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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 (). 

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. 

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: 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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​.

• 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.

• 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. 

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:

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.