Technical and trade schools offer associate degrees for careers in the fields of technology and trade. Specific technological degrees available include computer engineering, computer security, databases, engineering, engineering management, graphics and multimedia, information systems, information technology, networks, programming, software engineering, web design and web development. Specific trade degrees available include automotive, mechanics, carpentry, construction, cosmetology, culinary arts, electronics, electrical, plumbing and welding. Technical and trade schools are focused on particular careers; however, if you are seeking a higher degree some of the credits may be transferred to a college or university.
Available online associate degrees in the arts include communication, English, graphic and fashion design, history, music, political science, theology and writing. Associate degrees in business include accounting, economics, finance, hotel and hospitality, human resources, marketing, real estate and sports management. Criminal justice degrees include counseling, legal studies, paralegal and sociology. Education associates degrees include general, early childhood, secondary, adult and special education. Some health care and technology degrees are also available through online colleges. Online degrees sometimes are not available for studies which require on-site campus instruction.
Community and junior colleges offer a number of associate degrees similar to online colleges, in the arts, business, criminal justice and education. Health care degrees available at community and junior colleges include dental assistant, health science and services, medical assistant, billing, coding and transcription, nursing, pharmacy, psychology and public health and safety. Community colleges may offer additional associate degrees which online colleges may not. For example, criminal justices degrees in crime scene investigations, forensics, law enforcement and political science may not be offered online because they may require some on-site training. Some degrees in the sciences such as biotechnology, electrical engineering and fire science may also fall into this category.
Associate degree programs require core courses to be taken before specific courses that may be career-related. Degrees in the arts may require that at least three-quarters of the course credits be in the arts and sciences. Degrees in the sciences and applied sciences must have at least one-half and one-third of the course credits in the sciences and liberal arts, respectively.