[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Considering an associate degree? Educate yourself on popular majors and career expectations using these guides, rankings, and resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree can lead to dynamic job opportunities in many fields. The resources here can help you navigate your education by providing insight on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link] and programs, career projections, cost/benefit considerations, and common online majors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This comprehensive guide can help you discover hundreds of majors and career paths to become anything you want, starting with an online associate degree. Take the first steps towards your dream job by reading the guide below![/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”pursue”]Deciding to Pursue an Online Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are considering an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degree[/hen-ui-link], outside resources may offer guidance. For example, you can use rankings and online guides to clarify your questions around [hen-ui-link href=”/magazine/pros-cons-community-college/”]school choice[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]degree level[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The links below can help you [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]pick the right college[/hen-ui-link] and online program. They can also direct you to [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-community-colleges/”]ranked community colleges[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/popular-online-colleges/”]popular online schools[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/magazine/pros-cons-community-college/”]Should I Go to Community College?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]How to Pick a College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]How to Choose an Online Degree Program[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-community-colleges/”]The Best Community Colleges in the United States[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Rankings: How to Use Them[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing-major”]Choosing Your Major[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your major influences your career path, salary expectations, and future education plans. So be sure to do your research into majors for associate degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following links provide information on lucrative [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/associate-degree-jobs/”]jobs for associate graduates[/hen-ui-link], popular associate majors, and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]how to choose[/hen-ui-link] the right major for you. Associate degrees offer many majors, but our online guides can help you narrow down your top choices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]How to Choose Your College Major[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Most Popular Majors[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/highest-paying/associate-degree-jobs/”]25 High Paying Jobs You Can Get with an Associate Degree[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]College Majors List[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accounting”]Accounting Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree can lead to entry-level [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/accounting-degrees/”]accounting careers[/hen-ui-link] like accounting assistant, clerk, or bookkeeper. An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-accounting/”]associate in accounting[/hen-ui-link] can also help you earn credit toward a bachelor’s in accounting or another [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/accounting-degrees/”]accounting degree[/hen-ui-link]. With a bachelor’s in accounting, you can work toward becoming a certified public accountant.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-accounting/”]Accounting[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”art-design”]Art and Design Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The field of art and design offers creative careers for associate degree graduates. While you can become a graphic designer or web designer through work experience alone, an associate in art and design builds your credentials and lays the groundwork for career advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]From there, you can earn a bachelor’s in art and design or strengthen your resume with additional certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Graphic Design[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”business-management”]Business Management and Administration Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees can help people looking for entry-level work in business management and administration. Earning an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-business-administration/”]associate in business administration[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-management/”]management associate degree[/hen-ui-link] qualifies you for low-level manager or administrative assistant positions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also pursue specialty roles. For example, an associate in healthcare management can qualify you for work in healthcare. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-marketing/”]Associate degrees in marketing[/hen-ui-link] qualify you to work as a sales manager, and an online entrepreneurship associate prepares you to start your own business.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-business-administration/”]Business Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Healthcare Management [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-management/”]Management[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-marketing/”]Marketing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”computer-science-it”]Computer Science and Information Technology Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]Computer science and information technology[/hen-ui-link] associate degrees can secure you entry-level positions in technology companies. For example, an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-computer-science/”]associate in computer science[/hen-ui-link] qualifies you to work as a computer support specialist, web developer, or programmer.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-information-technology/”]associate in information technology[/hen-ui-link] can help you get a job as a computer support specialist or a network administrator. Associate degrees in network security prepare you for IT work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-computer-science/”]Computer Science [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-information-technology/”]Information Technology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”criminal-justice-legal”]Criminal Justice and Legal Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many kinds of criminal justice and legal studies degrees at the two-year level, and many criminal justice and legal studies professionals hold associate degrees. For example, you only need an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-criminal-justice/”]associate in criminal justice[/hen-ui-link] to work as a bailiff, correctional officer, or victim advocate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Likewise, you only need an associate in legal studies to become a legal assistant, and many paralegals also hold degrees from [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-paralegal-programs/”]paralegal programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-criminal-justice/”]Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”education”]Education Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to teach, you can start with an associate degree. Many schools offer online associate degrees in [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-early-childhood-education/”]early childhood education[/hen-ui-link], qualifying graduates to work as preschool teachers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-education/”]online associate in elementary education[/hen-ui-link] can lead to work as a substitute teacher or early childhood educator. Finally, an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-education/”]online associate in education[/hen-ui-link] can prepare you to pursue an education bachelor’s or a paraeducator job.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-early-childhood-education/”]Early Childhood Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-education/”]Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-elementary-education/”]Elementary Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”medical-dental-nursing”]Medical, Dental, and Nursing Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many healthcare-related jobs require advanced degrees, but you can also pursue specialized jobs in the medical, dental, and nursing fields with an associate. Many associate-level healthcare jobs focus on administration, management, and IT. For example, specialized healthcare associate degrees that can lead to entry-level work in medical office administration, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-assisting/”]medical assisting[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-healthcare-administration/”]healthcare administration[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-billing-and-coding/”]medical billing and coding[/hen-ui-link], and health information technology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition, you only need an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-dental-assisting/”]online certificate in dental assisting[/hen-ui-link] to work as a dental assistant. A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-pre-nursing/”]pre-nursing program[/hen-ui-link] can help you become an LPN, while an associate qualifies you for RN licensure in most states.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-dental-assisting/”]Dental Assisting[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Health Information Technology[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-healthcare-administration/”]Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-assisting/”]Medical Assistant Programs [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-medical-billing-and-coding/”]Medical Billing and Coding[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-pre-nursing/”]Pre-Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”psych”]Psychology, Human Services, and Social Work Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The psychology, human services, and social work fields all employ associate degree-holders. An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-social-work/”]associate in social work[/hen-ui-link] qualifies you for work as a general caseworker or to enroll in a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/social-work/”]social work bachelor’s[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similarly, an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-human-services/”]online human services associate[/hen-ui-link] or psychology associate qualifies you to work as a social services assistant, research assistant, or youth counselor. Psychology associate graduates often go on to earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology/graduate-programs/”]graduate degree in psychology[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-human-services/”]Human Services[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Psychology[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-social-work/”]Social Work[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”theology”]Theology and Religious Studies Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is common for aspiring religious leaders to earn associate degrees in theology and religious studies. An [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-theology/”]online associate in theology[/hen-ui-link] or religious studies can lead you to both secular and religious careers in education and human services. More [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/theology-degree/”]advanced degrees in theology[/hen-ui-link] prepare you for specific secular and religious roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-theology/”]Theology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”trades”]Associate Degrees for Career Paths in the Trades[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To work a trade, you often only need a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/trade-schools/”]certificate from a trade school[/hen-ui-link] and professional experience. However, an associate degree can increase your chances for career advancement. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/construction-skilled-trade-careers/”]skilled trade careers[/hen-ui-link], like construction work, welding, and plumbing, pay well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some trade careers require a college degree. For example, an online associate in homeland security qualifies you for specialized law enforcement jobs. It’s important to weigh the value of [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/trade-schools-vs-college/”]trade school vs. college[/hen-ui-link], depending on your career needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Homeland Security[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pursuing an Online Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While pursuing an associate degree, you may wonder [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]what online colleges are like[/hen-ui-link] or what to look for in an online college. There are many advantages to online learning, but it helps to be prepared. You can use our online learning checklist to get started.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The links below also cover online college basics, helping you find the right tools for success in an online classroom. You can also learn about [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-programs-courses/”]asynchronous and synchronous online learning[/hen-ui-link] and the advantages of community colleges vs. for-profit schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]The Best Online Colleges & Universities[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]What to Look for in an Online College[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Essential Tools for Online College Students[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”paying”]Paying for Your Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]Paying for online college[/hen-ui-link] can be difficult, and nobody wants to be in debt from [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link] after graduation. Our financial aid and scholarship resources can help you find financial support for your associate degree — or for your online bachelor’s, if you continue your studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following links cover essential financial aid topics for college students, including [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]online college scholarships[/hen-ui-link], college finance management, and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/”]affordable online bachelor’s degrees[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]TheBestSchools’ College Finances Guide[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]How to Find Scholarships for College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/paying-for-college/”]Paying for Online College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]What You Should Know About Student Loans[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Getting a Head Start on Your Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are in high school and planning to pursue an associate degree, you can get a head start with dual enrollment and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-earn-college-credits-in-high-school/”]early college credit programs[/hen-ui-link]. Our online guides explore how high schoolers can earn college credit in high school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also learn how to leverage your senior year and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer credit to online college[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-earn-college-credits-in-high-school/”]Seven Ways You Can Earn College Credits While Still In High School[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]Online Colleges and Transferring Credits[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Recent Publications for Prospective Associate Degree Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are always new developments for prospective associate degree students. You can learn about them through magazine articles, blog posts, and scientific studies on contemporary issues, such as distance education in the age of COVID.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are a few of our news resources relevant to associate degree-seekers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”619,8002,6446″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing an Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can You Earn an Associate Degree Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many community colleges and four-year universities and colleges offer fully online and hybrid associate degrees. These programs typically take 60 credits and two years to earn.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are Online Associate Degrees Worth It?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online associate degree from a regionally accredited school is worth just as much as a traditional associate degree. However, you should avoid associate programs from for-profit or unaccredited institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Are the Best Two-Year Degrees to Get?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate of science or associate of arts are the most transferable to a bachelor’s program, while an associate of applied arts is often the fastest way to an entry-level trade career. Which option is best depends on your career and education goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: shironosov | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]