An associate's degree is typically a two-year educational degree. Full-time students attending a college in an Associate of Arts program should expect to receive a diploma in their chosen field after two years. Part-time students might require more time in school, depending on if they take summer classes and the number of necessary courses required at the school.
An Associate of Arts degree has a wide range of available course options. In general, any art program or humanities program is an Associate of Arts program. For example, there are degrees in psychology, social work, humanities, art, music, education and architecture. Schools will vary in in the available courses. For example, New York University offers an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts while the rest of the degree options are Associate of Applied Sciences. Others schools, such as the University of Phoenix, offer a few Associate of Arts degrees, such as general studies, psychology, communications or health care administration.
An Associate of Arts degree has minimum graduation requirements at any school. Usually, the degree requires a certain number of general studies, major specific courses and electives. The number and type of courses will vary based on the school, the state standards and the area of study. For example, the Associate of Arts degree in New York University for liberal arts requires between 32 and 34 credits of general studies such as math and English as well as 20 credits of required liberal arts credits and at least 10 credits of elective courses. Every school will vary, though usually an Associate of Arts degree will need around 60 credits for graduation.
An Associate of Arts program is available in schools around the country, include two-year schools such as community colleges. Some students might prefer to transfer to a four-year college upon graduation to get a higher education or degree. Most Associate of Arts programs from community colleges or Department of Education accredited programs can send transcripts and an application to a four-year college and transfer. Transfer requirements will differ depending on the specific college or university being transferred into.