There are certain benefits of acquiring an associate’s degree in science. Getting a job upon graduation is not one of them. Getting an entry-level job in the USA is the work of an associate’s degree in applied science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, learn what an associate degree in science is and what it would do for you before choosing it to start your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More high school graduates in the USA are choosing an associate degree instead of a four-year degree as it provides a quick route to enter a career path and start earning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)<\/a><\/strong>, about 4% of jobs in the USA were in occupations that require an associate’s degree for entry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, BLS estimates that an associate’s degree and postsecondary nondegree-level jobs in the USA will grow by 11% from 2016 to 2026. So, typically, more high school graduates will still choose an associate’s degree to begin the career of their choice. But while some kinds of associate degrees allow you to take jobs, the associate degree in science doesn’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, we will explain in detail what an associate’s degree in science (AS) really is. You will discover what it can do for you and how it differs from other associate’s degree. Read through this article to also discover the best schools to earn an AS degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we delve fully into what this article is about – what is an associate degree in science? – let’s first understand what an associate degree is. Why do students choose it? What are the benefits?<\/p>\n\n\n\n An associate degree is a post-secondary degree. This means that it is an undergraduate degree, but a lower form of it. Hence, unlike the normal baccalaureate degree that takes four years to complete, the associate degree takes two years to complete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, unlike the baccalaureate degree which you can get from a four-year accredited college, you can get an associate degree from community colleges and non-vocational institutes of higher learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What an associate degree does for students freshly out of high school is that it provides a faster, less expensive option of study. It is a program that prepares you for a four-year undergraduate program at College. Thus, it equips you with the basic knowledge of courses you’ll meet in a bachelor’s program as well as provides you with the basic skills you need to take certain entry-level jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not all that an associate degree does for you. Below are the full benefits of pursuing an associate’s degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get started with an associate’s degree see\u00a0How Long It Takes To Get An Associate Degree<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the career you’ve chosen, you may find an associate degree useful or useless. But in no way is this post-secondary degree useless, which is why it is still in existence and will continue to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, why should you pursue an associate degree program instead of other kinds of degree programs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you’re liking the idea of an associate degree, you should know that not all countries of the world recognize an associate’s degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, while it may be the minimum job entry requirement for some jobs in a country, it may not be a requirement at all for that same job in your country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, all the benefits of an associate’s degree will not pertain to you if your country does not recognize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, here are countries, according to Wikipedia<\/strong><\/a>, that recognizes or once recognized associate degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An associate degree varies by your area of study. So, it is either arts-inclined or science-inclined. Based on this, there are four major kinds of associate’s degree programs that you can choose from. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Associate of Science degree is the right option for you if you’re going for a career in the mathematics and science field. On the other hand, an Associate of Arts degree is ideal if you’re going for a career in the arts, humanities, and social science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, here are other variants of the Associate degree, based on program, that you will find in the USA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n An associate degree in science (AS) is a two-year degree that you can take in a community college that prepares you further to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a four-year college. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the ideal degree for you if you are fresh from high school, you wish to pursue an education in a medical or science-related field, but are not sure how to go about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This degree program provides you with foundational knowledge that makes a four-year institution easier for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, you will find community colleges that have a transfer agreement with four-year accredited colleges in their state. So, you’ll be taking credits in your AS that meet the program requirements of the school you are transferring to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like all other kinds of the Associate degree, a typical Associate Degree in Science takes two years to complete. It can take 15 to 18 months to complete, however, if you take certain kinds of online programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most Associate’s degree in science degree programs are 60 credit hours programs, comprising of 20 courses. The program will have to fulfill general education requirements which include math, English composition, social science and humanities courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to general requirements, you’ll fulfill your concentration requirements or take electives in your preferred area of study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AS degree coursework varies by schools, so do well to check with a course advisor at your school to confirm the exact requirements for your program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Associate’s degree in Science is a general degree, so you may need to select a concentration on entering the degree program. Depending on your interest, you’ll be choosing any of the following concentrations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also specialized Associate of Science Degree programs that you can take such as Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, and Nursing. However, these programs usually fall under the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) category and may take a longer duration to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we talk about the Associate’s Degree in Science, some people merely think of an associate’s degree program. Thus, they are lost when we begin to classify associate degrees into AA and AS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, let’s get it once here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Associate Degree in Arts (AA) and Associate Degree in Science (AS) has a couple of things in common. Both degrees show that you have completed coursework that is similar to the first few years of a university’s bachelor’s degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, there are undergraduate scholarships<\/strong><\/a> that you can apply upon transferring to college. Also, both are transfer degrees that don’t require specific technical training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, their key difference is in their content. The Associate of Arts Degree is a post-secondary degree program that covers liberal arts and science background, placing greater importance on humanities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, the kinds of programs you’ll find here include Social Sciences, Humanities, Literature, Performance Arts, and Fine Arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, An Associate of Science Degree involves programs with a liberal arts and science background, but it places a greater emphasis on maths and science. So, when you earn an AS degree, you will most likely further to a BS in a science-related field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the more popular comparison in the world of associate’s degrees. This is because both focus on science and still have the associate’s degree tag to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what makes them different from each other?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The major difference between an AS and an AAS degree is that the AS degree prepares you for further education in your chosen science field, while the AAS degree equips you with the knowledge and skill to jump into employment in your chosen science-related career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, you will take the AAS degree for a highly-specialized educational path that is oftentimes technical in nature and focuses on a single career field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of AAS programs are Accounting, Web Development & Design, Nursing, and Teaching Assistant. On completion of any of these AAS programs, you can gain entry-level jobs in the USA and start earning a salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that an Associate of Science degree will not get you a job upon graduation but as an additional tip, here are jobs you can get with an AAS degree that are quite rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, an AS would also get you a job, but in most cases, you’ll need to further your education to reach these jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Associate’s degree in Applied Science will groom you to get a job a Computer Programmer in two years and earn up to $82,240 annually. Computer Programmers are the ones that create the code which computer applications and software functions with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purdue University Global’s\u00a0AAS in Information Technology\/Programming & Software Development<\/strong>\u00a0will get you going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases by using radiation treatments. With an Associates Degree in Applied Science, you can get a job as a Radiation Therapist and earn up to $80,570 annually as salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amarillo College’s AAS in Radiation<\/strong>\u00a0therapy is a wonderful program that can get you on your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nuclear Technicians are professionals who have received rigorous training to assist in nuclear research and energy production. Most times, an Associates Degree in Applied Science will get you a job as a Nuclear Technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the growth for this job is 1%,\u00a0Bismark State College’s AAS in Nuclear Power Technology<\/strong>\u00a0is a good start if you’re interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in medical imaging by using a safe dose of radiation to get information on the patient’s body for diagnosis and treatment. With an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, you can get a job as a Nuclear medicine Technologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A popular option is\u00a0Bronx Community College’s AAS in Nuclear Technology<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With An Associate Degree in Science, you can get a job as an Air Traffic Controller and earn up to $124,450<\/strong> annually. Air Traffic controllers are professionals who direct the flow of traffic at airports and other related job roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s\u00a0AS Aeronautics<\/strong>\u00a0will get you going in just two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that an Associate’s Degree in Science is very broad. It does not only include mathematics and science but also, social science. So, while you are deciding on where to get an AS degree, you must have decided on the program you wish to study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, you can get an associate’s degree in science from a community or vocational college either on-campus or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will proceed to show you some of the best schools (On-Campus and Online) in the USA to get an Associate’s Degree in Science Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our major criteria for selecting on-campus schools with the best AS degree programs is the number and variety of AS programs they offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To that effect, here are the top 5 on-campus schools to get an AS degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Glendale Community School is a community school located in Glendale, Arizona, USA. It is one of the best schools in the USA to get an AS degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Arizona community college charges between $42 and $401 as tuition per credit unit for its programs. Popular AS programs here include Mathematics, Business Administration, Aviation Studies, and Chemistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit School<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Raritan Valley Community College is another of the best colleges in the USA to get an Associates of Science degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of this New Jersey community College’s popular AS degree programs include Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Administration. The best part is that Raritan Valley’s tuition fees are cheap. It charges between $162 and $212.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mt, San Antonio College offers some of the best AS programs in California and the US. Some of their popular courses include Accounting, Hospitality & Restaurant Management, FAshion Design & Technologies, Business Administration, and Television Production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Westchester Community College, you can get AS programs such as Business Management, Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering Science, and Accounting for as low as $2,290 if you’re a New York resident and $5,885 as a Non-Resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Valencia College started in Orlando, Florida in 1967 and to date offers some of the best AS degree programs in the state. This Florida Community College’s popular AS programs include Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Film production Technology, and Network Engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you interested in becoming a Horticulturist quick? Then you should also see\u00a0How to Get A Horticulture Associate Degree Online? Schools, Programs, Cost<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTable of contents<\/h2>
What is an Associate Degree?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the Benefits of an Associate Degree Program?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Countries Recognize an Associate Degree?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What are the Types of Associate’s Degree?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is the Associate Degree in Science (AS)?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Specialized Programs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the Difference Between AA and AS Degree?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the Difference Between AS and AAS Degree?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
High Paying Jobs you can get with an AAS Degree<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Where Can I get an Associate’s Degree in Science Program? <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best On-Campus Schools for AS Degree Programs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#1. Glendale Community School<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2. Raritan Valley Community College<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3. Mt, San Antonio College<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4. Westchester Community College<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#5. Valencia College<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best Online Schools for AS Degree Programs<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n