Associate's degrees are two-year programs of study that focus primarily on the subject of concentration and are obtainable through online correspondence courses. The associate's degree differs from the bachelor's degree in that the first two years of online study are not consumed in general education basics. An associate's degree allows students the ability to obtain a degree in a field of study in order to move directly into employment in a relatively short period of time. Associate of arts and science degree students typically transfer to a four-year degree program, which may also be taken through correspondence education. Transfer of all online courses will be subject to the discretion of the transfer school, however, courses in fundamental topics, such as literature and mathematics, are commonly transferable.
Students who prefer education programs that deemphasize theory and favor practical application will prefer the pursuit of an associate of science via correspondence. Programs offered as associates of science vary depending on the school. Sample majors offered online include business administration, medical assisting, environmental studies and nursing. Coursework may include problem sets that are completed through a web hosting forum or special software designed by the school. Students in this program will usually transfer to a four-year degree program after obtaining this degree.
Applied science programs are designed for training students in a specific job. Correspondence versions of these programs include general education courses such as compository writing and humanities classes that distinguish the degree from a technical certificate. Programs are two years in length but may be shorter for online students who study at their own pace. Coursework may include problem sets that are completed through a web-hosting forum or special software designed by the school. Major concentrations available online include clinical laboratory science, graphic design, web-based programming and network systems administration.
The associate of arts degree is a two-year correspondence program for individuals who wish to pursue a general field of study that is nontechnical in nature. Depending on the college, the associate of arts may be obtained online with concentrations in health care administration, accounting and business administration. Some correspondence programs also offer criminal justice as a major. Many online correspondence programs offer associates of arts in general studies, liberal arts or liberal studies for individuals interested in obtaining a degree but uncertain of a specific field of interest. Most assignments will consist of research reports, essays and written responses to questions that are submitted via e-mail to the professor or through a special web-based program designed by the school. Students will transfer to a four-year degree program after obtaining this degree.