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Associate Degrees Built For You

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Associate Degree Programs

An associate degree from DeVry University can help you acquire the skills you need to pursue an exciting new career. Take advantage of our tech-forward curriculum, dedicated faculty and focus on hands-on, experiential learning.

You can choose to earn your associate degree online, take courses on campus or online, study part-time or attend full-time to earn your degree. Whatever you choose, an associate degree from DeVry can help you discover new passions and build relevant career skills that can help you pursue your goals.

Explore Featured Associate Degree Programs

Business

Information Technology and Networking

Health Information Technology

Classes Start Every 8 Weeks

Whether you know exactly where you're heading, or you're still planning your next steps, it all starts with a simple conversation. Let’s talk.

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Demonstrate Skills at Every Step

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 as you build career skills in our classes. If you’re not sure where to start, this page can help you find the way to kick start your learning. Below, we've detailed our associate degree programs, the benefits they provide and what they entail. 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 our various associate degree programs and flexible learning options to find the one that's right for you!

Associate Degree in Business

An associate degree in business can help you develop the interdisciplinary skills needed to get started in the world of business. Through this degree program you'll explore key concepts related to accounting, marketing, management and data analytics. These concepts are taught through activities that simulate real-world decision-making scenarios.

Four concentrations are available for those who want to pursue an associate degree in business:

  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • General Business
  • Healthcare Business
  • Retail Management

 

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

An Associate Degree in Engineering Technology can help you develop the skills needed to apply basic engineering principles to solve technical problems, implement technical solutions and support engineers in the execution and maintenance of systems, processes, and technical operations. 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.

We offer three specializations for those who wish to get an associate degree in this field:

 

Associate Degree in Health Information Technology

Our associate degree in health information technology (HIT) is designed to help you develop the skills needed to manage digital health information and technical systems. In this program, you'll explore the techniques used to ensure the quality, accuracy, accessibility and security of health information in both electronic systems and paper files.
 

Associate Degree in Information Technology and Networking

Take the first steps toward an exciting career in IT by enrolling in an information technology and networking associate degree program. In this degree program, you will learn about networking, security, digital devices, programming and operating systems.

We offer three specializations for those who wish to get an associate degree in this field:

 

Associate Degree in Network Systems Administration

Develop the skills you need to manage and maintain network and communication technologies with this exciting degree program from DeVry. An associate degree in network systems administration can help you in today's technology driven world. 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: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates of associate degree programs generally enjoy higher average 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.1
  • 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 prepare you 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.2

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: A bachelor’s curriculum will dive deep into the specifics of your area of study and often also help you improve your leadership abilities. An associate degree tends to provide more general education courses that build your core skillset through hands-on learning.
  • 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.2

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 specific degree program you choose to pursue.

To enroll in an associate degree program at DeVry, you must meet our admissions requirements. This include:

  • 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 or GED. In addition, the unemployment rate for those with an associate was nearly two percentage points lower than those with just a high school diploma or GED.

As technology skills become more relevant in roles across all industries, education requirements for many jobs may continue to rise as well. Additional education can help you separate yourself from other applicants.

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 professional 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 – by applying your qualifying previously earned credits to the next applicable degree program at DeVry.2 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: You might know that you want to pursue a future in technology, but haven't decided which focus you'd like to target. 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. You may be able to take the credits you’ve previously earned at DeVry and apply them toward a bachelor’s degree, furthering the value of your hard work.

Once you have an idea of which program area fits your interests, click the following link to explore the  courses and programs offered at DeVry.

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 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.

Like other postgraduate degrees, an associate degree is targeted towards a specific field of your choosing. You should consider the career path you wish to take prior to choosing your degree program.

What are the different types of associate degrees?

There are three types of associate degrees. Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

  • Associate of Arts (AA): Focuses on the liberal arts and includes fields of study such as the humanities and social science. Common degrees in this field include law, business administration and psychology, though the classification of a major may differ from school to school.
  • Associate of Science (AS): 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. Some degrees in this category include biology, meteorology and physics.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS): This degree classification caters to a more specific field of study, such as DeVry’s Associate Degree in Engineering Technology. They are generally more geared towards career development and preparation than the other two types of associate degrees.

All of these degree types can be earned through online associate degree programs.

How long does it take to earn an associate degree?

At many schools, the average length of time it takes to earn an associate degree is just about two years. However, 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.

At DeVry, classes start every 8 weeks. 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.3

Can you earn an associate degree online?

Yes, you can earn an associate degree online. An online degree can be great for people who are already working or supporting a family, but would like to expand the career options available to them. Many students enjoy the flexibility that an online program offers when compared to the schedules of in-person learning.

If you’d like the convenience of attending college online, our online programs offer a consistent quality of education whether your degree program includes courses online or in the classroom. For hands-on technology lab work, online associate degree students participate with DeVry’s Internet of Things (IoT) Projects, which are designed to provide you with relevant experience with IoT, cloud, software and security technologies and systems.

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 qualifying transfer credits you may have. At DeVry, our associate degree programs require a minimum of 60 credit hours, with some requiring up to 71 credit hours or more. Most non-lab courses are worth either three or four credit hours, making the average number of courses required to earn an associate degree typically somewhere between 15 and 25 courses.

Is an associate degree worth it?

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

  • Build your skills in a specific area of study
  • Potential to prepare for a wider range of career opportunities
  • Adding a credential to your resume
  • Accomplishment of personal goals
  • Gaining essential business skills


In addition to these benefits, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that associate degree holders are slightly less likely to experience unemployment, and tend to earn a higher wage on average than those who have only a high school diploma or GED.

How hard is it to get an associate degree?

Like any degree, it takes focus and dedication to get an associate degree. That doesn't mean that it has to be hard, though. At DeVry, you can earn one in as little as 1 year and 4 months with our online courses.3 The difficulty of coursework will depend on your personal skill set and chosen degree program.

Getting an associate degree can be an excellent way to further your education and demonstrate your skillset to potential employers. At DeVry, many of our degree programs are stackable,2 which means you can put the credits you previously earned while obtaining your associate degree at DeVry toward one of our bachelor's degree programs should you choose to take your education even further.

What can you do with an associate degree?

An associate degree can open the door to a variety of different career paths. 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:

  • Business: Prepares students to get started in business by imparting core skills in marketing, accounting, management and data analytics.
  • Health Information Technology: Build your technical acumen and learn the skills needed to manage digital health information and industry-relevant systems.
  • Engineering Technology: Learn fundamental engineering principles as you explore how technology is used to improve processes in a production environment.
  • Information Technology and Networking: Take a deep dive into digital programming, networking, security and operating systems.


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 require fewer credit hours than higher level degrees such as a bachelor's and can therefore be earned in a shorter amount of time. It is a great way to build your skill set in your area of interest, add a credential to your resume and get started on the path toward your goals.

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 DeVry associate degree and stack your credits into one of our bachelor’s program when you’re ready.2 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.

1Elka Torpey, "Education pays, 2020," Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2021.
2At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
3Not including breaks. Assumes year-round, full-time enrollment.

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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/. 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. DeVry University Home Office: 1200 E. Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563.