Associates Degrees Computer
Feeling the effects of a recession, more and more people have realized the benefits of having a solid educational background, especially in the face of economic crisis of this magnitude. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70.1 percent of high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities in October 2009.*
At the same time, not everyone has the wherewithal to spend five to seven years on higher education. For those who want to fast track into fruitful careers without compromising on college education, Associate's and Bachelor's degrees offer the perfect start. Here is some information on both types of degree programs:
Associate's Degree: This degree is the lowest in the hierarchy of post-secondary academic degrees. It is awarded to students who have completed two years of study in a particular field. The degree is usually offered by private, community, and technical colleges as well as some Bachelor's degree granting colleges and universities.
Average Annual Income: ,838**
Best Suited for: Associate's degrees are best suited for entry-level jobs in a variety of fields such as nursing, respiratory therapy, graphic design, computer programming, medical specialties, and many other professions.
Pros & Cons: The biggest advantage of an Associate's degree is the relatively short amount of time needed to complete it. This two-year college degree qualifies individuals for many white collared jobs that would not have been open to high school graduates. The other benefit of an Associate's degree is that it is less expensive than a four-year Bachelor's degree. Apart from saving on tuition fee, students also save money on boarding, fuel, car, books, etc. An Associate's degree prepares the ground for future educational pursuits. Students have the option of applying their Associate's degree credits to a Bachelor's degree.
But Associate's degrees have certain drawbacks when compared to Bachelor's degrees. First, they put you at a disadvantage when you compete for the same jobs as baccalaureates. Second, your earning capacity is definitely lower than those who graduate with a Bachelor's degree. Lastly, moving up the ladder to supervisory or managerial positions may be difficult without a higher degree.
Bachelor's Degree: This is a degree awarded by a post-secondary institution to students who complete an undergraduate program that generally lasts for about four years.
Average Annual Income: ,853**
Best Suited for: Bachelor's degrees are best suited for careers in accounting, computer software engineering, healthcare administration, business management, and many other high profile, white collar jobs.
Pros & Cons: A Bachelor's degree generally increases your job prospects, as some positions are only open to those who have this degree. Your earning potential also goes up with the level of your degree. Graduates who have a Bachelor's degree find it easier than those who hold an Associate's degree to rise up the ranks and take up roles with higher levels of responsibility in their respective fields. A Bachelor's degree gives you a wide knowledge base and expertise in your area of study, and you are likely to be treated as a serious professional if you have completed a four-year degree as opposed to a two-year one.
The biggest disadvantage of a four-year degree is the cost, as a Bachelor's degree tends to be more expensive than an Associate's. Since it also takes a longer duration to complete, you end up spending a lot of money on rent, car, fuel, books, etc.
Both degree programs have their advantages and drawbacks, and one must make a decision based on their personal goals, expectations from education, and available resources.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
**U.S. Census Bureau
About the author:
Which associates computer degree would be be best?
I can’t get a bachelors for financial purposes. But which associates degree would be best in the field of computer science in terms of career possibilities and pay? I was thinking maybe Information technology?
Is an Associates Degree in computer programming enough to get a job in the field?
I am currently studying for my associates degree in computer programming, but when I looked on some job searching websites a few minutes ago, they all require at least a BS. I plan on getting several certifications in the IT field, including COMPTIA A+ and Network +. Will that help at all? I don’t have to be making a whole lot of money, just enough to live somewhat comfortably by. Living in an apartment for a few years is fine with me.
Many jobs do require a bachelor’s degree, but an associate degree in computer science plus relevant work experience may also appeal to employers. You can also increase your employment opportunities by earning additional certifications (like Cisco, Oracle, or Microsoft), most of which are offered online through private companies.
How can I get an Associates degree in Computer Science in California?
I a freshman in college and taking a few computer courses at the moment, but does anyone know what I would need to do specifically to get an Associates degree? Any information I can find is on obtaining a Bachelors, so I really hope someone can help me. Thanks!
I am freshman in college and taking a few computer courses at the moment, but does anyone know what I would need to do specifically to get an Associates degree? Any information I can find is on obtaining a Bachelors, so I really hope someone can help me. Thanks!
Every community college offers an associates degree in your major
However, four-year colleges usually only offer a bachelors
computer science, graphic design, mis. any of these are good, but AA is almost useless. Asuming you are in the USA, look at financial aid, scholarships, and even loans. Get your aa from an accredited state CC and then get your last two yrs at an accredited university. If you absolutely can not go to a 4 yr university then focus on certs such as ccna/e, mcsa/e, and oracle. focus on the path you so choose. Most CC’s offer training in ccna and mcsa, but you still have to pay for the test. Certs are more valuable than AA, but an AA will allow you to move forward in the university system.
If you have the talent, then look into SAP. http://www.sap.com/services/education/certification/levels/index.epx
Unfortunately this is pricey but if you have a professional cert in development or technology then you can bet on having a high paying job.
Job Opportunities for 2 Associates Degrees;Computer Engineering Technology & Electrical Engineering Technology?
Ok – My boyfriend is going to graduate with two associates degrees; one in computer engineering technology, the other in electrical engineering technology. He doesn’t want to go any further in school after his associates degrees for a while. He just wants to get a job and start supporting us. I’m really scared that he won’t be able to find a job in this field. The economy is not very kind to fresh-meat right now, but I’m really depending on him. I’ve looked on Craigslist and other various sources and the only related jobs I could find were senior level positions, not entry level. Everything seemed to require EXPERIENCE. Is there any hope for him/us? I don’t want him to be disappointed and have to accept a crappy job at a retail store or something. Realistically – what are we looking at finding?? Anything?
What do employers think about associates degrees in computer networking?
CERTIFICATION!!!!
A degree does you very little good without proper certification.
Your college counselor may not share this little nugget of information with you. Talk to a couple of your professors about it.
Wow those are really great fields that he chose to major in. You both need to broaden your search beyond Craigslist. There are so many ways to search job openings for those degree plans.
First start a Google search and type in something such as job openings for “electrical engineering careers” or “job openings for computer engineering Tech”.
Continue to do this until you find the results you need. If your BF really wants the grand opportunity to land a great career in those fields then you both should get your minds prepared for a possible chance of moving of state. Some jobs may require that you move or transfer to a totally different location than where you are originally. If the annual salary is rewarding to you both, then I say it is well worth the sacrifice.
When you do a search this way you all may come across many openings in different states. If relocating is not a desired plan of action, then try a local search of openings.
Good luck on the quest to finding the career !!