Accelerated Associate Degree

by Debra Talmut

What is an Associate Degree?

This is a type of undergraduate degree that needs a minimum of 2 years (60 semester credit hours) to be completed. When you graduate with an associate’s degree, you can opt to start working at the entry level or add another 2 years to earn your bachelor’s degree. Associates degrees are conferred by junior, community or technical colleges to show that you have satisfactorily completed a program with a broad base in general education and thorough knowledge on a specific area of concentration. An accelerated associate degree program curriculum is similar to a traditional associate degree program and will cover:

  • General education requirements
  • Major requirements
  • Electives

Learn more about Accelerated Associate Degree.

What is an accelerated associate Degree?

This is an exciting educational opportunity that allows you to complete an associate degree in less than two years. An accelerated associate degree program will give you the tools you need to graduate sooner than you would. An associate degree becomes accelerated if the school provides short class terms, or the school focuses entirely on the degree major, or the school has rolling admission where one can start classes at their convenience when they’re ready.

Why take an Accelerated Associate Degree
You would want to take an accelerated associate degree:-

  • To shorten time spent in school
  • To save on school fees
  • Since many accelerated associate degree programs will allow you to complete part/all of the coursework online, you will get the freedom and flexibility to study at your own pace without having to interrupt your career or family obligations
  • To establish a foundation for a bachelor’s degree

Major Types of Associate Degree Programs:

  • A.A. (Associate of Arts) degree – designed to allow a student transfer to a 4-year institution
  • A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science) degree – designed to prepare a student for a career entry or career advancement upon graduation after 2 years
  • A.S. (Associate of Science) degree – designed to allow transfer to a 4 year institution
  • Occupational Degree – can also be termed as ‘applied degree programs’. Designed specifically to prepare learners enter the workforce immediately upon graduation, although some courses can be transferred to 4 year institutions.