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The average Associate’s Degree generally requires about 60 credits and takes the average student two years to complete. That doesn’t mean that all students take two years to complete the program, as there are some ways you can prepare yourself to help expedite the process. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you prepare to complete your Associate’s Degree as quickly as possible. Completing an Associate’s Degree in less than two years is quite an accomplishment. While it is a real challenge to complete the program in under one year, here are some tips for completing your Associate’s in under two years: Complete College Credits in High SchoolCompleting advanced level high school courses or taking college courses during your junior and/or senior year of high school. Courses like this will give you college credits before you even enter college, giving you a heads start on your Associate’s Degree. Take Accelerated ProgramsLook for and enroll in accelerated programs through colleges that offer “at your own pace” style schedules. It also means that they will usually let you enroll in a few classes and give you all the material during the first day so you can complete it at your own pace. As soon as you finish the course work, you can then enroll in another class. Accelerated programs are an opportunity to let you complete and take on classes as quickly as you can. Take Course Competency ExamsInquire about course competency exams during college enrollment. These are tests that will give you a chance to see if you can test out of the class for a small exam fee. If you pass with a satisfactory score, the school will then give you credit for the course. These exams not only help you take on more classes and finish your degree earlier, but it also enables you to save money as these exams are usually a fraction of the cost of full course tuition. Join Programs with Work CreditsWork and employment history credit. Some schools will give you course credit for certain amounts of employment experience or if you have completed specific training during your job history. For example, those that pursue criminal justice degrees and have completed law enforcement academy training will generally receive a significant amount of credits based on the school’s policy. In fact, some schools count it as almost a full semester’s worth of credits! All of these ways are proven methods that have helped students complete their Associate’s Degree fast. While each of these can help cut down the time you need to be in school, if you can complete a combination of these items, it will help shorten the time even more and lead to faster graduation. An accelerated associate degree lets students take an increased course load and graduate faster. Accelerated programs appeal to professionals looking to quickly increase their job options and salary potential. Military students and those seeking employment in healthcare or business may find particular value in accelerated degrees online. Earning a fast track associate degree online offers many benefits. Entering the workforce sooner means greater potential for earnings and career advancement. Accelerated programs let students save on educational expenses by spending less total time in school. These programs may not suit students with significant personal or professional obligations, such as children or a full-time career. This guide offers an overview of accelerated degrees online. We highlight steps to enroll, typical course structuring, and options after graduation. Earning a 12-Month Accelerated Associate Degree: A TimelineBefore Enrollment: ResearchChoose a SchoolTry to choose a school meeting all your needs. Consider academic offerings, accelerated enrollment format, and tuition costs. Always make sure a school holds proper accreditation.Identify Admission RequirementsColleges should maintain a clear list of admission requirements on their websites. Most accelerated associate degrees require a high school diploma and sometimes test scores.Calculate Tuition Cost Schools should provide a breakdown of their tuition costs. You can talk to admissions or financial aid counselors to determine the total cost of an accelerated associate degree.Review Financial Aid OptionsAlways make sure to complete the FAFSA to determine all your available financial aid options. Financial aid counselors also help identify your funding options.Determine In-Person/On-Campus RequirementsSome online programs may include in-person or on-campus requirements. Program websites should list any in-person obligations, but you can also email program coordinators to ask.Look into Technology RequirementsOnline programs require consistent internet access and a working computer. Consult schools' online education pages for specific technology requirements. Enrollment: ApplyComplete the ApplicationAll college programs require you to complete a standard application online. Four-year colleges and private schools may include an application fee, so remember this when planning applications.Provide Required DocumentationFor applications, you may need to provide information including social security number and proof of income. Check each school's admissions page for specific documentation requirements.Apply for Financial AidAt most schools, you apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. The online application requires information about your income or your parents' income if you're under 25.Pay Tuition and FeesAfter gaining acceptance to a school, you'll need to pay tuition and other administrative fees. Schools typically require you to pay tuition each semester, rather than all at once. Attendance Year 1An accelerated associate degree online features a more rigorous curriculum than a traditional associate program. You typically complete a heavier course load each semester to graduate faster. Courses prepare you for many different fields of study. Most programs include general education courses in composition, humanities, and history. Depending on your major, you may complete specialized courses in areas such as nursing, English, or business. Graduation: End of Year 1At most colleges, an associate degree requires 60 credits. Graduates may enter the workforce or continue to a bachelor's. Professionally focused programs such as information technology or business may prepare you for entry-level careers. More academically focused programs, such as liberal arts or sciences, commonly prepare you for a bachelor's program. Accelerated Online Associate vs. Online Associate TimelineSome accelerated degrees online may take as little as one year. When not earning a fast track associate degree online, degree-seekers may take over two years. Accelerated programs require more courses each semester and may require summer classes. An accelerated associate degree online can help you finish your studies and enter the workforce sooner. Unfortunately, not all schools offer accelerated associate degrees, and not all fields of study feature accelerated options. If you're interested in accelerated learning, contact your desired school to determine what accelerated programs they offer. AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Featured Online Associates ProgramsFind a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school. What is the Fastest Online Associate Degree to Get?Accelerated associate degrees appeal to various students, including military service members and those entering healthcare or business. These degrees serve students seeking to fast track their career and earning potential. This list highlights several popular accelerated degrees online. We cover average completion times, typical courses, and additional academic requirements. Accelerated Online Associate Programs for Military Members
Accelerated Online Healthcare and Medical Associate Programs
Accelerated Online Associate Programs for High Salary Careers
Other Popular Accelerated Degree SubjectsExplore More Accelerated Degree LevelsWhat is the easiest and fastest associates degree to get?Contents. Easiest Online Associate Degrees.. Associate in Early Childhood Education.. Associate in Liberal Arts or General Education.. Associate in Accounting.. Associate in Healthcare Management.. Associate in Marketing.. Associate in Business Administration.. Associate in Fashion Merchandising.. What is the easiest degree to get?The 16 Easiest College Majors – 2022 Rankings. Psychology.. Criminal Justice.. English.. Education.. Religious Studies.. Social Work.. Sociology.. Communications.. |