Guide to Online Associate Degrees
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Business Computer Science Education Healthcare & Human Services OverviewAn online associate degree offers several advantages: it's affordable, flexible, and convenient — allowing you to build job skills, prepare for career advancement, or transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree. Associate programs can be completed in about two years, with accelerated options available. Additionally, online study allows you to learn at your own pace, often without commuting or relocating. Many programs also cater to specific career paths, making it easier to enter the workforce or advance in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and business.
Business, Management & Law
Business has always been one of the most popular degree options, and there’s no shortage of options in every state. An online associate degree in business administration and management will likely explore a broad range of subjects, including marketing, financial management, supply chain, human resources, and organizational leadership. We’ve also included degree options for criminal justice and paralegal studies, which often lead to careers within law enforcement, rehabilitation services, or law firms.
Ultimate Medical Academy
- Recommend Rate: 88%
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a leading provider of online healthcare education, offering 8 associate degree programs and 3 diploma programs. Our programs are tailored to prepare you for a high-demand industry, with 1.8 million job openings projected annually from 2022-2032. At UMA, you can earn your associate degree in as few as 18 months while enjoying flexible online classes limited to 25 students. Our comprehensive support includes 24/7 technical assistance, personalized career guidance, and certification preparation. UMA is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and is committed to your success both academically and career-wise.
All Online Business, Management & Law Programs
Computer Science & Technology
As coding bootcamps have exploded in popularity over recent years, many students still prefer the traditional college route. Furthermore, an online associate degree in computer science or related field can be a more affordable option than committing to a four-year bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, several of the most prestigious tech companies have reported no longer requiring bachelor’s degrees for hiring job candidates. With an associate degree, students will learn the basics of cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, programming, and data management.
Columbia Southern University
- Recommend Rate: 79%
At Columbia Southern University (CSU), you can pursue your degree entirely online with an emphasis on flexibility and affordability. Catering to working professionals and others balancing life commitments, CSU offers over 129 active degree programs ranging from associate to doctoral levels. With courses such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Health Care Management, you benefit from a tuition rate that is less than half that of competitors, with free textbooks included. Recognized by Quality Matters for their excellence, CSU supports a diverse student body from 82 countries and offers over 450 courses.
All Online Computer Science & Technology Programs
Education & Teaching
An associate program within education is a great first step for aspiring teachers before pursuing advanced degrees. We’ve highlighted popular options for educators interested in the flexibility of online learning. Please note that while many colleges offer fully online coursework, education degrees often require some form of in-person requirements involving classroom instruction or assisting.
The University of Arizona Global Campus
- Recommend Rate: 69%
At the University of Arizona Global Campus, our flexible online degree programs cater to your busy lifestyle. Through our accredited courses, you can pursue your academic interests in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, and Health Care. Our programs last 5-6 weeks, enabling you to manage other life responsibilities. Notably, we offer up to three weeks of risk-free classes with our UAGC Promise, no application fees, and no standardized testing requirements. Whether you're starting fresh or transferring credits, UAGC supports your educational journey in achieving a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at your own pace.
All Online Education & Teaching Programs
Healthcare & Human Services
Even before COVID-19, the healthcare industry has been growing at a rapid pace and shows no signs of slowing. Students interested in hospital work, counseling psychology, nursing, or assisting the business operations of medical facilities should consider an online associate degree in one of these fields. Numerous jobs within healthcare do not require an advanced degree beyond the associate level, so these programs could be a great start to a lucrative career.
Ultimate Medical Academy
- Recommend Rate: 88%
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is a leading provider of online healthcare education, offering 8 associate degree programs and 3 diploma programs. Our programs are tailored to prepare you for a high-demand industry, with 1.8 million job openings projected annually from 2022-2032. At UMA, you can earn your associate degree in as few as 18 months while enjoying flexible online classes limited to 25 students. Our comprehensive support includes 24/7 technical assistance, personalized career guidance, and certification preparation. UMA is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and is committed to your success both academically and career-wise.
All Online Healthcare & Human Services Programs
Overview of Online Associate Degrees
Can You Earn an Associate Degree Online?
Yes, you can earn an associate degree online at 608 accredited institutions, which includes both two-year community colleges and four-year universities. And there are 43 colleges and universities that are 100% online schools that offer associate programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics ().
You can earn an associate degree online at over 600 accredited institutions.
An Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science provide you with a well-rounded education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as well as specific courses related to your chosen major and specialization. Alternatively, an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Business provides a more vocational pathway, blending essential academic foundations with a stronger emphasis on practical, career-oriented skills.
Any of these degrees can be considered terminal degrees that prepare you for immediate entry into the workforce, or they serve as a foundation for further higher education, such as a bachelor's degree. You’ll find many online community colleges to choose from, each offering its own benefits, as we’ll explore later. Alternatively, you can also pursue an associate degree at a four-year institution.
How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Associate Degree?
Associate degrees typically require the completion of 60 credits. At many colleges and universities, students fulfill these requirements over the course of two years of full-time study.
Associate Degree Quick Facts
However, we want to mention that a few of the predominantly or exclusively online schools offer accelerated programs involving condensed courses taught in shorter, 6- to 10-week terms. Depending on the subject you want to study and the amount of time you have, you may be able to earn an associate degree in as little as 12 months.
What Accreditation Do You Need?
Accreditation is the process by which independent agencies evaluate colleges and universities to ensure they meet recognized quality standards. Attending an accredited institution guarantees a quality education and is essential for eligibility for federal financial aid and transferring credits to another college. Most two-year colleges are accredited by bodies like the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), while four-year universities are typically accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) for online degrees.
Can AA Degree Credits Be Applied to a Bachelor’s Program?
Yes, they most certainly can. After earning an associate degree, you have the option of transferring to a four-year university to complete the remaining requirements for a bachelor's degree, which should take approximately two more years. There are a few potential advantages of doing this:
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Cost savings: Earning an associate degree at a community college often comes with lower tuition rates. This strategy allows students to pay less during their first two years of study while still receiving credit for their work when transferring to a four-year institution​. Your cost could be further reduced with financial aid for your associate degree, as the average award of combined grant and scholarship aid for students attending two-year schools — an average of — may exceed your school's tuition fees.
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Time to explore: The curriculum for an associate program includes many general education courses that are also required in a bachelor's program. This will give you enough experience with your major to decide whether you want to continue to study that subject or pivot to something else.
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Smooth transfer: Many associate programs are designed with articulation agreements, ensuring that credits transfer easily to four-year universities. This avoids the need to retake general education courses, making the transition seamless​.
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Clearer academic direction: By completing general education requirements during the associate degree, students enter the bachelor’s program with a clearer understanding of their academic interests and career goals, leaving the final two years of a bachelor's to focus on major-specific courses only.
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Increased flexibility: Transferring after an associate degree allows students to potentially choose from a wider range of four-year institutions.
Keep in mind that not all credits earned in an associate degree may transfer directly to your bachelor's program. In other words, a course fulfilling an associate degree requirement may not count toward your major in a bachelor's program.
EXPERT TIP
To avoid issues, decide early on where you'd like to transfer and review their transfer policies. Choose courses at your two-year school that align with your long-term academic goals. If needed, consult your prospective university’s transfer guide or seek advice from academic advisors at both institutions to ensure a smooth transition.
What Will You Learn in an Online Associate Program?
Students in online associate programs take foundational courses that build knowledge and skills in their chosen field while completing general education courses in areas like communication, math, and the social sciences. For example, in a business associate program, you'll cover subjects like marketing, financial management, and organizational leadership, while healthcare programs focus on medical billing, human services, or nursing foundations​. You'll also develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management, all of which are transferable to various career paths.
Popular Subjects
Many popular online associate programs focus on high-demand fields such as business, technology, education, and healthcare. Below are examples of some of the most common areas of study within these wide-ranging disciplines:
Business Administration Associate Degree
Within the realm of business, an online business administration associate program covers topics like marketing, financial management, supply chain, human resources, and organizational leadership. Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in office management, HR, sales, and marketing​, to name a few areas.
Computer Science Associate Degree
With the growing need for skilled tech professionals, an online associate degree in computer science is a solid choice. Students learn core subjects such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, and data management. These degrees can be a stepping stone to positions in IT, an in-demand field.
Elementary Education Associate Degree
An online associate degree in elementary education is a great first step for aspiring teachers. Courses focus on childhood development, instructional techniques, and classroom management. While a bachelor's degree is typically required for teacher certification, this program lays the groundwork for further studies and offers pathways to positions like teaching assistant.
Medical Billing Coding Associate Degree
Healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors out there, and an online associate degree in medical billing and coding fields prepares students for careers in hospitals, medical offices, or counseling services. Medical billing and coding professionals play a critical role in the healthcare system by managing patient records and insurance claims.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Value of an Online Associate Degree
An online associate degree is a strategic investment in both your professional and academic future. These programs offer the flexibility to balance life commitments while building foundational skills that are highly valued in various industries — from business to healthcare. Whether you seek immediate job opportunities or plan to transfer to a four-year program, an associate degree provides both practical training and the chance to explore different fields without long-term commitments. With careful planning and choosing accredited institutions, you can leverage this degree to fast-track your career or further your education.
If cost is a major concern, starting with an associate degree is a smart choice. You can also explore our list of the most affordable online associate degrees as a helpful starting point.
Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs
Enrolling at the DeVry University School was the best choice I’ve made. The university has enhanced my knowledge above and beyond. The professors are amazing at what they teach us. The entire faculty help and solve any problems that might arise. They are always giving good advice towards your education. GO DeVry UNIVERSITY!!!!!!!!!
Review Date: 2/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have never attended a better school than UMA!! They help you through every step of the way,they call you every week to check on you and they have interactive in your modules which are 100% amazing.The instructors you can email 24/7 and the response time is amazing.The feedback the instructors share just make you feel like family.I would most definitely 210% refer anyone TO UMA for all their educational goals.Thank you.
Review Date: 8/23/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Everyone is helpful and nice and care about you to graduate. They are always there to support you in everything you need. If you have questions they are there if you need help with your work they are there. I would diffently recommend them to my friends and family if they want to pursue a career in medical
Review Date: 9/3/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Enrolling at Ultimate Medical Academy was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From day one, the staff and instructors showed a genuine commitment to my success. The support system is outstanding—academic advisors, career coaches, and instructors all work together to ensure that students not only excel in their courses but also feel confident about their future in healthcare.
The curriculum is comprehensive, well-structured, and tailored to meet real-world demands. I felt challenged but never... Read More
Thanks to UMA, I gained not only the knowledge and skills I needed but also the confidence to enter the medical field with purpose and passion. I highly recommend UMA to anyone looking to start or grow a career in healthcare. Their dedication to student success is unmatched.
Review Date: 4/16/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
An adviser reached out to me to help me sign up for classes and settle my financial aid. They were extremely friendly and persistent in helping me, and I thought this would be a good sign that Baker cared about its students. Unfortunately, they just want you to sign up because the education they provide is the bare minimum they can give to charge you tuition. Teachers don't understand basic questions, and fumble with grammar and spelling. All my assignments were busy work. Teachers utilized the textbook... Read More
Review Date: 2/1/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Rasmussen College was completely fine until blackboard turned into blackboard ultra. Why fix something if it isn't broken.???? Blackboard ultra is one of the most terrible, disorganized set up there is. It is difficult to locate majority of the course material. It's more difficult to access live lectures unlike before. The course itself if fine but, blackboard ultra is the MAJOR issue and interference for learning.
Review Date: 4/6/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
UMA has sharpened my education and brought me to deeper understanding placing me in the right direction in the healthcare field. UUÖ±²¥ education brings me deeper independence. Thank you UMA, I am proud to be a PUMA! UMA has made my world is much brighter!
Review Date: 1/25/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Learning online can be very difficult, but Rasmussen has made it a little easier with so many resources. Professors are all knowledgeable and respond promptly. The library services, including tutoring, are all easy to access. I am only few classes into my degree, but am so far very satisfied with everything, including the layout of the website and ease of use.
Review Date: 10/17/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This was the best decision I've made. UMA was awesome. The staff was great and the classes were pretty easy. I graduated with a 4.0. I've seen some negative comments about calls and emails...well answering your phone or email is not a requirement. They are just calling to encourage you. They are a great support system for those that don't have any during the course of time. Make your choice based on what's good for you!!
Review Date: 7/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a current student of IU and I love this school! the program is acreditted and very well put together. I work as a respiratory therapy assistant while in school and I was hired because the program is recognized and approved by the CoARC. I am already seeing better opportunities for myself and I must admit it is difficult to find a clinical site, but start looking for one as soon as possible and once you have found one you are all set to study and complete clinical. I have been to a local college... Read More
Review Date: 6/8/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Health Information Management degree program under Associate of Applied Sciences is the best degree I could have chosen. This program prepares in every way for the field to make sure you're completely prepared.
Review Date: 8/6/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I started attending UMA in June 2015, I had just finished my medical assistant program and I was trying to decide what to do next. I spoke to a wonderful advisor and she informed me with all my background and training this would be the next step. I have enjoyed my time with UMA and have had such wonderful advisors. I was able to be apart of something big with joining the ambassador program, dean's list and ABK honor society. UMA is the way to go if your looking to further your education.
Review Date: 8/17/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UOP is basically one of those schools that tell you one thing but you will eventually end up doing another. I am currently earning my degree in psychology (Associates) and I wished I did more research on the school. Their tuition is beyond high and some of the classes are ridiculous because of the teachers hard grading. When it comes to academic and financial advisors, they basically talk you out of more money instead of doing things that fit you and your degree you are trying to earn. Also, you... Read More
Review Date: 6/11/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Wallace Community College is a great school for those coming right out of high school. They offer online class for those with a busy schedule. Wallace Community College is always looking for ways to help their students, and to make sure they do good.
Review Date: 8/5/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I signed up almost 2 years ago for an associates degree in web design, since then they have screwed up my classes by giving me advanced before the basics and did not make good for this was still charged 4600.00, they have started my last class before the student loan was finalized without telling me this and now am being billed for 10,000.00.
I am certain that something can be done to prevent this from happening to others and to get these debts squashed so our credit is not affected.
I am looking to... Read More
Review Date: 5/7/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Great Falls College MSU was fantastic at fitting in with my needs. Being in-state, the tution was fantastic and all of the staff have proven to be very caring and respectful. The advisors work hard to help you take classes for the field that want and to work with you through any concerns and problems. It also offers free tutoring to students who need help with classes and many times, you would be able to find the teachers in the tutoring center helping out the students on their free time. I would... Read More
Review Date: 4/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Hello fellow future classmates and people i would to give an overview of what this school is like for those who are skeptical , this school is extremely helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to academics. So as a transfer student from itt tech i saw how well i was learning and decided to continue my education , here as a network administrator or engineer i have learned many things through this school , it is very pleasant and flexible specifically i have learned things like how to configure cisco... Read More
Review Date: 5/2/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Aims Community College is the reason I am where I am today. Because of the flexible class schedules, low costs, and small class sizes at Aims, it only took me two years to receive a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Northern Colorado, which is a four year institution. Without Aims, I would not have been able to afford a college degree at all. I did not have any financial help, and I am so thankful that I found Aims, because it allowed me to follow my dreams of furthering... Read More
Review Date: 7/24/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Teachers are great, athletic department needs to be reviewed and revamped. They recuit too many athletes to make their enrollment larger. Too many students disappointed that they are "stuck" in a school that had no intention of playing them on the athletic team. The technical programs are not recognized by employers and are not an option in some of the drop down boxes when applying for jobs.
Review Date: 5/20/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
HIGHLY do NOT recommend attending Sullivan University. When you think youve paid enough on your tuition, they bump up your pay without you knowing. Also, Ive been paying on time for a bit 7 months now, and they neglected to inform me that Im not paying enough, so instead of paying $259 a month, I am supposed to pay $1,500 a month. That will screw your over badly. For your sake, dont get yourself in this mess.
Review Date: 6/11/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
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