Higher Education / University Glossary

Associate Degree

What does the academic term Associate Degree mean in higher education?

Associate Degree


Associate Degree definition

Short Definition

Associate Degree is a degree granted by community colleges or some four-year institutions upon completion of a program of study typically lasting two years.


In-depth Overview

Associate Degree

Long definition: An associate degree is a type of undergraduate degree that is typically earned after completing a two-year program of study at a community college or similar institution. These degrees are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in a particular field of study or discipline. Associate degree programs are diverse and can lead to a variety of career pathways or serve as a stepping stone to further education. They are often offered in fields such as liberal arts, sciences, business, health sciences and technology. The curriculum typically includes general education requirements along with coursework related to the chosen field of study.

Etymology: The term "associate" in associate degree signifies the level of education and the fact that it is typically the first step in the higher education journey. It is a degree that is associated with the completion of two years of college-level coursework.

Synonyms or related academic terms:
  • Two-year degree
  • Junior college degree
  • Community college degree
Examples of Use:
  1. She earned an associate degree in nursing before pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare management.
  2. Many students choose to begin their education with an associate degree program to gain valuable skills and enter the workforce sooner.
Translations:
  • Spanish: Grado de asociado
  • French: Diplôme d'associé
  • German: Associate Degree
  • Italian: Laurea associata
  • Portuguese: Grau de associado
  • Japanese: アソシエイトディグリー (Asoshieito Digurī)
  • Chinese (Simplified): 副学士学位 (Fù xuéshì xuéwèi)
  • Hindi: एसोसिएट डिग्री (Esośiyāṭ Ḍigrī)

Visitors interested in exploring institutions that offer associate degree programs or comparing programs can use the uniRank World Universities Search Engine to find relevant information about associate degree offerings.


Wikipedia Article

Associate Degree


unirank Glossary Classification

Miscellaneous higher education terms > University degree types



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