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Associate Degrees Built For You

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Associate Degree Programs

The benefits of earning an associate degree from DeVry University begin with our tech-forward curriculum, dedicated faculty and a focus on hands-on, experiential learning. Whether you choose to earn your associate degree online, take courses on campus or online, study part-time or attend full-time to earn your degree, you can help build new potential with a DeVry education.

Explore Popular Associate Degree Programs

Business

Information Technology and Networking

Health Information Technology

Discover Onsite and Online Associate Degree Programs

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Our embedded programs allow you to earn credentials that may qualify toward your degree, should you continue your education at DeVry.

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*This represents the Medical Billing and Coding Undergraduate Certificate, Associate in Health Information Technology and Bachelor’s in Technical Management with a specialization in Health Information Management. The figures displayed represent the minimum credit hours required for graduation. Additional coursework may be necessary to complete program requirements.

Choose the Right Associate Degree Program for You

At DeVry University we are here to support you every step of the way. If you’re not sure where to start, below is an overview of each of our associate degree programs. Need help deciding which degree is right for you, or whether a hybrid or online associate degree will work better with your schedule? Contact us and we can help you explore your options about requesting information.

Business

An Associate Degree in Business may help provide you with the interdisciplinary skills to get started in the world of business. Explore key concepts related to accounting, marketing, management and data analytics through activities that stimulate real-world decision-making scenarios. Four concentrations are available: Budgeting and Forecasting, General Business, Healthcare Business and Retail Management.

Health Information Technology

An Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT) can help you develop the skills needed to manage digital health information and technical systems. Explore the techniques used to help ensure that health information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility and security in electronic systems and paper files.

Electronics and Computer Technology

An Associate Degree in Electronics and Computer Technology can help you develop the skills needed to build, install, configure, test, maintain and repair high-tech electronic products and vital computer systems. DeVry University has a long history of preparing individuals to work in the electronics industry. We give students the opportunity to learn and test some of the latest hardware designs and software technologies.

Information Technology and Networking

An Associate Degree in Information Technology and Networking can be a great way to get started in the technology field. In this degree program, you will learn about networking, security, digital devices programming and operating systems. We offer three specializations: Automation and Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Programming and Network Systems Administration.

Network Systems Administration

An Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration can help you develop the skills needed to manage and maintain network and communication technologies. This degree program includes a focus on using network operating systems to manage large and small networks (LANs and WANs) including servers, routers, and switches.

Benefits of an Associate Degree

There are many potential benefits of earning an associate degree, which include but are not limited to:

  • Greater earnings potential: Graduates of associate degree programs may enjoy higher median weekly earnings than people with only a high school education.1
  • Enhanced skillsets: An associate degree can teach you the skills that employers require today. Many associate degree programs teach highly technical skills that may help set you apart from other job seekers.
  • Lower likelihood of unemployment: Graduates of associate degree programs are less likely to be unemployed than someone with only a high school degree.2
  • Personal satisfaction: Earning an associate degree can bring a great sense of fulfillment and satisfaction for meeting a personal goal that can help you pursue your career aspirations.
  • Serving as a Steppingstone to Further Your Education: An associate degree may cover the fundamental concepts you need to help tee you up for success in your pursuit of your bachelor’s. When part of a stackable program, classes taken in one program can stack directly into the next, so you put all your credit hours to good use.

Associate Degrees vs. Bachelor's Degrees

Both associate and bachelor’s degrees can be valuable preparation for your future but choosing which one to pursue ultimately depends on your personal goals and circumstances.

A few notable differences between associate and bachelor’s degree programs include:

  • Program Length: Associate degrees are generally shorter in length, taking about half as long to complete as a bachelor’s program.
  • Coursework & Skills: While a bachelor’s curriculum will dive deep into the specifics of your area of study as well as help you boost your leadership abilities; an associate degree tends to focus its coursework on general education courses that build your core skillset.
  • Career Potential: Associate degrees are designed to help you prepare for more entry-level jobs, whereas bachelor’s degree graduates may find that they meet the qualifications for a wider range of roles in their area of interest.

If you’re still unsure where to start, don’t fret. Some associate degree programs are stackable – meaning that the credits you earn can be applied directly toward a bachelor’s degree at DeVry should you choose to continue your education.

Requirements to Get Started With an Associate Degree

An associate degree program is a post-secondary degree. That means you’ll generally need to have a high school degree or its equivalent, such as a GED. Aside from that, requirements depend on the school and the specific degree program you are enrolling in.

To enroll in an associate degree program at DeVry, you must meet our admissions requirements. This includes criteria such as:

  • Completing an interview with an Admissions Representative
  • Meeting the age requirement
  • Having earned a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Completing a college-level skills evaluation

Additional requirements may apply depending on the program you choose to pursue, your previous college, military or work experience and other factors.

Associate Degree Trends and the Future

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning an associate degree can pay off in the long run. In fact, their 2020 research shows that graduates with an associate degree earned 20% more per week than those with only a high school diploma.

As technology skills become more relevant in roles across all industries, education requirements for many jobs may continue to rise as well. Regardless of the career you choose to pursue, you’ll likely need to know how to use a handful of applicable programs and tools.

For example, accounting professionals will need to know standard budgeting software, whereas medical billing and coding specialists should expect to have a solid understanding of today’s most common billing and coding software. Earning an associate degree is one way that you can get hands-on experience with these technologies as you prepare to pursue your goals.

Another trend that puts an increased focus on the value of an associate degree is the concept of stackable degree programs. Stackable programs allow you to earn your credentials in order – from undergraduate certificate to associate to bachelor’s – each time applying your previously earned credits to the next applicable degree program at DeVry. This allows you to gain skills and add a credential, such as an associate degree, to your resume as you continue to pursue your academic goals.

Choosing a Program

When it comes to choosing an associate degree program, here are a few things to consider:

  • Area of Interest: For example, you might know that you want to pursue a future in technology, but learning more about the specific facets of the industry can help you hone your studies in the area you’re interested in most – such as information technology or network systems administration.
  • Career Opportunities: Take some time to review job openings on sites like LinkedIn. What kind of degree is required for the roles that interest you most? The program you choose should support the career path you ultimately want to take.
  • Flexibility: Are you looking for flexible online associate degree programs? Year-round classes? The ability to study at your own pace? Different schools offer different learning options, so be sure to weigh your priorities when determining which program to choose.
  • Stackability: After completing your associate degree program, you might plan to continue working toward a bachelor’s degree. If this sounds like you, look for a program that stacks – so you can take the credits you’ve already earned and apply them toward a bachelor’s degree at DeVry without losing any of your hard work.

FAQs: Associate Degrees

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is a post-secondary undergraduate degree that typically takes between one and two years to complete. It represents the first level in the tier of post-secondary degree options and is followed by a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree. An associate degree helps provide the foundational skills and knowledge needed to pursue a variety of careers.

What are the different types of associate degrees?

There are three types of associate degrees. An associate of arts (AA) focuses on the liberal arts and includes fields of study such as the humanities and social science. An associate of science (AS) is as the name suggests focused on more scientific fields. Both AA and AS degrees typically include general education courses that can often be applied towards a bachelor’s degree. An associate of applied science (AAS) caters to a more specific field of study, such as DeVry’s Associate of Applied Science in Electronics & Computer Technology. All of these degree types can be earned through online associate degree programs.

How long does it take to earn an associate degree?

Because DeVry offers a variety of options for our students to customize their class schedules and course loads to fit their lives, the length of time it takes to earn an associate degree can vary. There are six sessions per year, and many students take one or two classes per session. To give an example of how long it can take to earn an associate degree, DeVry’s Associate Degree in Health Information Technology can be completed in as little as 1 year and 4 months, or even more quickly with qualifying transfer credits.*

Can you earn an associate degree online?

Yes, you can earn an associate degree online. If you’d like the convenience of attending college online, you’re offered the same quality education, whether your degree program includes courses online or in the classroom. For hands-on technology lab work, online associate degree students purchase kits required to complete their coursework. You can also check out more online degree programs that can be taken at home and remote locations.

How many years does it take to earn an associate degree?

How long it takes to complete an associate degree varies by program. At many schools, a full-time student can complete an associate degree in two years. This timeline can be longer or shorter depending on things like whether you’re enrolled full or part-time or if you have qualifying transfer credits. At DeVry University, you can earn your associate degree in as little as 1 year and 4 months* depending on the program you choose.

How many credits are required to earn an associate degree?

The number of credits you’ll need to complete an associate degree program depends on the specific program you choose and any transfer credits you may have. At DeVry, our associate degree programs require a minimum of 60 credit hours, with some being up to 71 credit hours or more. 

Is an associate degree worth it?

We think so! In fact, there are many potential benefits to earning an associate degree:

  • Build your skills in a specific area of study
  • Qualify for a wider range of career opportunities
  • Add a credential to your resume
  • Pursue your personal goals
  • Gain essential business skills

What can you do with an associate degree?

You can pursue many career paths with an associate degree. DeVry offers associate degree programs in the fields of business, technology and healthcare. Each program focuses on helping you develop essential skills for a particular career path:

Throughout your associate degree program and beyond, our Career Services team is available to help you explore job opportunities, perfect your resume and interview skills and take the next steps toward the future you want.

Why should I earn an associate degree?

If you’re looking to take the next step toward your future, an associate degree can be a great starting point. Associate degree programs generally require less credit hours and can therefore be earned in a shorter amount of time compared to a bachelor’s degree. It is a great way to build your skillset in your area of interest, add a credential to your resume and get started on the path toward your goals. Should you choose to continue your education, many of our programs allow you to stack the credits you’ve earned into a qualifying bachelor’s degree program at DeVry.

How do I transfer from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree?

Depending on the program you are enrolled in, some or all of your credits earned in your associate degree program may be eligible to apply toward a qualifying bachelor’s degree.

At DeVry, many of our programs are stackable. This means you can graduate with your associate degree and stack your credits into your bachelor’s program at DeVry when you’re ready. To learn more about which programs stack together, speak with an Admissions Representative.

"I've always been able to communicate with my professors frequently both in and out of class."

Donae Neish BS in Business Administration with an Accounting Specialization, 2016

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All students enrolled in site-based programs will be required to take some coursework online and, for some programs and locations, a substantial portion of the program may be required to be completed online.

1https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm
2https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm
*Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment. Additional program information may be found on our Degree Programs page.

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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Nashville Campus: 301 S. Perimeter Park Dr, Ste 100 Nashville, TN 37211. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system http://complaints.ibhe.org/ or by mail to 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Ste. 333, Springfield, IL 62701-1377. Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.