With an increased rate of adult learners and online degree programs, many students are looking for the fastest and easiest associate degrees to increase their job options. On-campus students also prefer these accelerated programs to escape homesickness, crippling student loans, and the college journey’s social issues.
In this article, you will find some of the fastest associate degrees to get, including the easiest associate degrees to get online, and some colleges and universities that offer them to help with your school search. Additionally, we discuss the meaning, cost, and highest-paying associate degree jobs to help you make an informed decision in your search.
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What Is the Easiest Associate Degree to Get?
The easiest associate degree to get is an online Associate Degree in General Studies, Liberal Studies, or Education. Although these online associate degree programs have flexible curricula, how easy you find your coursework will depend on your learning abilities and style. As well, online classes are a good option, but they aren’t for everyone.
Schools That Offer Easy Accelerated Associate Degrees
The schools that offer easy accelerated associate degrees are online colleges, community colleges, junior colleges, and universities. Here, you can find flexible virtual and traditional classes to help students complete their programs at a fast pace. Below are some accredited institutions that offer these degrees.
Florida State College
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $104.88/credit (in state); $401.27/credit (out of state)
Florida State College offers online associate degree programs to students who want to expedite earning a certificate or degree. The online courses are affordable and allow students to obtain their degrees anywhere. The school has a 95 percent job placement and transfer rate.
Florida State College Accelerated Associate Degrees
- Associate in Science in Network Systems Technology
- Associate in Science in IT Security
- Associate in Science in Supply Chain Management
Grantham University
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Tuition: $295/credit
Grantham University is an online university established in 1951 for adult learners. It evaluates students’ training, exercise, and prior coursework for credit. The school has no class time but guarantees 24/7 access to the course materials and a user-friendly mobile app to help you get your degree when it’s most convenient for you.
Grantham University Accelerated Associate Degrees
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Applied Science in Medical Coding and Billing
Liberty University
- Location: Virginia, Lynchburg
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $390/credit (online, full-time); $455/credit (online, part-time)
Liberty University is a Christian University founded in 1971. The school offers over 700 unique degrees, including 200 undergraduate and 450 online programs. It also offers an affordable associate degree in a flexible eight-week course format and eight start dates at varying times each year. Liberty University also allows you to roll over your credits into a bachelor’s degree.
Liberty University Accelerated Associate Degrees
- Online Associate Degree in Accounting
- Online Associate Degree in Psychology
- Associate of Arts in Business
Howard College
- Location: Big Spring, Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $67/semester hour + $150 base amount (in district); $112/semester hour + $180 base amount (out of district, Texas resident); $159/semester hour + $200 base amount (nonresident)
Howard College is a community college in Texas. The institution has four big campuses in Big Spring, Lamesa, and San Angelo. It also allows students to transfer credits to bachelor’s programs at most public colleges and universities. As long as you have a high school diploma and decent grades, you can get into this college.
Howard College Accelerated Associate Degrees
- Associate of Science in Social Work
- Associate of Applied Technology in Education
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
Sinclair Community College
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Education Commission
- Tuition: $136/credit
With over 30,000 student enrollments, Sinclair Community College is among the largest community colleges in America. It offers over 300 degrees and certificates in specialized and technical areas of study. The school has transfer agreements with more than 100 universities. The institution also boasts of having one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio.
Sinclair Accelerated Associate Degrees
- Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Investigation Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
The 10 Fastest and Easiest Associate Degrees
| Degree | School | Required Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online Associate of Science in Public Health | American Public University | 8 – 16 weeks |
| Software Development Online Associate Degree | Champlain College | 15 weeks |
| Online Associate Degree in Business | Ashworth College | 6 months |
| Associate in Applied Science in Financial Technologies | Bismarck State College | 2 years |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science | Purdue University Global | 2 years |
| Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences | Nyack College | 2 years |
| Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice | University of Phoenix | 2 years |
| Business Administration Associate in Science Degree | Pensacola State College | 2 years |
| Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography | Baker College | 2 years |
| Associate of Arts in Marketing | Florida Institute of Technology | 2 years |
Easiest Associate Degree Programs and Their Jobs
Online Associate of Science in Public Health | American Public University
- Location: Charlestown, West Virginia
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $285/credit (in state); $250/credit (military)
- Required Time: 8 – 16 weeks
This degree program equips online students to promote optimal health by developing individual and community lifestyles through appropriate policies and incentives. The course utilizes clinical experiences and education courses such as healthcare and nutrition to explore its dynamic and controversial aspects. A wide range of careers is open to students studying in this area.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Associate of Science in Public Health?
- Cardiovascular Technologist | Average Salary: $65,943
- Sanitation Manager | Average Salary: $71,226
- Infection Control Practitioner | Average Salary: $78,741
Software Development Online Associate Degree Program | Champlain College
- Location: Burlington, Vermont
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $328/credit
- Required Time: 15 weeks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects software development occupations to grow 25 percent between 2021 and 2031. Champlain College guarantees a solid foundation of the technical skill set needed in this in-demand field through its online degree program. Distance learners will work with cutting-edge technologies to excel in this ideal program.
What Jobs Can You Get With Software Development Online Associate Degree Program?
- Project Leader, IT | Average Salary: $92,695
- Software Engineer | Average Salary: $88,899
- Software Developer | Average Salary: $73,999
Online Associate Degree in Business | Ashworth College
- Location: Norcross, Georgia
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $69/credit
- Required Time: 6 months
This online program from Ashworth College is an asset and advantage to everyone in the business field. In this degree program, professionals with field experience teach students the essential skills needed to master effective business practices through business management ethics, principles of business marketing, and other elective courses.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Associate Degree in Business?
- Human Resource Manager | Average Salary: $70,031
- Office Manager | Average Salary: $50,219
- Administrative Assistant | Average Salary: $40,928
Associate of Applied Science in Financial Technologies | Bismarck State College
- Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $280/credit
- Required Time: 2 years
Bismarck State College offers this degree program to prepare students to manage and analyze a business or organization’s monetary and financial aspects. Online students can customize this degree by completing major courses such as business communications, marketing, and direct field experience through practical skills from internship programs.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Applied Science in Financial Technologies?
- Fintech Sales | Average Salary: $94,327
- Fintech Specialist | Average Salary: $85,001
- Fintech Consultant | Average Salary: $92,279
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science | Purdue University Global
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $371/credit
- Required Time: 2 years
Purdue Global’s Fire Science degree builds essential skills in fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting tactics and strategies. This 90-credit degree gives students hands-on experience through an internship option and teaches students to apply real-world knowledge to the psychological effects of fire dynamics.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science?
- Fire Chief | Average Salary: $81,679
- Firefighter | Average Salary: $49,928
- Firefighter Paramedic | Average Salary: $59,490
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences | Nyack College
- Location: New York City, New York
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $750/credit (full-time); $1,125/credit (part-time)
- Required Time: 2 years
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 736,000 workers in the liberal arts field, earning an average annual salary of $50,000. Nyack College’s Associate of Liberal Arts and Science degree program teaches students the soft skills and critical communication strategies needed to secure an entry-level job among these employees.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences?
- Event Manager | Average Salary: $55,965
- Program Manager | Average Salary: $54,981
- Executive Assistant | Average Salary: $59,203
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice | University of Phoenix
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $398/credit
- Required Time: 2 years
The criminal justice online program is designed for those that want to pursue criminal justice jobs such as legal assistants or work in corrections. It explains the foundational component and societal issues in the criminal justice system. The 60-credit program is transfer-friendly once you optimize your certifications, transfer credits, and work experience.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice?
- Paralegal | Average Salary: $50,178
- Legal Secretary | Average Salary: $57,546
- Director of Operations | Average Salary: $95,444
Business Administration Associate in Science Degree | Pensacola State College
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $104.58/credit hour (in state); $114.58/credit hour (Alabama resident); $419.76/credit hour (out of state)
- Required Time: 2 years
Online students who desire occupations such as business managers, customer service representatives, and finance managers can take this course to get a broad foundation in business areas. The 60-credit program is also a preferred pathway into Pensacola State College’s business and management baccalaureate degree program.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Business Administration Associate in Science?
- Project Manager | Average Salary: $76,282
- Account Manager | Average Salary: $57,419
- Staff Accountant | Average Salary: $53,026
Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography | Baker College
- Location: Owosso, Michigan
- Online Option: No
- Tuition: $435/credit hour; $250/credit hour (military)
- Required Time: 2 years
Sonography is a medical terminology that explains the diagnostic procedure which uses ultrasound to produce visual images inside the body. Baker College’s cardiac sonography degree combines real-world experience and extensive clinical coursework. Students must complete 73 credit hours to obtain this degree.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography?
- Radiation Therapist | Average Salary: $82,790
- Technical Director | Average Salary: $124,783
- Medical Sonographer | Average Salary: $77,740
Associate of Arts in Marketing | Florida Institute of Technology
- Location: Melbourne, Florida
- Online Option: Yes
- Tuition: $1,188/credit hour (first 6 credits – on-campus); $594/credit hour (7 credits or more – on-campus); $1,188/credit hour (non-resident or online)
- Required Time: 2 years
Florida Institute of Technology’s Associate of Arts in Marketing equips students with the practical skills to understand marketing goods, services, and ideas. The 67-credit degree program teaches students to identify market segments, set prices, and estimate product demand. It also explores the relevant tools for startup marketing.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Art in Marketing?
- Product Marketing Manager | Average Salary: $94,347
- Marketing Manager | Average Salary: $135,030
- Marketing Specialist | Average Salary: $53,146
What Are the Fastest Degrees to Get?
The fastest degrees to get are accelerated associate degrees. However, they will require more time commitment and devotion since they allow you to obtain your degree faster. Although this might be difficult for adult learners or employees, the best accelerated associate degrees will pay off if you put in the work.
If you want to complete your studies quickly, you can also get an associate degree online fast. This is because you can typically study at your own pace and therefore complete the degree more quickly than the standard two years. An online associate degree program is the best choice if you want to get a degree quickly.
Fastest and Easiest Associate Degrees FAQ
What is an associate degree?
An associate degree is a two-year degree that you can obtain from junior colleges, community colleges, online colleges, and even some four-year institutions. It is between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree and guarantees entry-level positions in your field of study.
What can you do with an associate degree?
With an associate degree, you can pursue an entry-level job in your field of study or further your education. Another option is to use the associate program credits for a four-year degree such as a bachelor’s or advanced degree to give them a wide range of options when they finally enter the job market.
How long does it take to complete an associate degree?
An associate degree takes about two years to complete. That is because you can complete the number of courses required for this degree within two years if you enroll full-time. However, part-time students may require a longer time to complete their degree as they have to balance their academic pursuits with a part-time or full-time job.
How many associate degree credits can I get to transfer to a bachelor’s program?
The number of college credits you can transfer tp a bachelor’s degree program depends on the course you enrolled in and the program you intend to pursue. Some colleges and universities may also have agreements with your school to guarantee your associate program college credits transfer. You can also reach out to your college academic advisor to guide you on this.
