An associates degree is generally awarded by community colleges and junior colleges. However, a few four-year colleges and universities also award the degree. You need about 60 credit hours to graduate from most associate programs.

If you enroll in courses full-time you can expect to earn your associates degree in about two years. Nonetheless as a part time student you have the flexibility of online classes as well as a wide choice of courses that you can complete within your program of study. Generally there are two options in associate programs.

There are two main categories of associates degrees: Those that prepare you for your professional degree and those that you can use to earn your four-year degree as transfer courses. The second type helps you work toward your general education (Gen. Ed.) courses or foundational coursework. Typically, programs are made up of general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. Full time study is equal to 4 semesters or 15 semester credit hours. Some accelerated distance two-year programs are also available online and most associate degrees online have many of the same requirements as on-campus or in-classroom courses.

Two-year degrees are available in a variety of areas in business and management, education, and liberal arts. Some online degree options to consider are business, accounting, nursing, criminal justice, education, early childhood development, computer and information systems, health administration, medical administration as an example.

Classes in general education are a major part of your associates program. More than likely you will be required to take classes in communications, mathematics, English composition, humanities, and social sciences. With this you will either get an associate in arts (A.A.) or an associates in science (A.S.) depending on the track you elect.

Professional and occupational degrees give graduates the option to get be qualified for entry-level jobs in the areas of computers programming or networking, graphic design, nursing, medical assisting, paralegal etc. Therefore they offer graduates the advantage of quick entry into their chosen career field.

In general, you would need to have a GED or high school diploma to be accepted into a degree program. In addition, ACT or SAT scores would be required. However, some colleges may accept equivalent or relevant work experience if you do not have a diploma. Check with your college of interest if this is the case.

With more adults working fulltime, yet wishing to return to college to get a degree or develop their knowledge and skills set, the need and demand for flexible online programs has also grown. One way to help you make the right decision is to conduct research on what online programs are accredited. In addition, also find out if they offer financial aid as an option to those who want to attend school full time.