36 Easiest Associates Degrees To Pursue in 2024

easiest associates degrees

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the demand for higher education, and many people are looking to associates degrees as a realistic alternative for furthering their education. An associate’s degree is a two-year undergraduate program that gives students a firm foundation in a particular field of study. It is a popular option for students who wish to develop specific information and skills without committing to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Why pursue an Associates Degree?

There are various reasons why earning an associate’s degree can be advantageous. For starters, it is less expensive than a regular four-year degree. Tuition for associate degrees is typically lower, making them more accessible to a broader spectrum of students. Furthermore, associate degrees frequently offer flexible scheduling options, allowing students to juggle employment and family obligations while furthering their education.

Furthermore, an associates degree can act as a stepping stone to a higher level of education. Many students start with an associate’s degree and then transfer their credits to a bachelor’s degree program. This method allows students to save money on tuition and graduate sooner than if they pursued a bachelor’s degree from the beginning.

What to look for when pursuing an Associates Degree

When selecting an associates degree, it is critical to conduct research and consider a few key elements. To begin, it is critical to select a curriculum that corresponds with your interests and career objectives. Look for programs that offer courses and curriculum that will give you the information and skills you need in your selected field.

Furthermore, accreditation is a vital factor to consider. Check to see if the institution that is giving the associates degree is accredited by a recognized accrediting authority. Accreditation assures that the program satisfies specific quality requirements and that your degree will be accepted by employers and other educational institutions.

Finally, assess the program’s flexibility. Look for options like online or part-time education that fit your schedule and lifestyle. This will enable you to successfully balance your studies with work or other obligations.

What makes an Associates Degree easy?

Several factors influence whether or not an associate’s degree is deemed “easy.” To begin, the curriculum and coursework should be structured to provide a sound foundation in the selected topic of study without becoming overly difficult. The courses should be practical and relevant, focusing on the necessary skills and knowledge for entry-level roles in the business.

Furthermore, an easy associates degree program should provide students with enough help and resources. This gives access to skilled teaching members, tutoring services, and extensive study resources. A supportive learning atmosphere and lower class sizes can also contribute to a more enjoyable learning experience.

Finally, a simple associates degree program should provide for hands-on experience and practical application of knowledge. Internships, co-op programs, and practical projects can improve the learning process and make it easier for students to understand and apply topics learned in class.

36 Easiest Associates Degrees To Pursue in 2024

Here are the top 36 easiest associates degrees based on the rate of graduates per year, study time, surveys, etc. However, easy associate degrees is a term that can mean different things to different people. Therefore, it is important that you do your own research and you reflect on your own personal interests and experience before enrolling for an associates degree. With that said, here are the easiest associate degrees to get. Do note that some easy associates degrees listed offer online learning which may or may not be suitable to your own style of learning.

1. Associate in Information Technology

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Web developer ($80,730), digital designer ($80,730), computer network support specialist ($59,660).
  • Why is it Easy? The curriculum focuses on practical skills like scripting and programming, which are directly applicable to job roles.
  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Paralegal ($59,200), legal assistant ($59,200).
  • Why is it Easy? Emphasizes practical skills in legal research and writing, which are straightforward and directly applicable in legal support roles.

3. Associate in Liberal Arts

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Roles in education, writing, public relations ($54,000).
  • Why is it Easy? Broad scope of subjects like history and psychology makes it flexible and less intensive in specialized knowledge.

4. Associate in Management

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Office manager ($101,870), retail manager, sales manager ($130,600).
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on general management skills applicable across various industries.

5. Associate in Marketing

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Social media specialist ($56,770), market research assistant ($68,230), event promoter.
  • Why is it Easy? Coursework includes practical marketing principles and practices which are engaging and widely applicable.

6. Associate in Medical Assisting

7. Associate in Medical Coding

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Medical records specialist ($47,180), medical coder.
  • Why is it Easy? Coursework focuses on practical skills like coding and patient privacy, which are methodical and easy to grasp.

8. Associate in Paralegal Studies

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Paralegal ($59,200), law clerk ($66,310), court reporter ($63,560).
  • Why is it Easy? The curriculum focuses on practical aspects of legal procedures, making it straightforward for those interested in law.

9. Associate in Photography

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Professional photographer ($40,170), photo editor, photo technician.
  • Why is it Easy? The curriculum, which includes the study of lighting and the history of photography, is often engaging and practical for those with an interest in the field.

10. Associate in Psychology

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Psychiatric technician ($37,330), social services assistant ($38,520), family advocate.
  • Why is it Easy? Offers an introductory overview of various types of psychology, making it less intense than more advanced psychology degrees.

11. Associate in Small Business Management

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Small business manager, entrepreneur.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on basic fundamentals of business operations, which are practical and applicable in various settings.

12. Associate in Software Engineering

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Associate software engineer, web developer ($80,730).
  • Why is it Easy? Introduces basic concepts of computer science and software design, making it a good starting point for beginners in the field.

13. Associate in Supply Chain & Logistics

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Purchasing manager ($75,120), buyer, purchasing agent, inventory assistant.
  • Why is it Easy? Covers basic elements of distribution and supply, which are straightforward and practical.

14. Associate in Hospitality Management

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Food service manager ($61,310), event planner.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on practical skills in food safety, sanitation, and business accounting.

15. Associate in Industrial Engineering

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, possibly advanced math courses.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Campus.
  • Job Roles: Industrial engineers technologists ($61,210).
  • Why is it Easy? Combines practical skills in manufacturing processes with basic engineering principles.

16. Associate in Information Technology

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Computer systems analyst ($102,240), network administrator.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on practical IT skills like web development and network administration.

17. Associate in Mechanical Engineering Technology

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Campus.
  • Job Roles: Mechanical engineering technician ($61,990).
  • Why is it Easy? Practical focus on machinery and mechanical systems.

18. Associate in Health Science

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Community health worker ($46,190), healthcare administrator ($104,830).
  • Why is it Easy? Introduces basic concepts in healthcare and medical ethics.

19. Associate in Network Systems Administration

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Computer support specialist ($59,660).
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on practical skills in maintaining and troubleshooting network systems.

20. Associate in Nursing (ADN)

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, possibly prerequisites in science.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Hybrid or campus.
  • Job Roles: Registered Nurse (RN) ($81,220).
  • Why is it Easy? Provides direct, practical nursing skills and knowledge.

21. Associate in Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of an accredited program.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Hybrid or campus.
  • Job Roles: Occupational therapy assistant ($63,450).
  • Why is it Easy? Practical focus on assisting patients with disabilities.

22. Associate in Physical Therapist Assistant

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Hybrid or campus.
  • Job Roles: Physical therapist assistant ($57,240).
  • Why is it Easy? Focused on practical skills in assisting with physical therapy, which are hands-on and less theoretical.

23. Associate in Web Development

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Web developer ($80,730), web designer.
  • Why is it Easy? Practical and creative work with web technologies, which can be engaging and intuitive for those interested in digital platforms.

24. Associate in Public Health

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 8 – 16 weeks (accelerated program).
  • Flexibility: Online.
  • Job Roles: Cardiovascular technologist ($65,490), sanitation manager, infection control practitioner.
  • Why is it Easy? Short duration and focuses on promoting health through policies and lifestyle changes, which are practical and community-oriented.

25. Associate in Software Development

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 15 weeks (accelerated program).
  • Flexibility: Online.
  • Job Roles: IT project leader, software engineer, software developer ($124,200).
  • Why is it Easy? Short duration and practical focus on developing technical skills needed in the software industry.

26. Associate in Business

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 6 months (accelerated program).
  • Flexibility: Online.
  • Job Roles: Human resource manager ($130,000), office manager ($101,870), administrative assistant ($44,080).
  • Why is it Easy? Short duration and covers fundamental business practices, which are broadly applicable and not overly specialized.

27. Associate in Financial Technologies

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online.
  • Job Roles: Fintech sales, fintech specialist, fintech consultant.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on the practical aspects of managing and analyzing financial data, which can be straightforward for those with an interest in finance.

28. Associate in Fire Science

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online.
  • Job Roles: Fire chief, firefighter ($51,680), firefighter paramedic.
  • Why is it Easy? Practical focus on fire prevention and firefighting tactics, which are hands-on and engaging for those interested in public safety.

29. Associate in Criminal Justice

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Police officer ($69,160), corrections officer ($49,610), private security.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on basic principles of criminal justice which are straightforward and applicable in various law enforcement roles.

30. Associate in Early Childhood Education

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Preschool teacher ($35,330), childcare center director ($49,690), teacher assistant ($30,920).
  • Why is it Easy? Emphasizes practical teaching and childcare skills, which are engaging and intuitive for those passionate about working with children.

31. Associate in Graphic Design

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Graphic designer ($57,990), web designer ($80,730), creative assistant.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on practical design skills and creative projects, which can be enjoyable and fulfilling for artistic individuals.

32. Associate in Environmental Science

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Environmental technician ($48,380), conservation worker ($32,270).
  • Why is it Easy? Provides a foundational understanding of environmental issues, which are broadly relevant and not overly technical.

33. Associate in Human Services

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Community outreach worker, social services assistant ($38,520).
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on practical skills in community service and support, which are straightforward and impactful.

34. Associate in Culinary Arts

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Campus (practical training required).
  • Job Roles: Chef ($56,520), pastry chef ($32,780), restaurant manager ($61,310).
  • Why is it Easy? Combines practical cooking skills with culinary theory, engaging for those with a passion for cooking and food.

35. Associate in Fashion Design

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Online or campus.
  • Job Roles: Fashion designer ($76,700), stylist, fashion merchandiser.
  • Why is it Easy? Focuses on creative aspects of fashion, which can be exciting and appealing for those interested in the fashion industry.

36. Associate in Veterinary Technology

  • Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Duration: 2 years.
  • Flexibility: Campus (due to practical components).
  • Job Roles: Veterinary technician ($38,240), animal care worker ($29,790).
  • Why is it Easy? Provides hands-on experience with animals and basic veterinary practices, which is straightforward for animal lovers.

FAQs on the easiest associates degree

1. What is the fastest way to get an associates degree?

Taking accelerated programs or enrolling in online classes is the quickest way to get an associates degree. Students in accelerated programs can complete their degree in less time by completing additional courses per semester. Online courses offer scheduling flexibility and allow students to learn at their own pace.

2. How many associates degrees can you get?

There is no limit to the amount of associate degrees one can obtain. It is crucial to note, however, that having numerous associate degrees may not provide a major edge in the employment market. It is frequently more advantageous to earn a bachelor’s degree or gain practical expertise in a certain sector.

3. I have an associate degree. Now what?

An associate degree provides up a variety of opportunities. Because many associate degree programs are designed to give practical skills for certain industries, you can choose to enter the field right away. You can also transfer your credits to a bachelor’s degree program to further your education and improve your professional opportunities.

4. Can you get two associates degrees?

Yes, it is feasible to obtain numerous associate degrees. However, it is critical to ensure that the coursework for each degree is diverse and delivers a specific set of skills and knowledge. It is also critical to analyze the time and financial commitment required to pursue several degrees and determine whether it corresponds with your long-term goals.

5. Can you get a bachelor’s degree without an associates degree?

Yes, it is possible to receive a bachelor’s degree without first earning an associate’s degree. For students who have completed high school or have some college credits, several colleges offer direct entrance programs. These programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in four years without having to first earn an associate’s degree.

Conclusion

Obtaining an associates degree can lead to a variety of professional prospects and higher education alternatives. While no degree is completely harmless, several associates degrees provide a more bearable learning environment. You can choose an associates degree program that corresponds with your talents and aspirations by carefully assessing your interests, career goals, and program offerings. Plus, easy associates degrees that pay well, such as software engineering, are overlooked by many. Aside from that, you can get an associates online which makes everything much easier. Whether you want to work in business administration, information technology, or early childhood teaching, an associates degree can give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out our articles on the 18 Easiest Master’s Degrees Ranked and The Easiest High-Paying Degrees That Anyone Can Pursue. Thanks for reading!

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