Why Online Associate Degrees Are Worth Your Attention and Time
Online associate degrees are quickly becoming the hottest ticket to fast and affordable career advancement opportunities. As a result, more and more adult learners are choosing to further their education online rather than at a traditional brick-and-mortar institution. With so many different associate degrees available, which ones should you consider? Which types of associate degree programs are worth your time and investment of resources? Read on for some answers. We live in a digital world that offers a number of advantages when it comes to pursuing an online education. An online program can be completed from anywhere with internet access and at any time of day that suits you. There is no need to commute or find child care or a sitter as there would be if you were attending classes at a traditional campus location. This article explains why you might want to choose an online associate degree program in your desired field of study instead of something more general, such
What is an Associate Degree?
An associate degree is an educational program that typically takes two years to complete. It represents the first two years of a bachelor's degree program, which is why it is often referred to as a "two-year degree." The goal of a two-year degree program is to give students a general education in a given field or subject area, allowing them to apply the knowledge they have gained in a variety of different occupations. For example, an associate degree in business is likely to cover subjects such as management, marketing, accounting, and finance. Students who earn an associate degree in business can then go on to finish their bachelor's degree at a four-year institution, choosing any major they want in the process. An associate degree is also sometimes referred to as an "AA" or "Associate in Arts" degree. This is because many associate degree programs start out with a focus on arts and humanities subjects such as literature and history.
Which Careers Should You Focus On?
If you have your heart set on a particular career path, you will probably want to start with associate degree programs in that particular field of study. Associate degrees provide a great foundation for a variety of different careers. With a two-year degree, you will probably not be able to go straight into a management-level position, but you will have a strong enough grasp of the fundamentals of your chosen field that you can quickly move into an entry-level position. This will enable you to start earning a steady income right away, which can be very helpful if you need to support yourself while finishing your bachelor degree. The following are some of the careers that are well-suited to associate degree holders. Accountants and auditors, business analysts, computer and information systems managers, computer programmers, database administrators, cyber security specialists, network engineers, database administrators, web designers and developers.
Online Associate Degrees in Computer Programming
If you want to pursue a career in software development, a computer programming associate degree program can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a certified software developer. Computer programming associate degrees will provide the basics of the field, including computer science, software development principles, and database management. You will also learn how to use specific programming languages, such as Java, C++, or Python. With these skills and credentials, you can then move on to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or software engineering, or get a job as a software developer.
Online Associate Degrees in Computer Software and Programming
A bachelor's degree is a much longer and more intensive educational program. While it does provide students with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, it does not provide the same level of depth and breadth of knowledge as associate degree programs in computer programming. If you have your heart set on a career as a computer scientist or software engineer, but you are not sure you can commit to the extra three years of study that a bachelor's degree program requires, an associate degree program in computer software is worth considering. An associate degree program in computer software will provide you with the fundamentals of computer science, as well as instruction in software development and analysis. You will learn about topics such as information systems, business intelligence and data warehousing, computer architecture and design, and software engineering. This will provide you with a strong foundation that you can build upon when you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Online Associate Degrees in Networking and Security
A network engineering associate degree program will teach you how to design, build, and maintain computer networks. You will learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot different types of equipment, including routers, switches, and firewalls. With a network engineering associate degree, you will be prepared to pursue a career as a network engineer or network administrator. Network engineering is a great field to enter if you want to be the person responsible for keeping a company's computer network running smoothly. A network admin is essentially a troubleshooter, who is called in when there are problems with the network and needs to figure out how to fix them. Network engineers also make a good salary, with median pay in the U.S. sitting at around $81,000/year.
Online Associate Degrees in Certification Programs
If you have your heart set on a particular career, but you lack the credentials to get the job you want, an online associate degree in computer networking certification program can help you gain those credentials. Many companies and organizations use certification programs to promote high standards of excellence in the fields they cover. Earning one of these certifications can help you break into the computer networking field. There are many different certification programs available, covering a wide range of computer networking topics, including: Wireless Networking, Network Security, Virtual Private Networks, Communications and Transmission Systems, Network Management, and more. Choose the certification program that most closely matches your desired career path, and then earn your associate degree. This will give you the knowledge and skills that you need to pass the certification exam, opening the doors to your desired career.
How to Find an Online Associates Program That's Worth Your Time and Money?
Finding an online associates degree program that is worth your time and money is not as simple as choosing the first one that comes along. Online associate degrees are very similar to traditional two-year degree programs, in that they are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce. You will be expected to complete a certain number of credits, including a certain number of credits in general education courses, a certain number of credits in major-specific courses, and a certain number of credits in elective courses. Before you choose an online associates degree program, make sure you know what you will be expected to do as a student. But, an online associates degree program is also very different from a traditional associate degree program. An online program is delivered online and electronically, as the name suggests. This means that you will not be attending lectures in person and you will not be attending class at a fixed time each week or each month. Instead, you will be expected to learn the material on your own, either through online video lectures, online textbooks, online interactive tutorials and simulations, and online discussion forums.
Conclusion
Online associate degrees are a great way to gain entry-level skills and establish yourself in a new career. The flexibility of online programs makes them an ideal choice for adult learners who have families and busy work schedules. These degrees are a great way to explore new fields while still keeping employment. They may also be a good choice for someone who wants to finish their education but doesn't want to travel to a campus, such as someone who is disabled and can't drive or a parent who has young children who need care. With an online associate degree, you can complete your studies from the comfort of your own home.