An associate of science in nursing degree trains students for careers in nursing. Graduates of this program can take the registered nurse qualifying exam or continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program from a four-year institution. First-year classes generally encompass biology, psychology and nursing. Second-year classes can include advanced nursing, sociology, politics and physical education, as well as electives in the humanities and the arts.
An associate of science in business administration provides an education in the skills needed to become a manager in today's competitive business environment. Business administration associate degrees can lead to careers in management consulting, financial analysis or insurance or can set the foundation for a bachelor's degree. General education requirements will span classes in social science, English and humanities. Core classes will include finance, managerial accounting, management, marketing and economics.
Students who earn an associate of science in accounting will be qualified for work as bookkeepers, junior accountants and tax preparation specialists. Students seeking to become certified accountants can pursue a bachelor's degree that will complete their education and qualify them to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam. Core classes will cover topics in financial accounting, income tax, auditing and macroeconomics. Students can also pursue an associate of science in tax accounting for a more specialized curriculum.
An associate of science in computer information systems confers training in computer systems, computer systems design, programming and database management. Because information technology is vital to nearly every company and business, graduates holding an associate's degree in computer information systems can find work as computer software engineers, computer systems analysts and computer support specialists. In addition to general education requirements, students in this program will take classes in software applications, operating systems, database applications and programming.