A Guide to Associate of Science Degrees

Key takeaways

• An Associate of Science is a flexible degree program that typically takes about 60 credits (two years) to complete and is available across a range of subjects, including STEM, business, and computer science.

• Benefits of earning an Associate of Science degree include the option to transfer credits toward a four-year degree, the program's flexibility, and the job opportunities and higher salaries it may offer.

• An Associate of Science degree is good for many career opportunities, including pharmacy technician, dental hygienist, paralegal, web developer, and occupational therapy assistant.

An Associate of Science degree is good for individuals seeking work as a medical sonographer, home health aide, or engineering technician, among other fields. Continue reading to explore what you can study in an Associate of Science degree program, what it takes to earn the degree, and what you can do with it after graduation.

What is an Associate of Science degree?

An Associate of Science (AS) degree is a two-year degree in a scientific or technical subject. Associate of Science degrees are available in a range of STEM, business, and computer science subjects. Unlike a college major, which you declare as part of a four-year undergraduate degree, you won’t spend as much time studying your chosen subject in an associate degree program.

Instead, you can expect to complete a set of core requirements, likely including math, English, social science, and humanities, before taking electives in your preferred field.

An Associate of Science degree is a flexible option, allowing you to enter the workforce and pursue a variety of roles or transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program and continue your education. In the 2021-2022 academic year, colleges in the US awarded about 1 million associate degrees [1]. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) projects that in the 2026–2027 academic year, colleges will award approximately 1.067 million associate degrees, rising to almost 1.14 million by 2031–2032, an increase of approximately 130,000 over a ten-year period [1].

How long does an Associate of Science degree take?

Requirements vary by school and program, but you’ll typically need to complete 60 credits, which generally takes two years of full-time study. However, the curriculum can be flexible. Many community colleges allow you to accelerate your studies to one year or extend them to three.

What can you study in an Associate of Science degree program?

The options for AS degree majors are vast and include general studies, focusing on science, math, engineering, business, or computer science subjects. You may also opt to focus on specialized subjects that relate directly to your preferred profession.

Examples of AS degree subjects include:

• Paralegal studies

• Nursing

• Dental hygiene

• Air traffic control

• Policing

• Digital media technology

• Criminal justice

• Cybersecurity

• Live entertainment design and production

Read more: Your Guide to Nursing Degrees and Certifications

Associate of Science vs. Associate of Arts degree: What’s the difference?

While both degrees take the same time to complete, the main difference between an Associate of Science and an Associate of Arts (AA) is their focus. AS courses tend to focus on STEM subjects, and AA courses tend to focus on liberal arts. Depending on your interests and needs, you can choose to pursue one or the other within your ideal time frame.

5 reasons to earn an Associate of Science degree

You’ll find many reasons to earn your AS degree. With an AS degree, you can study a subject you enjoy without the time and financial commitment that a bachelor’s degree requires. Since these degrees are also, for the most part, earned at community colleges, you may end up paying less for your education than if you attended a four-year college.

Some other benefits include:

1. A path to a higher degree

When you earn your AS degree from an accredited school, your credits should transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. You’ll typically need to complete 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree, which means that you could be halfway through your bachelor’s degree by the time you enroll.

2. Job opportunities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions requiring an associate degree are likely to grow 4.9 percent by 2035 [2].

Those with an associate degree in 2025 faced a significantly lower unemployment rate of just 3 percent, compared to 4.3 percent for those with a high school diploma and 6.1 percent for those without one [3]. This trend is projected to continue, with higher levels of education equating to lower levels of unemployment.

3. Flexibility

Community colleges typically offer part-time courses that can be more flexible, with options to study in the evenings and on weekends. This can be beneficial if you’re pursuing a degree while working or managing other life commitments.

4. Specialized skills

Professionals with specialized knowledge are in high demand. Associate of Science degrees can be quite general; however, you can take specialized courses if you’re looking to enter a specific profession. You can access specialized associate degree jobs by taking electives such as epidemiology, integrative nursing, or digital marketing.

5. Higher earning potential

As with any qualification or certification, gaining an associate degree could increase your earning potential. The median salary of someone who holds an associate degree in the United States is $1,135 per week, which is higher than that of someone with a high school diploma, who earns a median pay of $966 [3].

What is an Associate of Science degree good for? Associate of Science degree jobs

Earning an AS degree can be the beginning of many career paths across health care, computer science, and communication, among others. Some popular choices include:

• Pharmacy technician

• Medical sonographer

• Home health aide

• Engineering technician

• Dental hygienist

• Paralegal and legal assistant

• Web developer

• Occupational therapy assistant

• Radiologic technologist

Explore bite-sized ideas for meaningful career growth

Subscribe to Career Chat on LinkedIn to learn how to upskill for professional growth, and get insights into new career paths and emerging trends. Also, check out the following free resources to keep learning more:

• Watch on YouTube: What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?

• Read our Career Chat issue: Your Top Skills and Courses, 100 Issues Later!

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

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