Career Prospects after Associate Degree Programs

Are your secondary schools not up to the mark? Or maybe you want to kick start your career sooner than the four years it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree? Or are you looking for ways to save some cost on your higher education? If your answer to any of these questions is a yes, then you should pursue an associate degree.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, associate degree programs can be defined as, “An award that requires completion of an organized program of study of at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time academic study or more than 60, but less than 120 semester credit hours.”Unlike other diploma and certification programs, associate degree programs are considered as recognized higher education programs.

Moreover, associate degree programs can be completed in a period of two years which, when compared to the four year course are quite less. Associate Degree Programs at the community college even accept students who have low high school test grades or a passing score on a high school equivalent degree and give them a chance at redemption. Additionally, under certain conditions, the credits earned in an associate degree program can be transferred to bachelor’s degree; you will not only save time but also receive a more hands-on experience for the two years you spent getting the associate degree.

There is a general perception that associate degrees do not have much scope at workplace, however, this is not true at all. Depending upon the field in which you have earned your associate degree, your career prospects may vary. But, the truth remains that you can still carve yourself a good career with an associate’s degree. Associate degree programs offer students more practical experience and teach them job focused skills which are preferred by many employers.

Here is a brief list of career opportunities available in different fields after associate degree programs:

1. ARTS & DESIGN

Earning an associate degree in desktop publishing, multimedia or graphic arts may open many avenues for you. Making a career in animation, industrial designing, interior designing, fashion designing. Art associate degrees can also help you become an artist or webmaster.

2. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

With an associate degree in the field of business administration, there are a number of career prospects that you can avail. You can work as an accounting technician, human resource assistant or import-export clerk. The job you land up depends entirely upon the major you select.

3. COMPUTERS

With an associate degree in general computing, computer programming, computer networking, or computer support, you can become a computer technician in your chosen area. Moreover, associate degree programs provide a strong base for further education in computer sector.

4. COMMUNICATIONS

For those who fancy working behind the screen of a television or on the radio, an associate’s degree in telecommunications is the way to go. An associate degree in communications will make you competent to become a television or radio technician.

5. CONSTRUCTION/METAL TRADE

With an associate’s degree, you can start working as an electrician, metal worker or construction trade worker as soon as you complete the course. Becoming a supervisor also becomes easy if you have apprenticeship experience accompanied with an associate’s degree; the degree speeds up your climb on the job ladder.

6. LAW ENFORCEMENT & FIRE SAFETY

Associate degrees in criminal justice, security, or corrections combined with on the job training are a requisite for working in some police departments or correctional institutions. With an associate degree in the aforementioned fields, finding a job in private security or inventory protection becomes easier, too.

7. HEALTH INDUSTRY

With an associate degree in your chosen health field, you have the opportunity to become a registered nurse, dental hygienist, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, radiation therapist, radiological technicians, diagnostic worker, and many more. There are a plethora of job options available in the health industry with an associate’s degree.

8. LEGAL

With an associate’s degree in law, you can become a paralegal, a legal assistant or a legal secretary who assist lawyers and helps out with conducting legal research, gathering evidence, writing and reporting.

As you can see for yourself, the future looks amazing even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree; just enroll in associate degree programs and fast track your way to your dream career!