Edited By Julian Palacio
Review & Contribution By Dr. Emily Clark
An associate degree is a two-year college degree that a student can obtain from a community college, junior college, online university, or some four-year institutions in the US. In terms of education, an associate degree falls between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree. Most community colleges give credit for experience when one takes up an associate degree.
Students go on to do different things with their associate degree; some transfer into a bachelor’s degree program earning credits for their bachelor’s program from the associate degree, while others choose to go directly into the workforce. You can also earn your associate degree after working for several years; it can be the first step to a new career or help you advance in your current one.
In this article, we rank the best online associate degrees according to our course defining ranking criteria.
Featured Online Programs
List of the Best Online Associates Degrees
Here is a list of the Best Online Associates Degrees in the country
1. Accounting
The Associate of Science in Accounting degree program prepares students to enter the field of accounting or business and prepares them for future educational pursuits, like bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This program is led by experienced faculty members who will help students learn business concepts they can immediately apply at work. With multiple start dates throughout the year for an online program, they can earn their degree without pausing their life or job.
2. Entrepreneurship
Evolution, market disruption, continuous improvement, and the desire to build a better mousetrap are just some of the hallmarks of a successful entrepreneur. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, entrepreneurs who can think and work innovatively are needed to drive companies to success.
With an associate degree in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship, you can help your company reimagine and redefine itself for the future or apply your expertise to help launch your startup.
3. Social Work
Prepare for a social work career that makes a difference in people’s lives. An online associate degree in Social Work explores family development and life span and can provide you with the entry-level, professional skills you need for a variety of careers in human service professions.
4. Data Science
Data science is an interdisciplinary vocation that uses mathematical and statistical methods and processes to extract knowledge and insights from noisy, structured, and unstructured data, and apply the gained knowledge to actionable insights from data across a broad range of application domains. An associate degree in data science is your gateway to this ever-evolving domain of data science.
5. Criminal Justice
An associate degree in criminal justice provides a strong foundation in the theories and practices related to the American criminal justice system, criminal law, social science, and more. It’s a valuable program of study, whether you’re just breaking into the field or enhancing your professional skill set. It gives a better understanding of law enforcement with an Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice. Students can choose from an array of courses, allowing them to obtain a thorough overview of the American justice system, criminal law, social science, and more, expanding your opportunities when you graduate.
6. Nursing
Nursing can be described as both an art and a science, a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise. Nurses would require state-specific licenses to practice their craft. An associate degree is a stepping-stone to the vast world of nursing sciences.
7. English
The associate degree in English will teach students to read, analyze and apply literary selections from various genres to enhance their creative endeavors. Explore American literature, children’s and young adult literature, English literature, the Bible as literature, and creative writing. An associate degree is a stepping stone to the exciting world of English literature.
8. Computers and Information Technology
An associate degree in information technology (IT) blends general education coursework with fundamental knowledge and skills in IT installation, maintenance, and problem-solving. By teaching students to create software apps, protect the information security, and resolve network and equipment issues, associates in information technology programs prepare learners for entry-level positions as customer service representatives, computer support specialists, and web developers.
9. Early Childhood Education
Earning a two-year associate degree will prepare students for working with young children from birth to grade three. Early childhood educators play an important role in child development by attending to children’s needs and organizing activities that stimulate physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. In addition, early childhood professionals supervise assistant childcare teachers, maintain state licensing requirements, and provide lead instruction within the classroom.
10. Operations Management
An associate degree in Operations Management program is a business degree that will educate students in understanding the technical and managerial aspects of business operations such as designing, producing, and delivering products and services, and thereby contribute to the professions, communities, and organizations to which they belong.
List of Colleges that offer Best Online Associates Degrees
Here is a list of the universities that offer the Best Onoun Bachelor Degree Programs.*
Here are the Best Online Associates Degrees at Central Texas College
- AAS Accounting Technician
- Applied Management with Computer Applications (non-Texas students only)
- A.A.S At-Risk Youth Specialization
- A.S Business Administration
- A.A.S Business Management
- A.A.S Business Management-Marketing & Sales Management Specialization
- A.A.S Chemical Dependency Specialization
- A.A.S Child Development
- A.S Computer Science
- A.A.S Computer Science – Information Technology
- A.A.S Computer Science – Network Systems Administrator
- A.A.S Criminal Justice
- A.A.S Criminal Justice Corrections Specialization
- A.A.S Cyberdefense-Information Assurance
- A.S Engineering
- A.A General Studies
- A.A.S Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- A.A.S Hospitality Management-Food & Beverage Management Specialization
- A.A.S Hospitality Management-Hotel Management Specialization
- A.A Interdisciplinary Studies
- A.S Kinesiology
- A.A.S Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management
- A.S Mathematics
- A.A.S Medical Coding and Billing
- A.A.S Medical Office Technology
- A.A Modern Language
- A.A.S Network Cloud Support and Cybersecurity
- A.A.S Office Technology
- A.A.S Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- A.A Social Science
- A.A.S Social Work Specialization
- A.A Teacher Education
Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
Central Texas College |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
FAQs about the Best Online Associates Degrees
Which is the best online associate degree?
If you have decided which subject you want to pursue or the career that you want to take up, then the subject that leads up to your career is the best associate degree to enroll in.
Do online associate degrees have credibility?
Do online associate degrees credit considered towards a bachelor’s degree?
Which are the best online associate degrees?
Which is the best Online Associate Degree?
The Best Online Associate degree in the country is Associate of Science in Computer Science offered by Central Texas College. This college’s degrees are very affordable and this program maintains high quality curriculum, experienced faculty, high graduation rates along with high student satisfaction. Considering all this, we ranked that the Central Texas College’s AS in Computer Science to be the best online associate degree in the country for year 2024
2 Year Online Degrees That Pay Well
In this section, we discuss the highest paying online associates degrees.
Job Title | Job Description | Related Associate Degree | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Air Traffic Controllers | As the name suggests, Air Traffic Controllers’ job revolves around directing the traffic and communicating with pilots, fellow aviation personnel, and ground crews. They work as tower watchdogs that monitor flight activities and relay important information about flight patterns, weather, runaway closures, landing instruction, etc. | Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate program in Air Traffic Control | $130,420 |
Radiation Therapist | Radiation therapists work to administer radiation treatments and work in close collaboration with nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals. The central part of the job includes the use of protective devices to manage radiation without overexposure. Apart from this, they are also responsible for answering procedure-related questions, evaluating patients’ reactions to the procedure, and maintaining detailed records. | Radiation Therapy – Associate in Arts (AA) Degree | $86,850 |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Nuclear medicine technologists are responsible for preparing radioactive drugs and providing them to the patients for imaging or treatment. They perform nuclear medicine procedures according to the diagnosis of the physicians. The main tasks include explaining medical procedures, operating imaging equipment, maintaining detailed records, and following procedures for radiation disposal. An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology can increase the chances of landing a job in this field. | Nuclear Medicine Technology Associate Degree | $79,590 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist | MRI technicians work as scanners to take the diagnostic images of patients’ internal organs and soft tissues. They do so by operating specialized equipment crucial to conduct MRIs and by injecting contrast dyes into patients to produce images. Apart from this, they have other tasks which include, preparing the patients for the MRI process, consulting the results with the doctor, and maintaining the records. | Associate of Science in MRI Technology | $75,960 |
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians install, run, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. Their work is critical to ensuring the safety and precision of key parts of these vehicles and systems. | Associate Of Applied Science In Aviation Maintenance Technology | $68,570 |
Search for Best Online Associates Degrees By Major
Criminal Justice Degrees
Social Work Programs
Psychology Programs
Finance Programs
Marketing Programs
Public Health Programs
Accounting Programs
Communication Programs
Education Programs
Occupational Therapy Programs
Additional Resources for Students looking for Best Online Associates Degrees
This article tried giving an insight into the best associates degrees or top-rated online programs available in the country. We have done an exhaustive analysis to arrive at our rankings. If you are a student contemplating taking up the best online associate degree, then you might as well be interested in looking into the below resources which would help you make an informed decision.