What
You Need to Know about Distance Learning Charter Schools
Adult
Education Degree Online.
5 Ways to Stay Motivated.
How to Earn an Online High School Diploma as an Adult
Earn an Online Associate's Degree
Unique Ways to Celebrate Graduation
What You Need to Know About DETC Accreditation
How To Check Any Online
School's Accreditation Status in One Minute or Less
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Earn an Online Associate's Degree
Distance
learning colleges across the nation offer online associate’s
degree programs to students that want to continue their education from
the comfort of their homes. What are the advantages to earning an
associate’s degree online? And how can you find the right
program? Read on.
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Benefits
of Earning an Associate’s Degree Online
You
can earn an online associate’s degree in about two years.
Earning an associate’s degree can help you prepare you for
many
technical jobs such as medical assisting, computer repair, or
accounting. Additionally, many associate’s degrees give you
credits that can transfer to a university should you decide to continue
your studies. Online associate’s degree programs are
generally
more flexible than traditional programs. You can learn at your own pace
and take courses at any time of day. This is particularly helpful if
you have a full-time job or are raising a family.
Who
Should Earn an Associate’s Degree Online?
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Online
degree programs don’t work for everyone. In order to be
successful with unstructured coursework, you must have a high level of
self-motivation. You should be able to work independently and be
comfortable with deadlines. Since most online coursework consists of
reading and writing assignments instead of traditional lectures, it is
essential that students have proficient reading comprehension and
English fluency. (See also: Is
Distance Learning Right for Me?)
Before
enrolling in an associate’s degree program, make sure that
the degree and skills you will acquire will help you get the job you
want. Some technical jobs require associate’s degrees. But,
others require certificates that can be earned in less time than
earning a degree. And some simply require on-the-job training that can
be gained without spending thousands of dollars on coursework.
Of
course, if you plan to get a bachelor’s degree later on,
earning an associate’s degree can be a good way to fill many
of your general education requirements.
School
Accreditation
Accreditation
is the most important factor to consider when choosing an online
school. Accrediting organizations regularly review colleges to make
sure that they meet minimum quality standards. When employers and
colleges look at your degree, they will want to make sure that it is
approved by one of these organizations.
Any
diploma mill can claim to be “accredited.” But, not
every school is accredited by an organization that employers and
educational institutions will take seriously. When choosing a school,
make sure that it is accredited
by one of the six regional accreditation boards or by the Distance
Education Training Council (DETC). |
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If
your school is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting
boards, you will have the best chance of having employers take your
degree seriously and of being able to transfer credits to
other schools. If your school is accredited by the DETC, many employers
will take your degree seriously, but you may have difficulty
transferring your credits to other schools.
Alternatively,
if you are considering enrolling in career-oriented
associate’s degree program, acceptable schools may be
accredited by a career-focused accrediting association such as the
Accreditation Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
Make sure that the association is acknowledged by the U.S. Department
of Education. (See: How
to Check Any School’s Accreditation).
If
your degree is accredited by one of these associations, be aware that
it may be very difficult to transfer the credits if you decide to
change schools or continue your studies at a university.
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What Else
to Look for in an Online Associate’s Degree Program
In
addition to choosing a properly accredited program, make sure that the
school you choose has established a record of satisfied graduates and
offers you the chance to talk to a counselor about your studies. You
may also want to ask about possible internships and employment
services. Does the school offer any financial assistance? Can you get
credit for working in your field? Be sure that the program you choose
will help you meet your career goals. (See also: How
to Choose an Online School
The
Four Types of Associate’s Degrees
Not
all associate’s degrees are created equal.When selecting an
online associate’s degree program, you’ll
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need to
choose one of several different degree types. Here’s what you
need to know.
Associate
of Arts (AA) – The AA degree is made up of approximately 60
semester (or 90 quarter) college-level credits. The majority of the
courses taken in an accredited AA degree program should be able to
transfer to a university.
Associate
of Science (AS) – Like the AA, the AS degree consists of
approximately 60 semester college-level credits. AS requirements
prepare students to start careers or transfer to bachelor degree
programs that are heavy in science and math. The majority of the
courses taken in an accredited AS degree program should be able to
transfer to a university.
Associate
in Applied Science (AAS) – The AAS degree is designed for
students that do not intend to return to school after earning their
associate’s degree. The degree is earned to prepare students
for employment and also requires about 60 semester credits. Students
should be aware that most colleges accept AAS credits on a very limited
basis.
Associate
in Occupational Studies (AOS) – An AOS is a vocational degree
similar to the AAS. The degree generally requires about 60 semester
credits, the majority of which are concentrated in the major. AOS
degrees are not expected to transfer to bachelor programs at
traditional colleges.
The
Community College Option
Many
online associate’s degree programs are open to people from
all over the world. But, you may be able to save a lot of money by
enrolling in a local community college that offers online course
options. If you are a state resident, your community college will
probably offer you a significant tuition break.
Most
community colleges don’t offer associate’s degrees
completely online. But, you may be able to do a lot of the coursework
through the internet and attend night classes or once-a-week block
classes to make up the rest of the credits.
Alternatively,
you could take discounted online courses from your local college and
transfer them to a national online college when you are ready to
complete the
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remainder of your courses. Before you try this strategy,
check with both colleges to learn more about their transfer policies.
Earning
your associate’s degree online can be a challenge. But, in
just a couple years you’ll have a new line to add to your
resume and will be better prepared to succeed in the workplace.