Japanese
- Music – General
- Music Technology
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Women’s Studies
Foothill is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Forsyth Technical Community College
- Business Administration
- Business Administration – Import Export Compliance
- Business Administration – International Business
- Business Administration – Logistics Management
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Emergency Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Services
- Healthcare Management Technology
- Project Management Technology
- Supply Chain Management – Distribution Management
- Supply Chain Management – Global Logistics Technology
Forsyth Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Great Basin College
- Accounting
- Business
- Computer Programming
- Criminal Justice – Corrections
- Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
- Early Childhood Education
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- General Business
- Graphic Communication
- Human Services
- Infant / Toddler Education
- Land Surveying / Geomatics
- Network Specialist
- Office Technology
- Social Science
Great Basin is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Guilford Technical Community College
- Business Administration – General
- Business Administration – Human Resources Management
- Criminal Justice Technology – Corrections
- Criminal Justice Technology – Homeland Security
- Criminal Justice Technology – Law Enforcement
- Emergency Management Technology
- Information Technology – Computer Programming
- Information Technology – Database Management
- Information Technology – General Studies
- Information Technology – Network Management
- Information Technology – Security and Data Assurance
- Information Technology – Web Development
- Medical Office Administration
- Medical Office Administration – Healthcare Administration
- Medical Office Administration – Medical Billing and Coding
- Office Administration
- Simulation and Game Development
GTCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.
Gulf Coast State College
- Arts
- Early Childhood Education
GCSC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Hawaii Pacific University
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- General Studies
- Health Professions
- Homeland Security
- Mathematics
- Supervisory Leadership
Hawaii Pacific has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission since 1973.
Idaho State University
- Business
- Emergency Management
- Fire Services Administration
Idaho State is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Indian River State College
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Health Information Technology
IRSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana Wesleyan University
- Accounting
- Business
- Christian Ministries
- Computer Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Integrative Studies
Indiana Wesleyan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Jackson College
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- General Studies
Jackson is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice
- Fire Science
- General Studies
- Health Services Administration
- Homeland Security
- Information Technology
- Medical Administrative Billing & Coding
- Medical Assisting Science
- Paralegal Studies
Keiser is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Laramie County Community College
- Accounting
- Business Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Early Childhood Education
- Education
- Health Information Technology Management
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
LCCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University
- Accounting
- Apologetics
- Business
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Education (Non-licensure)
- History
- Information Systems
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Medical Office Assistant
- Paralegal Studies
- Psychology
- Psychology – Christian Counseling
- Religion
- STEM Mathematics
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Limestone College
- Business Administration General
- Computer Science Information Technology
- Computer Science Programming
- Liberal Studies
Limestone is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Lorain County Community College
- Business
- Economics
- English
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
Lorain County Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Metropolitan Community College
- Accounting
- Business Management Generalist
- Business Transfer
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice – Corrections
- Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
- General Studies
- Health Data and Information Management
- Health Information Technology Professional
- Information Technology – Cyber Security
- Information Technology – Data Center Operations
- Information Technology – Database Management
- Information Technology – Desktop Support Specialist
- Information Technology – Front End Web Development
- Information Technology – Programming for Database/Web
- Information Technology – Server Administration
- Management Information Systems
- Medical Coding and Billing
- Medical Office Management
- Office Technology – Administrative Assistant
- Office Technology – Office Professional
- Versatilist Information Technology
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Select from several online associate degree programs as listed below.
Miami Dade College
- Accounting Technology
- Business Administration
- Business Entrepreneurship
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Marketing Management – Entrepreneurship
- Marketing Management – International Business
- Marketing Management – Marketing
Miami Dade is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northeast Community College
- Accounting
- Administrative Professional
- Agriculture – College Transfer
- Behavioral Science
- Business
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice – Corrections
- Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
- Elementary Education
- General Studies
- Social Science
NECC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwest Iowa Community College
- Accounting
- Agriculture
- Art
- Business – Financial / Insurance Services
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Science
- Health Care Management
- Health Information Technology
- History
- Human Services
- Mortuary Science
- Music
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Sports & Personal Fitness
- Theater
- Web & Graphic Design
NCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer associate programs.
Odessa College
- Biology
- Business Leadership
- Child Development
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood – 6th Grade
- English
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Odessa is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
- Enterprise Development
- Pre-Professional Studies
OSUIT is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ozarks Technical Community College
- Accounting and Business Management
- Behavioral Science
- Business
- Business and Marketing
- Criminal Justice
- Health Information Technology
- Interdepartmental Studies
- Teaching
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Peirce College
- Business Administration
- General Studies
- Health Information Technology
- Information Technology
- Criminal Justice Studies
- Paralegal Studies
Peirce is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Penn State World Campus
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Human Development and Family Study
- Information Science and Technology
- Labor and Employment Relations
- Letters, Arts and Sciences
- Turf Grass and Science Management
Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Purdue University Global
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Fire Science
- Information Technology
- Legal Support and Services
- Nursing
- Public Safety and Security
- Small Group Management
Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Southern New Hampshire University
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Digital Photography
- Fashion Merchandising
- Information Technologies
- Liberal Arts
- Marketing
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Addictions Counseling
- Bible
- Business Administration
- Church Ministries
- Early Childhood Education
- Education
- English
- General Studies
- Human Services
- Intercultural Studies
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Social Studies
- TESOL
SAGU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
St. Petersburg College
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Technology
- Computer Networking
- Computer Programming and Analysis
- Crime Scene Technology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Forensics and Computer Investigations
- Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Administration and Management
- Fire Science
- Health Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Web Development
St. Petersburg is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Stanly Community College
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Human Services Technology
- Information Technology – Business Support
- Information Technology – Cybersecurity
- Information Technology – Network Management
StanlyCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
State Fair Community College
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Health Care Specialist – Nurse Aide
- Health Care Specialist – Pharmacy Technician
- Health Information Technology
- Management
- Medical Assistant
SFCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Strayer University
- Accounting
- Acquisition & Contract Management
- Business Administration
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Marketing
Strayer is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Three Rivers Community College
- General Studies
TRCC has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Trinity Valley Community College
- Accounting
- Business and Office Administration
- Computer Science
- Information Systems Support and Administration
- Legal Assistant Technology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Management
- Office Technology
TVCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Truckee Meadows Community College
- Administration of Early Care & Education
- Anthropology
- Business
- Community Health Science
- Computer Programming
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
- Early Childhood Education – Infant / Toddler
- Early Childhood Education – Preschool
- English
- Entrepreneurship
- General Studies
- History
- Logistics Management
- Mathematics
- Networking
- Office Management
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Secondary Education
- Spanish
- Web Development
TMCC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Tulsa Community College
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Systems
- Elementary Education
- History
- Information Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Psychology
TCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tyler Junior College
- Business
- Child Development – Early Childhood
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Education
- English
- General Studies
- Health Information Technology
- Healthcare Administration
- History
- Medical Office Management
- Paralegal
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
TJC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Alaska – Fairbanks
- Accounting
- Applied Business
- Arts
- Early Childhood Education
- Information Technology
- Paralegal Studies
UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
University of Alaska – Southeast
- Business Administration
- Fisheries Technology
- Health Information Management
- Nursing
UAS has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1983.
University of Delaware
- Arts
UDel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
University of Maine – Augusta
- Business Administration
- Business Administration – Accounting
- Business Administration – Financial Services
- Business Administration – Management
- Business Administration – Management Information Systems
- Business Administration – Small Business
- Computer Information Systems
- Information and Library Science
- Justice Studies
- Liberal Studies – Women and Gender Studies
- Mental Health and Human Services
- Music – Contemporary and Popular
- Public Administration
- Rehabilitation Therapy
UMA is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
University of Northwestern Ohio
- Accounting
- Agribusiness Marketing/Management Technology
- Business Administration
- Health Information Technology
- Legal Assisting
- Marketing
- Medical Office Management
- Office Management
- Specialized Studies
- Sport Marketing and Management
- Travel and Hotel Management
UNO is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of Phoenix
- Associate’s in Business Fundamentals
- Associate’s in Criminal Justice
- Associate’s in Information Technology
- Associate’s in Professional Focus
UOPX is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of the Cumberlands
- Associate’s in Business Administration
- Associate’s in General Studies
- Associate’s in Coaching
- Associate’s in Human Services
- Associate’s in Missions & Ministries
- Associate’s in Criminal Justice
- Associate’s in Psychology
- Associate’s in Public Health
- Associate’s in Information Technology Sciences
University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.
University of the Incarnate Word
- Business Administration
- General Studies
- Health Sciences – Administration
- Health Sciences – General Studies (Military Training)
- Information Technology
UIW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Toledo
- Accounting Technology
- Business Administration
- Business Management Technology
- Computer Network Administration
- Computer Software Specialist Technology
- General Studies
- Information Services and Support
- Programming and Software Development
- Technical Studies
UToledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Vincennes University
- Accounting
- Behavioral Sciences
- Behavioral Sciences – Psychology
- Behavioral Sciences – Sociology
- Business Management
- Business Management – Finance
- Computer Programming Technology
- Funeral Service Education
- General Studies
- General Studies – Business Studies
- General Studies – Technology Apprenticeship
- Health Information Management
- Law Enforcement
- Liberal Arts – Social Science
- Pharmacy Technology
Vincennes is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Wake Technical Community College
- Accounting
- Advertising & Graphic Design
- Business Administration
- Business Administration – Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice Technology
- Emergency Medical Science
- Fire Protection Technology
- Global Business Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Healthcare Business Informatics
- Human Resources Management
- Legal Office
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Office Professional
- Mobile Applications Developer
- Office Finance
- Office Professional
- Office Software
- Project Management
- Supply Chain Management – Distribution Management
- Supply Chain Management – Global Logistics Technology
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
Wake Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Wayland Baptist University
Accelerated Associate Degree Courses
- Applied Science
- Business Administration
- Human Services
- Justice Administration
- Religion
Wayland Baptist is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Weber State University
- Computer Science
- General Studies
- Health Information Technology
- Medical Laboratory Technician
Weber State is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Western Kentucky University
- Early Childhood Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Western Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Didn’t see an online school offering the accelerated associate degree program you are looking for? Drop us a comment below and we will give you a hand!
Accelerated Associate’s Degree Programs
Here’s a list of associate’s degrees that offer accelerated 8 week classes:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Programming
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Fashion Merchandising
- Fire Science
- Healthcare Management
- Homeland Security
- Hospitality Management
- Information Technology
- Legal Studies
- Marketing
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding
- Paralegal
- Psychology
Careers (rather than jobs) are often more long-term, offer more benefits, and usually have more overall job security.
Accounting
Online Associate’s in Accounting
Earning an associate’s degree in accounting can help you develop skills that you need for an entry-level job in an office or business setting.
Many graduates work as bookkeepers or clerks, or they serve as assistants to the people who hold those positions. Other people pursue an associate’s degree because they own a business and want the skills to do their own bookkeeping instead of outsourcing that task.
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Coursework may cover topics like taxation, auditing and payroll. Often, earning an AA or AS degree in accounting may allow you to transfer seamlessly into a bachelor’s degree program after graduation.
Business Administration
Online Associate’s in Business Administration
Studying for an associate’s degree in business can help prepare you for entry-level jobs in the business world. Industries to consider include sales, marketing, accounting, logistics and real estate.
During your schooling, you’ll likely study topics like taxation, statistics, international business, communications and business law. You may also gain computer skills that can help you become more organized or efficient at office tasks.
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After graduation, some students pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. Alternatively, pairing your associate’s degree with several years of professional experience may be enough to allow you to move into supervisory roles or positions with greater responsibility.
Computer Programming
Online Associate’s in Computer Programming
If you are interested in computer languages and how software and operating systems work, then you might enjoy pursuing an associate’s degree in computer programming.
Students of this discipline often study a variety of programming languages, such as Python and C Language. While earning your associate’s degree, you’ll likely learn about computer hardware and website design as well.
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After graduation, you might find an entry-level job that involves programming systems or software. You might also be able to use your degree to get a position managing networks, maintaining a company’s tech or teaching people how to use their work computers.
Criminal Justice
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice
For students who are interested in law enforcement and the court system, a criminal justice associate’s degree may be a strategic step toward a fulfilling career.
With an associate’s, you might be able to seek employment as a security officer, a corrections officer, a victim advocate or a caseworker. To help get you ready for a criminal justice career, you’ll study the judicial process, law enforcement, correctional facilities, law, ethics, and criminology.
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After graduation with an AA or AS degree, you might have the option to gain additional training that may qualify you to become a police officer.
Education
Online Associate’s in Education
If you are considering a career in teaching, an associate’s degree program in education can help you get started. Associate degree students learn about psychology, classroom management and teaching methods.
Although there are general associate’s in education degree programs available, you may also have the option of earning an associate’s in early childhood education or an associate’s in elementary education.
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After graduation, you may be able to teach in a preschool, work at a daycare or serve as a teacher’s aide in elementary or high schools. In some states, holding an associate’s degree qualifies you to work as a substitute teacher.
Fashion Merchandising
Online Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising
If you’re the type of person to whom friends regularly turn for clothing advice, then you may find success with a career in fashion merchandising.
To pursue this line of work, you can start by earning an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising. You’ll study marketing, sales, accounting, textiles, design and human relations.
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Your education may prepare you for employment in the buying department of a retail establishment or as the manager of an apparel store. Other job possibilities include working for a clothing manufacturer or opening your own shop.
Fire Science
Online Associate’s in Fire Science
Rescuing people and buildings from dangerous fires can be an extremely fulfilling career, but it’s important to gain the proper training.
Whether you already have a job in this field or are wanting to get started for the first time, an associate’s in fire science can help equip you with valuable information about the science of fires. You will also study combustion, fire suppression, fire prevention and legal codes.
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Students often study other emergency services as well as firefighting. After graduation, you might choose to gain further education with a certification or a bachelor’s degree program.
Healthcare Management
Online Associate’s in Healthcare Management
If you want to help organizations deliver quality health services to patients, then you may consider a healthcare management associate’s degree. This program can help you find employment as a medical assistant, a healthcare information manager or an administrator in a care facility.
During your schooling, you will study finance, communication, marketing and project management. You’ll also learn computer skills that can help you keep electronic records and run an office smoothly.
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After completing your associate’s degree program, you may be eligible to take a certification exam from the American Academy of Professional Coders or the American Health Information Management Association.
Homeland Security
Online Associate’s in Homeland Security
To help protect your country and your fellow citizens, you may go to college for an associate’s degree in homeland security.
With this degree program, you’ll often study terrorism, infrastructure, emergency services, disaster management and cybersecurity. You may also learn about the laws and policies that relate to homeland security issues.
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After graduation with an AA or AS degree, you might choose to pursue work as a security officer, or you may work for the Transportation Security Administration. Another option is to become an officer with a local city or county police department or a specialty police force.
Hospitality Management
Online Associate’s in Hospitality Management
If you love to create great experiences for others and help them feel at ease no matter where they are, then a career in hospitality management might be for you.
Professionals in this field often find employment with hotels, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, resorts, restaurants and bars. Some choose to become event planners. As you earn an associate’s degree, you may study marketing, customer service, tourism, management and business.
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After graduation, you may be qualified to hold a supervisory position, such as managing a housekeeping or restaurant team. You may also work at the front desk of a hotel.
Information Technology
Online Associate’s in Information Technology
An associate’s degree in information technology may give you the skills to perform entry-level jobs related to computers, networks or media.
You might choose to offer computer support services to businesses or individuals, or you may develop or maintain websites for companies. Some IT graduates are employed as tech managers or network specialists. In fact, trained tech employees are often in demand throughout many industries.
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Thanks to coursework that covers desktop management, software, STEM concepts, networks and project coordination, your associate’s degree can help prepare you for jobs in a wide variety of applications.
Legal Studies
Online Associate’s in Legal Studies
Are you interested in the legal system but aren’t sure that a career as an attorney is for you?
Perhaps you’d prefer to become a legal assistant or a paralegal. Earning an associate’s in the field of legal studies can help you prepare for those positions. Associate’s degree holders may also find work as legal secretaries, and they are sometimes responsible for finding information and data in titles and other legal documents.
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Classes for this degree program may cover contracts, wills, litigation, torts, research and ethics. After graduation from some programs, you may be eligible to take the Certified Paralegal Examination.
Marketing
Online Associate’s in Marketing
To enter the world of sales and retail, you may consider beginning your college education with an associate’s degree in marketing program.
People often pursue this degree in anticipation of a career in customer service, advertising or public relations. You might be responsible for marketing businesses, services or products through social media, catalogs, trade shows or networking. An associate’s in marketing program typically covers topics like accounting, economics, statistics and communication.
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Various types of marketing, such as digital and organizational, might also be covered in the classes. Some associate programs (AA or AS) include an internship component as well.
Medical Assisting
Online Associate’s in Medical Assisting
The medical field is always in demand. If you want to give healthcare a try, an associate’s degree in medical assisting may give you the opportunity to enter the field quickly without devoting years of your life to school.
Assistants often record patient data, take their vitals, prepare examination areas and help doctors and nurses as needed. In addition, assistants may do office work and keep records in order.
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In school, you’ll often study anatomy and physiology, computers, medical terminology and procedures, ethics, healthcare law, and insurance. After graduation, you may choose to move on to a nursing degree program.
Medical Coding
Online Associate’s in Medical Coding
If you enjoy working with data and are comfortable in healthcare settings, then a job as a medical biller or coder may be a good fit for you.
Earning an associate’s degree in medical coding will help you become familiar with the various codes used for medical records. While you are working on this degree, you will also learn about anatomy, illnesses, insurance, health law and policy, medical procedures, and billing issues, and you will gain computer skills.
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After completing your degree program, you may work in a hospital, a doctor’s office or a long-term care facility.
Paralegal
Online Associate’s in Paralegal
As with an associate’s degree in legal studies, a paralegal associate’s degree program can help prepare you to work in a law office. However, this particular degree program is specifically for becoming a paralegal.
In addition to their on-campus programs, a growing number of universities also offer online paralegal programs, which may allow you to earn your degree without interrupting your current job responsibilities.
As a paralegal, you’ll likely work alongside lawyers and help them prepare for their cases. Responsibilities may include conducting research and filing reports, and your firm can bill clients for that work that you do on their behalf. In school, you’ll learn about the law and explore legal issues, and your coursework will help prepare you to work with contracts, perform interviews and research past cases.
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Your degree program may qualify you to sit for the Certified Paralegal Examination.
Psychology
Online Associate’s in Psychology
Are you interested in the ways that people think and act? If so, you might want to go to school for an associate’s degree in psychology.
Your coursework may cover counseling, developmental psychology, relationships, human development and personality. Graduates often find work in a variety of fields, such as home health care, youth programs or case management. Others choose to work as aides in residential care homes, mental health settings or rehab facilities.
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The field of psychology offers even more opportunities to those with bachelor’s degrees, so you might elect to transfer your credits to a four-year degree program after graduation.
How Fast Can I Get My Associate’s Degree Online?
With a bit of effort, you can go from zero college credits to an online associate’s degree in as little as one semester. In order to do this, you might need to use a combination of the following methods to finish your associate’s degree program quickly.
- Select a college that offers online accelerated associate’s degree courses.
- Take a few 90-minute multiple choice exams for college credit hours. Most universities will give you between one semester (15 college credits) to one year (30 college credits) using this credit by exam method. Over 2,000 accredited universities accept this means of earning college credit. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert. Just borrow a study guide from the library, take a few practice tests, and then take the exam.
- Get college credit hours for your life experience, work experience, and/or military experience.
Using these 3 methods, the answer to your question – how fast can I get my associate’s degree online – is fast, very fast!
How Many College Credits Is an Associate’s Degree?
At most colleges, an associate’s degree program is 60 semester credits (or 90 quarter credits, if the school is quarter-based).
Since the majority of entry-level classes are worth 3 credit hours, 60 credit hours is the equivalent of about 20 college classes.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate’s Degree?
In a traditional, campus-based setting, it will take about 2 years to complete your associate’s degree program. To finish in 2 years, you will likely need to take 10 college classes each year.
If you want to finish your degree in less time, you may enroll in accelerated online courses and test out of some of your general education program requirements. Together, these two strategies can help you complete your online associate’s degree program in 1 year or less.
Can You Earn an Associate’s Degree Online?
Yes, you may earn an associate’s degree online in a wide range of subjects, including business administration, liberal arts, criminal justice, accounting, psychology, and sociology, among others.
If you want to finish at a faster pace, you will likely be interested in online accelerated associate’s degree programs.
Accelerating Your College Degree
Earning your associate degree online and through a fast track program will likely be a bit different from earning it in a more traditional setting, so here’s the important stuff you need to know.
There are three main types of fast track formats:
- Accelerated degrees
- Degree completion programs
- Accelerated courses
Each format is designed for students who are in different places in their educational careers. If you have no college experience, for example, you may want to find a degree program that offers a fully accelerated associate’s degree from start to finish.
If you have some college experience and have worked toward a degree in the past, you may enroll in a fast track degree completion program. These programs allow you to use credit you’ve earned in another degree program to accelerate your degree completion process.
In as little as a few class sessions or semesters, you may be holding your associate degree.
Accelerated courses are a bit different in that they are not full degree or degree completion programs. You may find these courses through accelerated programs or through regular online programs.
These courses enable you to take classes that meet for five to eight weeks (instead of the traditional 16 week semester schedule) so that you may complete more credits per year.
With this format, you may complete enough credits to earn your entire degree in a single year if you were to consistently take classes each time a new session rolls around.
If these accelerated classes sound scary because so much is crammed into so little time, then you might sprinkle in a fast track class when you need or want one. Summer can be a great option for these formats.
Types of Associate Degree Programs (AA, AS, AAS)
There is not one single type of associate degree that everyone earns. These degree programs are catered to your interests and future career options.
There are three main types of associate degrees:
- AA (Associate of Arts)
- AS (Associate of Science)
- AAS (Associate of Applied Science)
The first two degrees listed (AA and AS) are usually pursued by students who intend to go on and earn a bachelor’s degree (whether on campus or online), though it’s not required. You may find a job with an AA or AS.
An AA degree may land you a position in general education as a teaching aid or assistant, for example, without the requirement of holding a bachelor’s degree.
Students who pursue an AAS in various fields typically go on to the workforce right away. Many can enter into high paying career opportunities immediately.
For example, paralegals make an average of $52,920 per year, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Paralegal work is a career opportunity that is available to those who earn a paralegal AAS, which is available in an accelerated associate’s degree format online.
No matter the associate degree program you pursue, you may be able to choose from a variety of concentrations, including business, communication, accounting, criminal justice, information systems, and human services. Basic core courses will be required in addition to courses that address your specific field.
A typical associate degree program takes two years to complete, but an accelerated associate’s degree may be completed in half the time.
What to Expect from an Online Accelerated Program
Earning an accelerated associate’s degree won’t be easy and can’t be done with little to no effort. You will be required to cover the same amount of material as a degree program that’s not accelerated, which means you’ll have less time to learn the information. Don’t let this scare you, though.
Many people who work and care for families successfully complete their online accelerated degrees and go on to find rewarding positions in their fields that pay well. Know what to expect before going in, though, and try to mentally plan ahead.
Think right now about where in your schedule you would fit in online lectures, assessments, and reading. Do you usually watch TV on the weeknights? You may have to substitute it with study time. Sacrifices will most likely have to be made to complete your accelerated online degree, but the long term payoffs far outweigh those short-lived inconveniences.
If you’ve never taken courses in an online degree program before and aren’t sure what to expect, here’s a brief overview.
All of your course material and lectures will usually be made available to you online through a platform that the college chooses its students to use. You may be required to watch lectures and then take online quizzes or exams.
You can usually do all of this work when it’s convenient for you, as long as you submit work by the announced deadlines each session. In other words, you may watch lectures and learn the material in the middle of the night if that’s convenient for you.
Online programs are quite flexible and allow you to choose when and where (your home, a local library, your workplace while on break) you want to work toward your degree.
Salary Boost and Career Possibilities with an Associate Degree
In today’s job market, people are wondering if it’s really worth it to get a degree. The simple answer is yes.
The U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics found that for workers between the ages of 25 and 34, the average annual salary for someone without a high school diploma was $29,300.
If a worker has a high school diploma, the average annual salary gets bumped up to $35,000. If a worker holds an associate degree, however, the average annual salary is $40,000.
In other words, if you earn an associate degree—which, in an accelerated format can take you less than two years—then you may earn, on average, almost 30% more than someone who only has a high school diploma.
It may not even cost you the difference in pay to earn your associate degree, which means you may start benefiting from that pay increase the first year you’re in the workforce with an associate degree.
All of the research points to the fact that people who hold degrees are more likely to make a higher salary than people who don’t. The financial advantages are easy to see. What might not be as obvious to some people is that by simply holding an associate degree, your career and job opportunities might increase as well.
Many job positions will only consider candidates with an associate degree or higher. It’s easy to understand why: During an associate degree or accelerated associate’s degree program, you will be trained in a specific field and may be able to demonstrate desired skills when you go on the job market.
Since a high school diploma only indicates general knowledge and little to no relevant training for the job market, you often won’t be as appealing an applicant as someone with an associate degree.
Choosing an Accelerated Degree Program
With so many online educational degree choices out there, it can be overwhelming to sit down and research programs before deciding which ones to choose. These categories or considerations are going to be the most important to you right now and in the future.
They are not the only ones, and if you’ve identified other considerations that are make or break for you, don’t leave them off your research list.
Fast Online Associate’s Degree Programs You Can Finish in 1 Year or Less
Some of the most popular accelerated associate degree programs that can be earned online and in an accelerated format include:
- Accounting
- Animation
- Business Administration
- Child Development
- Communications
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Culinary Arts
- Design Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- Education
- Electronics Engineering
- Emergency Medical Services
- Entrepreneurship
- Fire Science
- General Studies
- Graphic Design
- Health Informatics
- Health Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Management
- Homeland Security
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Insurance Billing and Coding
- Legal Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding
- Medical Office Administration
- Medical Transcription
- Ministry
- Network Administration
- Network Security
- Nursing
- Paralegal
- Physical Therapist Assisting
- Psychology
- Public Safety Administration
- Retail & Sales Management
- Software Application Development
- Small Business
- Sonography
- Special Education
- Surgical Technology
- Theology
- Web Development
- Web Programming
- Wind Energy Technology
You may find almost any major or specialization that might be of interest to you in an accelerated associate degree program. Many times, if you develop appropriate and relevant skills in one degree field, you may be eligible for a job in a related degree field.
With the online format, though, the choices that are available to you are vast since there’s no need to move or travel to take classes. Online degree options may give you access to the most useful associates degrees from wherever you are in the world.
Financial Aid and Tuition
Let’s face it, many people choose an accelerated associate degree because it can cost less than a more traditional platform. That is not a given, though, so be sure to understand all the costs and fees associated with the program you’ve chosen.
Many accelerated associate degree programs add fees like a “registration” fee or “proration” fee that can add up to hundreds of dollars each course session. If tuition and fees aren’t clearly stated on the university’s website, get in touch with someone and inquire. There may also be hidden fees for actions like if you drop a class after registering for it.
Requirements
Most accelerated associate degree programs will require you to have a high school diploma or GED. Some, though, will have other requirements that may not be as obvious. Some of these may include:
- A certain GPA
- Minimum age to get started
- Specific technology to complete coursework online
- A fee to apply
These accelerated associate degree requirements should be clearly listed on the university’s website. If not, get in touch with someone at the university and ask.
Accreditation
If you’ve spent any amount of time on our website, you’ve probably seen this buzz word come up a number of times. It’s a very important word and one that is easily forgotten when searching for accelerated associate degree programs.
Look for either regional or national accreditation when choosing a program. If you select a field that has a national or regional accrediting agency specific to that field, only select programs that have gone through the accreditation process.
Earning College Credits Before Getting Started
The knowledge, skills, and life experiences you already have might earn you credit toward your degree, making your time to completion even shorter. You may earn credit toward your accelerated associate’s degree in these ways:
- Military service or training
- EMT or Fire and Rescue training (or similar)
- Certain scores on exams like AP or IB exams in high school
- Credit by Exam via CLEP, DSST, or DANTES exams
- Certification or licensure (RN, or EMT, for example)
Many people overlook the exam possibilities listed here. For example, you can sit for a CLEP exam in 33 different core subjects, like History and Literature. If you pass any of those 90 minute exams, you may earn up to six hours of credit toward your core requirements for each one. Accelerated associate degree programs often utilize several methods of acceleration.
Transfer Credits into a Bachelor’s Program
One of the best parts of accelerated associate degree programs is that they offer you the ability to easily transfer credits into bachelor degree programs.
For example, if you earned your Associate’s in Human Resource Management, you may more easily transfer credits into an accredited online bachelor’s degree program. Then, you might only have to complete 2 more years of college to get your bachelor’s degree.
Other Benefits of Getting an Associates Degree Online Fast
So, we’ve mentioned the potential salary and career benefits of earning an accelerated online degree, but there are some other benefits that may seem less obvious. Online learning allows you to get your degree when it’s most convenient for you. And, if you want to continue by earning your bachelors degree at an online college, that option may also be available to you.
For one, completing a degree often demonstrates to future employers that you are dedicated to learning. It may also indicate that you are trainable, a quality most employers look for in potential job applicants. Completing an accelerated degree program may show that you can learn a wealth of information in a short amount of time, a valuable skill in the workforce.
Additionally, now that even the most prestigious online colleges are offering accelerated associate degree programs, you may even be able to earn your associate’s degree from a well-respected and top-ranked college or university.
Lastly, you may not be on the market for a bachelor’s degree right now, but credits from your associate’s program may transfer toward a bachelor’s degree down the road. And if you choose an accelerated format for your bachelor’s degree, you may be well on your way to holding that degree in your hands, too.
Of course, the online aspect of fast track online degree programs is it offers flexibility and convenience. Plus, they usually save you money. The online format may also afford you the opportunity to network with students and instructors from around the country, a possible advantage when you go on the job market with your new degree.
Networking is especially important, since Business Week reports that the best way to find and secure a job is through word of mouth and through the social and business connections you have made.
Inside Higher Education reports that more than 14 million jobs are held by people who hold associate degrees in this country. An associate degree can be a valuable asset when searching for jobs, and accelerated associate’s degree programs may give you a convenient, affordable way to attain that asset.
