The Best Careers With an Associate's Degree
It is universally acknowledged that holding any type of college degree increases a person's earning potential over their lifetime. The global job market requires more and more training for jobs as "blue collar" work becomes more automated. If you were recently laid off, you might want to consider starting your advanced learning with an associate's degree.
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What Is an Associate's Degree?
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A bachelor's degree and an associate's degree are not the same thing. An associate's degree requires only two years of study to complete, usually at a community college, although two years in a bachelor's program is considered roughly equivalent. Many "online universities" allow students to earn their degrees through a distance learning program.
Types of Associate's Degrees
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Most students complete their associate's degree at a community college. Associate's degrees come in two varieties: one that prepares the student for a vocation and one that leads to a four-year program. The occupational associate's degree still requires core classes, but the classes involve more hands-on training with equipment a student is likely to use in employment after graduation.
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Highest-Paying Careers
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Those who take a two-year degree with more vocational training tend to have higher-paying jobs than those with transfer degrees. According to a National Association of Colleges study on median salaries, heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics topped the charts with a median salary of $950 a week. Other top earners include nurses and electricians.
Most Jobs Availiable
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Some pondering an associate's degree may want to focus not on potential salary, but the likelihood of employment. A Bureau of Labor Statistics study projects that registered nursing will create twice as many job openings in the near future than any other profession requiring an associate's degree. Other sectors in demand include electricians and supervisors/administrative support.
Is It Worth the Cost?
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Nobody can decide for you whether getting an associate's degree is a worthwhile pursuit. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that associate's degree holders earn on average 25 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. Those with an associate's degree also qualify for more jobs that may be more personally satisfying. Compared to the relatively low cost of an associate's degree, the benefits are huge over a lifetime.
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