How do I get an Associate's Degree in Technology?

To receive an associate’s degree in technology you will typically need to begin by receiving a high school diploma or equivalent certification. You can then apply for admittance to a school that offers a technology program and awards associate’s degrees through the program. Once admitted to the school, you will then need to complete any courses and projects necessary to complete your program and receive your degree. You should also consider a specialized focus for your associate’s degree in technology, which will usually reflect the particular field you wish to work in and may provide you with the required background to continue your education.

The first thing you will typically need to do to get an associate’s degree in technology is to complete your high school education. This usually culminates in the receipt of a high school diploma, though you may be able to complete an equivalent program to receive proper certification, such as a general educational development (GED) program. You can then look for schools that offer an associate’s degree in technology and ensure you meet the admittance requirements for such schools. These schools can include colleges and universities as well as technical schools, and you should expect admission requirements such as minimum grade requirements, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.

Once you apply to a school that offers an associate’s degree in technology and you are accepted by the school, you can then begin your coursework. You should expect a number of different courses that you will need to complete, though an associate’s degree is usually awarded in only two years. This means that while you may need to complete a few general classes, most of your coursework will involve computers, mathematics, engineering, and similar subjects. As you work on your associate’s degree in technology, you should also consider some specialized fields of study as well.

Many schools offer a number of different associate’s degrees in technology, each focusing on a particular technological field. Information technology, for example, involves computer systems such as servers and hardware mainframes. Industrial technology, on the other hand, involves industrial electronics; automotive technology is used for working on automotive vehicles; and engineering technology programs can focus on anything from plastics to construction management. You should consider the type of field you may want to work in and choose a school that offers an associate’s degree in technology relevant to that specific field. Once you complete your coursework and receive your degree, you will then typically be prepared to work in your chosen field, or to continue your education and work toward a bachelor’s degree or higher level certification.