Online and Distance Learning

There are an increasing number of associate programs online and on campus. This page should help you to decide if this is an appropriate type of program for you.

Associate degrees can sometimes be confusing. Some lead to or are part of a four-year bachelors degree program, whilst others are totally different and instead provide vocational training to prepare students for the workplace.

This page seeks to provide some clarification by outlining the major types and comparing them, so as to enable you to select a suitable school and type of associate’s degree.

What are the benefits of an associate program?

There are at least three benefits of associate programs:

• Associate programs can help you prepare you for many technical jobs such as medical assisting, computer repair, or accounting. Some jobs only require certificates or on-the-job training, but many technical jobs require associate’s degrees.
• Many associate degrees (e.g., the Nursing associate programs online) give you credits that can transfer should you decide to take a bachelor's degree.
• You can complete associate degrees in about two years instead of the four years required for a bachelor's degree.

What types of associate programs online and on campus are there?

When looking for associate programs online or on campus you need to be aware that there are four different types: 

• Associate of Arts (AA) – The AA degree usually consists of 60 college-level credits in the arts and humanities area. The majority of the courses taken in these AA degrees online should be transferable to a university.

• Associate of Science (AS) – The AS degree consists of approximately 60 college-level credits in the science area. The majority of the courses taken in these associate programs online should be transferable to a university.

• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – The AAS degree consists of approximately 60 college-level credits and is designed to prepare students for employment. You need to be aware that the transfer of AAS credits is very limited.

• Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS) – An AOS is a vocational degree similar to the AAS. The degree generally requires about 60 credits. You need to be aware that the transfer of AOS credits is very limited.

What subjects can you take as associate programs?

There are many areas/subjects available as associate programs online and on campus. For example,  DeVry University offers: Accounting; Electronics and Computer Technology; Network Systems Administration; Health Information Technology; Web Graphic Design. As can be seen from the list below, Penn Foster College offers a wide range of associate programs online.

A few examples are shown below for selected schools - for more examples check the associate programs online for each subject.

Which schools offer associate programs online?

The following are selected schools that offer Associate Programs online

• Penn Foster College
  • Associate - Accounting
  • Associate - Business Management
  • Associate - Civil Engineering Technology
  • Associate - Computer Information Systems
  • Associate - Criminal Justice
  • Associate - Early Childhood Education
  • Associate - Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Associate - Electronics Technology
  • Associate - Fashion Merchandising
  • Associate - Finance
  • Associate - Graphic Design
  • Associate - Health Information Technology
  • Associate - Human Resources Management
  • Associate - Industrial Engineering Technology
  • Associate - Marketing
  • Associate - Mechnical Engineering Technology
  • Associate - Paralegal Studies
  • Associate - PC Maintenance Technology
  • Associate - Retail Management
  • Associate - Veterinary Technician

• American InterContinental University Online
  • Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration
  • Associate's (AABA) - Healthcare Administration
  • Associate's (AABA) - Human Resources
  • Associate's (AABA) - Information Systems
  • Associate's (AABA) - Medical Coding and Billing

• DeVry University
  • Associate - Accounting
  • Associate - Electronics & Computer Technology
  • Associate - Health Information Technology
  • Associate - Network Systems Administration
  • Associate - Web Graphic Design

• Kaplan University - Online
  • AAS in Accounting
  • AAS in Business Administration
  • AAS in Criminal Justice
  • AAS in Fire Science
  • AAS in Health Information Technology

• University of Phoenix Online
  • AA in Accounting
  • AA in Communications
  • AA in Criminal Justice
  • AA in General Studies
  • A in Health Care Administration

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also use this link to search for a program or a school near you.

For more information

Use this link to find programs and schools.

Use the search facility on this site to find more associate subjects and programs.

You can also use this link to search for associate degree programs

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.