Attending a two-year college and earning an Associate of Applied Science degree is a significant step in demonstrating competency beyond the level of a high school graduate. Beside the fact that Associate of Applied Science programs are designed to prepare students for a profession, the employment outlooks are much better for those with degrees. The U.S. Department of Labor found that the population with Associate of Applied Science degrees has a 30 percent lower unemployment rate than those with just a high school diploma and on average earn $6,600 more per year.
All Associate of Applied Science programs require the students to take some general education requirements. These requirements normally necessitate between 15 and 24 credits --- five to eight classes. General education courses include basic math, English and writing courses, a lab science, and other social or behavioral sciences. The other 36 to 45 credits are often in the area of the career major. However, in states where there is the possibility of transferring the credits, students earning an Associate of Applied Science may take more electives --- up to 37 credits --- in order to have a better preparation for a Bachelor of Applied Science.
For students earning an Associate of Applied Science that is billed as a career program, there are several fields to choose from. The exact chooses are limited only by what the college or technical school offers. Often the curriculum include the following areas: agriculture, business, computer technology, health care, child development and education, and trade or technical programs.
The two-year program that a student works through generally will run a total of about $8,000 as of February 2011. Whether the program is a preparation for further degrees or to start a career, this cost is substantially lower than the cost of attending a four-year college for an equivalent time period. The tuition is paid with each semester's enrollment and scholarships and financial aid may be available to qualifying students.