This degree shows that applicants have specialized skills needed for the job market. Associate degrees in fields like accounting, business administration, and fashion merchandising also lead to entry-level jobs paying more than $30,000 with significant growth opportunities. With a Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to earn more money or get a higher-level position, but the time and money investment can be more intense. A bachelor’s degree is even more beneficial, and an MBA even more so. Liberal Arts Degrees are Worth it — Here’s Why. These career fields are fast-growing industries that require a special set of skills to be successful. In addition, tuition for Associate’s programs is significantly cheaper than that for Bachelor's degree—sometimes as much as 50% less. Copyright 2012-2020. Students need more information to help them find community college programs that deliver marketable skills and community colleges should reform A.A. programs to add elective skills-based courses or embed high-value, industry-recognized certifications into those courses of study. Possible careers with an associate’s degree will vary in terms of the type of associate’s degree, and the subject you major in. Is an associate's degree in Arts or Science worthless? From what I understand from the University that I will be attending, the General Studies is the best degree for me since I wanted a degree that would take the most of my credits. Degree Can Become a Better Path to Labor Market Success. AS and AAS degree programs typically prepare students to complete a bachelor's degree in the sciences and to begin a career, respectively; however, some AA programs can also provide the training required for entry-level positions in a career field. An AA degree can help gain these skill sets. Yes! But is an Associate's degree really worth it—and will it get you ahead in the job market? You can finish in two years or less But federal data shows that only about 10 percent of students who started at a community college in 2010 received a bachelor's degree six years later, according to the study, Saving the Associate of Arts Degree: How an A.A. The name was was incorrect. Not only will it give you more opportunities than a high school diploma, but you can usually transfer your credits towards a Bachelor’s degree. 145 views Many private schools will leave students in unreasonable debt compared to their earning potential. Continuing your education for an Associate degree or higher will help you develop the skills you need to excel in the career path in which you are interested and possibly earn more than $40,000 per year. For over 8 years, Degree Planet has been dedicated to helping college students like you find degrees that match your career goals and interests. I'll be graduating with an associate's degree at the end of the academic year, and I'm interested to hear if anyone has actually gotten a decent job with one. This reality has implications for both students and community colleges.". Have you ever wondered why so many of your successful friends and coworkers chose to get an Associate of Arts degree? According to the Bureau of Labor and Statics, the demand for those who have an Associate degree is growing. This degree path is helpful for those looking for a less expensive, convenient way to complete the first two years of a four-year degree. Some of these career fields include technology, healthcare, and transportation. About 32,000 job postings in 2016 specifically asked for an associate of arts degree. But as the cost of education increases faster than inflation, people are beginning to question how they spend their education dollars. Continuing your education for an Associate degree or higher will help you develop the skills you need to excel in the career path in which you are interested and possibly earn more than $40,000 per year. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. Many students starting college don’t have a clear idea of what major to choose. Students may transfer their degree credits to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in the arts or sciences. This type of a degree will not transfer to a Bachelors program for any school that is worth anything. Your first step should always be filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as FAFSA. "The conversation is not new to us. The associate degree is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students for life as an educated person, and to lay a solid foundation for further study. [2021 Guide], 20 Best Online Masters in Data Analytics [2021 Guide], What Can You Do With a Masters in Data Analytics? Yes, an Associates Degree in Business is worth it for many students. There are transfer centers at all four campuses and advisors work with students as soon as they enroll to make sure they are on the right path to transfer to a four-year school. Colleges need to establish strong ties with local employers, both to increase awareness of needed skills and to provide avenues for students into employment. With an associate degree in hand, you may also want to consider advancing to a bachelor's degree. Online associate degrees are also becoming more popular, due to their flexibility and affordability, allowing individuals to work while they study, often for a reduced price. Even if graduates don't transfer, they are sought by employers because they have a degree and are wiling to be trained, she said. An Associate of Arts degree provides a foundation in the liberal arts. An Associate in arts is a two-year degree program usually offered from a community college or technical school. Why would you pick anything other than a nursing degree? There are various jobs you can get with an Associate degree. Yes, an Associate of Arts degree is worth it. Five years after graduation, A.A. degree holders earn on average less than $40,000 per year. Below are some examples of careers to look at after you finish your two-year Associate’s degree. degreeplanet.com is an advertising-supported site. "Rather, we show that far too often A.A. degree holders fare poorly compared to either graduates who are completing an associate degree in a technical field or what they could earn had they mastered more marketable skills during their course of study in the liberal arts. Arts and Communications Careers: Job Options and Requirements. If you are looking to work in specialized fields and specific trade, you may find more opportunities than someone without an Associate degree. © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. Tri-C values the liberal arts, shown in the expansion and creation of the Mandel Humanities Center, she said. But only about 40 percent of those graduates transfer to a four-year school. Having the degree will prove to employers that you are willing to put in the time and effort needed to excel in your field. As student loans hit the $1.5 trillion mark and more and more graduates are faced wit… Associate 's degree other job applicants are doing various subjects qualifications than some other is an associate of arts degree worth anything opportunities to expand your options. Better your education, you may find more opportunities to expand your career.... Also want to be the transfer degree - the beginning of the occupations that you are just wasting time effort! 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