How Long Does it Take to Get an Associate Degree?

Are you looking to advance your work skills through an associate’s degree?

You’re not the only one. The demand for associates has never been higher. Employers look to hire higher-degree workers. This is especially the case in the technical, health, and service industries.

If you’re interested, you might be asking yourself: “How long does it take to get an associate degree?”. If so, then read on.

Below, we will be talking about how certain factors come into play when it comes to how long you can get an associate degree.

Credit Hours and Program

The time it takes to earn an associate of science degree can depend on the number of credit hours required by your specific program. Typically, an associate degree program consists of around 60 credit hours.

These credit hours are mostly divided into various courses. These include general education classes and major-specific courses.

Your choice between full-time and part-time enrollment can impact the duration of your journey. Going full-time typically takes two years. This means you’ll be taking around 15 credit hours each semester.

Meanwhile, if you opt for part-time study, you might take as few as 6 to 9 credit hours per semester. This flexibility is beneficial if you have work or family commitments. Keep in mind, though, that it also extends the time needed to earn your degree.

Transfer Credits and Prior Learning

If you’ve already taken college-level courses or have work experience related to your degree, you might not need to start from scratch. You can speed up your associate degree journey by getting credit for what you’ve already done.

One way is by transferring credits from another college or university you’ve attended. This means the classes you’ve already completed can count towards your associate degree.

You can also earn credits through exams like the College-Level Examination Program test. If you pass these tests, you won’t have to take certain courses, which saves you time.

Some schools even give you credit for work experience or military service. This means that your real-world knowledge can count towards your degree. This can shave off more time from your path to completing your associate degree.

Accelerated and Online Programs

Some schools have faster associate degree programs that you can finish in as little as 18 months. These programs have shorter but more concentrated classes. If you are looking to become one of the many associates in general studies, this can help you do it much quicker.

Also, you can opt for an online course for associates degree where you can study from anywhere and choose when to study. This is handy if you’re busy or don’t live near a college campus. It gives you more control over your schedule and can help you graduate sooner.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

So, how long does it take to get an associate degree? You can get one in as little as two years, and can open many doors when it comes to furthering your career. Remember, though, that the factors we discussed earlier will affect this duration.

Investing time and money can have long-term health and financial benefits and positively impact your future. If you’re looking for a rewarding program, consider getting an associate degree today!

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