What Can You Do with an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is a postsecondary degree that typically sits between an undergraduate certificate and a bachelor's degree in terms of academic level. Many associate degree programs are typically two-year degree programs, though the actual time it takes you to complete one may depend on a variety of factors.

Associate degrees sometimes serve as a starting point for an undergraduate education. In some cases, the credits you earn as part of an associate degree program may count toward a bachelor's degree, allowing you to earn a credential and put it to use before continuing your education.

There are many employers who hire people with associate degrees. However, keep in mind that while having an associate degree does not guarantee employment, degree-level may play a part or be one of many factors in a company’s hiring process. Ultimately, whether an employer will hire you with an associate degree depends on the company and the individual job description, so make sure that you fully understand the minimum requirements for any position you are aspiring toward.

Still, employment data shows that earning an associate degree may come with some advantages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who hold an associate degree typically experience lower rates of unemployment than those with only a high school diploma. They also indicate that those with an associate degree typically earn more on average than those with lower education levels.

At DeVry, we offer a variety of associate degree programs in several industries, including:

An associate degree differs from a bachelor's degree in a few ways. The first is an associate degree typically requires fewer credits to earn than a bachelor's degree program, which can contribute to the length of time it takes to earn the degree. In many cases, an associate degree can be earned in two years or less, while many bachelor's degrees are designed to take around four years to complete. These timelines can change, however, depending on the number of qualifying transfer credits you bring with you and the intensity of your course load.

Aside from the time it takes to complete, these degrees also represent different milestones in your education journey. An associate degree can be earned as a standalone credential or be earned on the way toward a bachelor's. However, an associate degree usually doesn’t represent the completion of your undergraduate education in the same way a bachelor’s does. For many, a bachelor’s concludes undergraduate education, but it can also set the stage to pursue graduate-level degree programs such as a master's or doctorate.

Most importantly, perhaps, is that an associate degree often prepares students for entry-level roles, teaching the core skills you need to pursue specific jobs. Bachelor’s degrees tend to help students take their skills to the next level, by layering on courses in areas like management, leadership and niche categories within your chosen field.