Associate degrees can be earned through many accredited online colleges. The virtual schools require the student to attend the required courses by logging into an account on the school's website. University of Phoenix, Strayer University and Kaplan College are some of the more prominent or recognizable online colleges offering students different types of associate degrees. Most of the accredited online colleges allow the student to work at their own pace and take as long as they want to complete the degree program.
Another avenue for an associate degree is through technical colleges. Many accredited technical colleges offer associate degrees in business administration, health care and criminal justice. ITT Technical Institute, Florida Tech, DeVry and Automotive Technical Institute (ATI) are popular technical colleges that have several locations across the U.S. The difference between these two-year schools and other educational institutions is that a technical-college student is usually training in a career. The programs provide half or more than half of the training through practical application, hands-on experience and internships.
Community colleges are a popular way an individual can achieve an associate degree. The schools are generally only two-year colleges and the student can take as long as he needs to accomplish the degree. For example, a student can enroll in one of the courses required to achieve an associate degree each semester until all the courses are complete. Most community college students take multiple courses or attend full-time, but part-time admissions are available to working students.
Some four-year colleges and universities offer associate degree programs such as Berkley College in New York City. This college, as well as other four-year colleges, have specifically designed courses that lead to an associate degree in multiple disciplines. Colleges such as these provide degree opportunities in business or professional studies similar to technical colleges or community colleges, but the student can continue her education after completion of an associate degree without having to transfer any credits.