How Do I Choose the Best Two-Year Associate's Degree?

When considering a two-year associate's degree, look at the potential career and educational opportunities that different programs can provide for you. If you want to finish your education and continue on toward a bachelor's degree, then consider a school that is accredited and can transfer credits easily to other colleges. There are a number of professional fields that you can enter with a two-year associate's degree, so look for a curriculum that aligns with the type of work you want to do. To become a nurse, for example, look for a program in nursing, while a degree in webpage design can prepare you for website administration.

A two-year associate's degree can be earned in a number of different fields, though they are typically more general in nature than specific. Consider how you want to progress after you complete your degree, such as the possibility of continuing your education. A two-year associate's degree can often count as the first two years in a bachelor's program, though you need to make sure your credits can transfer easily. Look for a college that is accredited by a governing agency, and talk to other universities to see how easily they accept courses from the school you wish to attend.

You can also find a college that offers both associate's and bachelor's degrees. This allows you to work on a two-year associate's degree, and then simply continue your coursework when you complete it. Such programs can also be an excellent choice since leaving school early can still award you with a degree even if you do not finish additional classes.

It is also important to consider the type of work you want to do after you complete your two-year associate's degree, and plan accordingly. There are a number of careers in which this type of program is considered the norm, and which you can enter without additional education. Nursing, for example, is often available as a two-year program, which typically results in a Registered Nurse (RN) qualification.

If you want to work in a technical field, then look for a two-year associate's degree that qualifies you for appropriate opportunities. While high-level software engineers may require additional coursework, you can potentially become an entry level programmer with this type of education. A two-year associate's degree can qualify you to become a network administrator or website designer. There are also programs in business administration and management, which you can use to enter a wide range of professional fields.