Earning a college degree will broaden your horizons and give you a tremendous sense of pride about what you achieve. However, if you are considering college, make sure you explore all of your options. A four-year, bachelor’s degree is not the right step for everyone. You’ve got to determine what’s right for you, and maybe that’s an associate of arts degree (A.A.).
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than 674,000 people earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from each year. That’s more than a half-million people, and all were taking steps to better themselves in a way that you might be considering right now.
To be sure if you’re making the right decision, you need to be informed. Here are five things to know about an A.A. degree that will help with your education decision.
1. It Takes Just Two Years
The best part about an associate of arts degree is that in as little as two years, you can secure a college degree. You’ll take several general education classes that will shape your intellect and help you determine your professional direction.
2. Finding Career Success
Make no mistake, broadening your mind is always a good thing, and an associate degree gives you a certain amount of professional leverage in the job market. Employment success with a two-year degree can be found in select fields and you may find that one of those fields is a great fit for you.
Your employment opportunities increase by having a college degree, and depending on your career desires, you can choose to further your education when the time is right for you.
3. Student-friendly Experience
Another important thing about earning an associate of arts degree is where it happens. The learning environment can be a critical part of your success. An associate degree is frequently offered at a community college or a small, four-year institution, which can vastly improve your chances for success.
Class sizes are usually much smaller, and the interaction between you and your instructors is more frequent and less intimidating than at larger institutions.
The benefits of a smaller educational environment are well documented, and it can be a great place to start your post-secondary education. The result is a student-friendly learning experience that is often a perfect fit for those just beginning their college career.
4. Stepping Stones
Many students use the associate of arts degree as a stepping stone into a bachelor’s degree program, which can provide even more employment possibilities. Others use the associate of arts degree courses to complete prerequisites before acceptance into an Associated of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program.
A college advisor can help you determine if this is the right option for you.
5. Where it Begins
Consider this: Science is a fluid field that is constantly changing based on new data and discoveries, and you could be a part of that with an A.A. in biological sciences degree. Research lab technicians often begin their careers with a biological sciences degrees. In such a role, you could be part of conducting preliminary research that paves the way for new products to make lives safer, more enjoyable, or more productive. Whether it’s environmental, medical, agricultural or another area, research and testing play a key role in product development.
In as little as two years, you could work in a lab, as a biological or agriculture and food science technician, or even a veterinary office. It can all begin with an associate of arts degree.
Earning Your Associate or Bachelor Degree from CUKC
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university that has been a leader in health sciences and chiropractic since 1922. The University’s College of Chiropractic degree program remains a cornerstone. The University’s College of Health Sciences programs can lead to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree and health care professions. Examples:
Discover how to get started on your path to earning a college degree with CUKC by requesting information today!
