An Overview of an Associate of Science Degree
An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a two-year program that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a four-year degree or enter the workforce. It is an undergraduate degree offered by community colleges, technical schools, and universities. The purpose of the degree is to prepare students to transfer their credits to a four-year college or university, or to gain entry-level employment in a specific field.
What is included in the degree varies from school to school. Generally, the degree requires general education courses in topics such as mathematics, English, science, social sciences, and humanities. Depending on the school, there may also be additional major-specific requirements.
Benefits of Earning an Associate of Science Degree
Earning an AS degree has many benefits for students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “students who earn associate’s degrees are more likely than those with only a high school diploma to be employed and to have higher earnings.”
One of the primary benefits of earning an AS degree is increased job opportunities. With an associate degree, students can apply for jobs that require a college degree but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. This can lead to higher salaries and better job security. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical assistants with an associate degree is $33,610, while medical assistants without a college degree make a median wage of $29,960.
Another benefit of earning an AS degree is that it can make transitioning to a bachelor’s program easier. Many schools have agreements with four-year universities that guarantee admission for students with an associate degree. This can save time and money, since students can apply credits earned from their associate degree towards their bachelor’s degree.
Common Coursework for an Associate of Science Degree
Coursework for an AS degree typically includes core requirements and elective courses. Core requirements are courses that all students must take in order to graduate, regardless of their major. These courses include topics such as math, English, science, and social sciences. Elective courses are courses that students can choose based on their interests and goals.
The types of core requirements and elective courses vary from school to school. However, some common courses include:
- Composition I and II
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Statistics
Potential Careers with an Associate of Science Degree
With an Associate of Science degree, students can pursue a wide range of career paths. Common industries for AS degree holders include healthcare, engineering, and technology.
In the healthcare field, AS degree holders can pursue careers such as medical assistant, dental hygienist, phlebotomist, and radiologic technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these occupations are expected to grow faster than average, with medical assistants projected to experience a 29 percent growth rate from 2019 to 2029.
In the engineering field, AS degree holders can pursue careers such as mechanical engineering technician, electrical engineering technician, civil engineering technician, and industrial engineering technician. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that these occupations will experience faster than average growth, with electrical engineering technicians projected to experience a 6 percent growth rate from 2019 to 2029.
In the technology field, AS degree holders can pursue careers such as computer programmer, network administrator, software developer, and web developer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that these occupations will experience faster than average growth, with software developers projected to experience a 22 percent growth rate from 2019 to 2029.
What to Look for When Choosing an Associate of Science Degree Program
When choosing an AS degree program, there are several factors to consider. First, students should make sure the program is accredited by a reputable agency. Accreditation is important because it ensures the quality of the program and makes it easier for students to transfer their credits to a four-year college or university.
Second, students should look for a program with experienced faculty members. Experienced faculty members can provide valuable advice and mentorship to help students succeed. Additionally, they can provide insight into different career paths and help students find internship and job opportunities.
Third, students should consider the cost of the program. Tuition and fees vary from school to school, so it’s important to compare costs before enrolling. Additionally, students should look for programs that offer financial aid and scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition and fees.
Finally, students should look for programs that offer career services. Career services can help students develop the skills they need to be successful in the job market. They can provide resources such as resume writing assistance, interviewing tips, and networking opportunities.
Financing an Associate of Science Degree
Financing an AS degree can be challenging, but there are resources available to help. One option is scholarships. Scholarships are awards of free money that do not have to be repaid. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria.
Another option is grants. Grants are similar to scholarships, but they usually come from the government or nonprofit organizations. Like scholarships, grants do not have to be repaid. Students may be eligible for federal grants, state grants, or private grants.
Students can also finance their degree with student loans. Student loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Federal student loans typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private loans.
Finally, students should explore financial aid resources such as websites, books, and counseling centers. These resources can provide information about scholarships, grants, and student loans. They can also provide advice on how to budget and manage debt.
Conclusion
An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a two-year program that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a four-year degree or enter the workforce. Earning an AS degree offers many benefits, including increased job opportunities, potential salary increases, and easier transition to a bachelor’s program. Common coursework for an AS degree includes core requirements and elective courses, and potential careers include healthcare, engineering, and technology. When choosing an AS degree program, students should consider factors such as accreditation, faculty experience, cost, and career services. Financing an AS degree can be challenging, but there are resources available such as scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid resources.
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