Enrolling in an online associate’s degree program is a great way for students to continue their career beyond their high school-level education. Through an online associate’s degree program, students will be able to gain additional education and skills relevant to different potential jobs while also greatly reducing the amount of education time needed in relation to other degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students who have earned an online associate’s degree make $22,660 more per year when comparing median annual salaries. By choosing to enroll in an additional two years of schooling, students can raise their earning potential considerably.
But just like all other available types of degrees, online associate’s degree programs are available in a wide variety of different programs and delivery formats. For many students, this increased amount of options for degrees can make it very difficult to narrow down which degrees are worth pursuing. Knowing what degree program is best for you might seem hard to figure out when looking at a list of hundreds of different associate’s degrees offered online across hundreds of different schools. We’d like to help make that decision-making process a bit easier.
This ranking was created for students interested in the best online associate’s degrees. On this list you will find online degree programs that we have determined will provide students with an education of value that will also increase a student’s chances of gainful employment. To determine which programs to feature on this list, we took into consideration the projected job growth for a given market sector that. program would be geared towards and the median salaries of those currently working in that industry as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also considered which programs lend themselves to online learning versus on-campus learning. These are the fifty best online associate degree programs for students to choose from.
RELATED: 25 Fastest Online Associates Degree Programs
1. Online Associate in Advertising
Interested in the world of advertisement? Want to develop and create the ad campaigns of tomorrow’s most popular products and services? If that sounds of interest to you then an Associate’s in Advertising degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Advertising degree program, students will work towards the necessary skills needed to enter into entry-level positions within this industry. Students in this program will work to develop their critical-thinking and creative skills to learn the skills needed to develop effective advertising campaigns. They will work to examine primary and secondary data sources in order to understand how to properly position a product and they’ll learn to develop multiple strategies and how to evaluate them to see how they effectively use the marketing mix. Students will also work to build basic marketing plans and how to properly format them for proposal to companies and organizations. Through an Associate’s in Advertising degree program, students will develop their written and communication skills to learn how to more effectively and clearly convey their advertising plans.
With an Associate’s in Advertising degree program, students will have the introductory knowledge to enter into a variety of entry-level advertising positions. Students will find themselves working in jobs at advertising firms, promotions department, and marketing departments in a variety of different industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for jobs in advertising is $127,560/year. The industry is expected to grow 9% by 2026. Through earning this degree students will be positioned to enter into this field of work.
For those students interested in entering into the advertising industry, the Associate’s in Advertising degree program is the best online associate’s degree program for you.
2. Online Associate in Marketing
If you are interested in a career in marketing and want to develop the necessary skills needed to be a successful marketer then an Associate’s in Marketing degree is the best online associate’s degree for you to enroll in. Through an Associate’s in Marketing degree plan, students will work through the core competencies and skills needed to ensure that they can properly market products and services. Students will spend time working to understanding topics including strategic marketing and product management, while developing their critical thinking and communication skills. They will learn about fundamental marketing information including promotion, pricing, distribution, and sales. Students will be tasked with learning more about different means of communication to best understand the ways that they can reach different consumers in order to promote their products. They’ll learn how to run qualitative and quantitative analyses in order to best understand the ways that they can position their product to appeal to different diverse groups or markets. Through an Associate’s in Marketing degree plan, students will develop the valuable insights and skills to successfully sell products and services.
By completing an Associate’s in Marketing degree, student will have the career-oriented skills needed to enter into a variety of different roles in marketing-related industries. They can work as marketing consultants, find jobs at advertising agencies, or work for companies in their marketing department in order to provide in-house marketing services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for those working as marketing managers is $127,560/year. This industry is expected to experience 9% growth by the year 2026. This is healthy growth and indicative of a strong job market.
(Learn more about how much you can make with a degree in digital marketing.)
If you are interested in designing marketing campaigns to sell products and communicate with consumers then an Associate’s in Marketing degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
3. Online Associate in Human Resources
Love to work with people? Enjoy fostering professional growth in people? Want to manage a companies most valuable resource: its people? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Human Resources degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Human Resources degree program, students work towards gaining the skills needed to properly ensure the management of a company or organizations human capital. Integral to the operation of any company, the people that make up the organization must be cared for and have certain services provide to them. Through an Associate’s in Human Resources degree, students gain the skills needed to properly manage employees. They will gain insight in fostering health cultures within companies or organizations. Students will gain training in designing and managing compensation plans and benefit packages for employees as well. They will learn how to properly develop policies that govern behavior within a company and they will be tasked with enforcing these rules in order to ensure the smooth operation of business. This is an incredibly crucial role to any business or organization.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Human Resources degree, students will have gained the training needed to enter into a career within human resources. Almost every moderate-sized business has some sort of human resource infrastructure so students can choose from almost any industry to work within. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers earn a median salary of $106,910/year. This job market is expected to grow by 9% by the year 2026. This is health job growth and indicative of a healthy job market.
If you want to work in a career where you can shape the culture of a company and work towards providing its employees with a positive work life then an Associate’s in Human Resources degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
4. Online Associate in Software Development
Are you interested in developing skills in software development and application development? Do you want to learn how to program applications and software? If so then an Associate’s in Software Development degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Software Development degree, students will learn the governing principles needed to begin an fruitful career in software development. They will learn how to design, develop, and implement software solutions for clients and customers. Students will be tasked with learning the different environments that software can be developed for by gaining a broader understanding of the differences between computer software, software for tablets, and software developed for mobile devices. Students will learn how to develop desktop and web applications while also learning about database programs in order to integrate their software designs with these data systems. Students will also learn industry security standards in order to create software that is secure and safe. Through this program students will be prepared for a career in software development.
By completing an Associate’s in Software Development degree, students will have gained the technical and career-oriented skills needed to begin an entry-level career in software development. (Learn more about which degree is best for a software engineer.)
Students can work as mobile developers creating software for phones and other mobile devices, they can begin careers in game development making video games, or many more career possibilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of software developers is $102,280/year. This industry is expected to experience 24% job growth by the year 2026 which is very high job growth.
If you want to learn more about software and application development then an Associate’s in Software Development degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
5. Online Associate in Business Administration
For those interested in working towards developing their business acumen and learning the skills needed to be a successful leader in business should look no further than an Associate’s in Business Administration as the best online associate’s degree for their needs. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Business Administration degree program, students will gain an overview of a variety of topics necessary for students to excel in the world of business. Students will spend time learning about accounting in order to make sure that they are well-versed in the issues involving the inflow and outflow of money into a business. They will also spend time learning about business law to better understand the ways in which a business must operate in order to satisfy legal requirements. Management skills will also be taught to students in order to prepare them with the communication and interpersonal tools needed to motivate and effectively lead the people that make up a business or organization. They will also be tasked with gaining a preliminary understanding of marketing in order to learn how to effectively communicate with potential consumers in order to motivate them to purchase their products or services.
By gaining an Associate’s in Business Administration degree, students will have gained an introductory level of business knowledge and insight needed to enter into a variety of different entry-level positions in management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in management have a median salary of $100,790/year. This industry is expected to undergo approximately 9% of growth by the year 2026. Through earning this degree, students will have provided themselves with the necessary stepping stone to enter into this industry.
For those interested in jump starting their career in business or management should consider an Associate’s in Business Administration degree as the best online associate’s degree to begin their career.
6. Online Associate in Management
Do you like working with people? Are you someone who interested in motivating teams and pushing employees to meet goals and realize their full potential? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Management degree program students will learn the hard and soft skills needed to succeed as a successful manager or leader within a business. Students will be tasked with studying a variety of different topics that will prepare them with the core competencies needed to lead employees to success. Students will gain an understanding of business principles, studying the way that businesses are organizes, ethics within a business environment, strategy, and much more. They will also take courses in leadership and management in order to build their interpersonal skills as well as their leadership skills. They will take courses in topics including organizational leadership, project management, and change management. Through this curriculum, students will build a firm knowledge base of the information needed to successfully manage a team.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Management degree students will be prepared for a variety o of different entry-level management positions within a variety of different businesses or organizations. Graduates may find themselves working as office managers, business administrators, or other related management positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of management occupations is $100,790/year. This industry is expected to experience 9% job growth by 2026. This is indicative of a healthy and promising job market for upcoming graduates.
If you are interested in honing your leadership skills to lead employees towards success then an Associate’s in Management degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
7. Online Associate in Organizational Leadership
For many businesses and organizations, it is imperative that they work to make their work environments as productive and organized as possible. Many times, productivity is lost through poor leadership and unclear organizational hierarchy. If you are interested in becoming an expert in the ways that businesses can streamline for higher productivity then an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree program, students will undergo a curriculum that is designed for them to understand the different structure of businesses and organizations to best understand the ways they can be improved upon. They will learn about major topics including group dynamics and organizational structure, while also learning about the ways that company culture and power can effect productivity. Students will learn how to examine the hierarchy of companies in order to assess potential redundancies or places in which productivity might be lost. They will develop their interpersonal and communication skills to understand how to motivate workers and promote a happier and more productive workplace.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree, students will have developed a variety of hard and soft skills that will prepare them for leadership and management roles in a variety of different industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those in management positions earn an annual median salary of $98,560/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by 2026 which is indicative of a healthy job market.
If you want to study to best understand how to motivate and create organizations that are strong and productive then an Associate’s in Organizational Leadership degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
8. Online Associate in Healthcare Management
Have strong leadership skills? Want to apply those to a career in the healthcare industry? If this describes you then an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree, students will learn how to plan, direct, and coordinate a variety of different medical and health services. Often overlooked but incredibly important, management positions within healthcare facilities are crucial to maintaining the organized chaos of many health care facilities like hospitals. Students will learn basic business principles such as finance and accounting work necessary for any organization. They will also learn skills critical to the operation of a healthcare facility. They will gain an understanding of the organizational hierarchy of different healthcare organizations and the different types of staff that make up such facilities. Students will learn how to work with staff members to develop their skills in order to continue to grow and invest in their talent. They will also work to understand the different government regulations that govern the operation of healthcare facilities.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree, students will gain an education that is career-oriented and designed to provide them with the skills for a few different career paths. Students will find themselves taking on entry-level positions in healthcare facilities as healthcare administrators or health services managers. According to to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health services managers earn a median salary of $96,540/year. This industry is expected to grow by 20% by the year 2026. This is very high job growth indicating a very health industry.
If you are interested in working in a healthcare career with high job growth then an Associate’s in Healthcare Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
9. Online in Electronics and Computer Engineering
For those interested in beginning a career in electronics and want to develop the skills needed to work in this field should consider an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree as their choice for best online associate’s degrees. Through an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree program, students will work to develop the skills needed to work in the electronics system industry. They will undergo a curriculum that prepares them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to be skilled electronic technicians. Tasked with learning the systems that keep our wired and wireless world running, Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering students will learn the complexities of these systems in order to implement and maintain them. Students will be taken through all aspects of the implementation process of electronics systems. They will learn how to manufacture, build, install, test, and evaluate such systems. They will also be prepared with the skills needed to help sell these systems to prospective buyers. Students will become comfortable with a variety of different techniques and equipment needed to properly maintenance and implement such systems.
By completing an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree, students will have gained a career-oriented, technical degree that will provide them with a clear career path for them to pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronics engineers can expect a median salary of $96,270. It is projected that this field of work is expected to grow by 7% by the year 2026. By earning this degree students are preparing themselves to enter into a high-paying field of work.
If you are somebody who is interested in working with electronic systems then an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
10. Online Associate in Engineering Management Technology
Want to learn more about working specifically with electrical systems? Interested in finding out more how electrical components interface with computer systems? If this sounds interesting to you then an Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Similar to an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering degree, this program of study focuses more closely on the principles of electronics and circuitry design. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts that govern electrical and electronics design. That means they will be studying topics including digital electronics and analog electronics, DC/AC circuit principles, and proper circuitry design. They will also be tasked with learning computer programming basics as to better understand the ways that software calls upon and interacts with simple hardware systems. While an Associate’s in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology degree is related more closely to the maintenance of large electronics systems, the Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree is more interested in the design of smaller electrical components.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree, students will have a variety of different career paths open. Having learned clear technical skills that can be directly applied to the electrical trade, students will be ready to enter into the workforce. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary of electrical engineers is $96,270/year and this industry is expected to grow 7% by the year 2026. This is strong job growth and a very high-median salary as compared to other industries of work.
If you are interested in component design and want to work in electrical engineer then an Associate’s in Engineering Management Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
11. Online Associate in Construction Technology
Want to work in construction? Interested in learning the ins-and-outs of the various jobs and roles of those on a construction site? Want to lead major construction projects? If this describes your career ambitions, then an Associate’s in Construction Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Those who enroll in an Associate’s in Construction Technology degree program will begin a program designed to teach the students the practical skills needed for construction management while helping to familiarize them with a variety of different construction technologies. A career-oriented degree program, students will learn many on-the-job skills that they can immediately bring into the workplace. Students will work to gain an understanding of the various aspects of construction. They will learn how to properly survey sites for construction purposes. Drafting and estimating skills will be taught in order to ensure that students can accurately understand the process needed to properly plan a construction project. Students will also learn how to see a construction project through from beginning to end while also becoming familiar with the necessary regulations and rules needed for inspection purposes.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Construction in Technology degree, students will have gained a technical, career-oriented education that will have provided them with the experience and knowledge needed to enter into a variety of different construction-related roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for those working in construction management is $89,300/year. This industry is expected to experience 11% growth by the year 2026. This degree is a great degree for students who want an education that can be directly applied to a career.
Students interested in construction management should enroll in an Associate’s in Construction Technology degree as the best online associate’s degree for them.
12. Online Associate in Occupational Safety
The workplace can be a very hazardous and unsafe place. Many industries are inherently unsafe and must have professionals who’s role is to make the workplace as safe as possible. If this sounds like a career that you might be interested in then an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree program, students will work to understand the various hazards found at job sites and the different ways they can be mitigated. They will be tasked with working towards gaining a deeper understanding of health related theories and technologies designed to make work environments safer. They will learn about different workplace hazards, how to properly identify them, and the ways that they can be made safer. They will learn how to work with a variety of different employers in order to help them understand the necessity of workplace safety and the ways that they can foster safety within their own workplaces. Ultimately, students will learn how to minimize occupational hazards and make hazardous workplaces much safer for employees to work in.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree program, students will have gained the skills needed to work in a variety of different occupational safety careers. Many of these students will find themselves in careers as health and safety engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health and safety engineers is $86,720/year. This industry is expected to experience 9% job growth by 2026. This is healthy job growth and indicative of a strong industry.
If you are interested in working to make workplaces safer and to minimize work accidents then an Associate’s in Occupational Safety degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
13. Online Associate in Database Application Development
Looking to begin a career in database development and design? Want to gain an education in a growing part of the IT sector? If so, then an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree, students will begin to study databases, their uses, and how to design, implement, and maintain them. Databases are fundamental to many organizations and enterprises as they are used to store massive amounts of information for companies and groups. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree, students will learn the many IT-related skills needed to work on these giant collections of data. Students will work to develop their critical-thinking and analytical skills in order to understand the needs of clients in order to guide the design and creation of a database towards the needs of the client. They will learn a variety of different database types in order to know which one is the right one for a given database application. Students will be tasked with learning the skills needed to maintain these data systems.
Through earning an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree, students will have gained an education in a specialized information technology field. Through this specialization, students will have the specific knowledge needed to enter into a variety of different high-paying database-related jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrators have a median salary of $84,950/year. This market sector is expected to grow 11% by 2026.
Those who are interested in working in the development and maintenance of database systems should enroll in the best online associate’s degree to meet that career goal. We believe that an Associate’s in Database Application Development degree is the right degree for you.
14. Online Associate in Information Technology
Love technology? Interested in learning about the most recent computer technologies? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Information Technology might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Information Technology degree program students will gain an overview of the different knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the modern information technology field. Students will work to develop high-level skills of web design, data management, and software development. Though their work through this program of study, students will learn how to solve fundamental technology-related issues through the use of a variety of different modern information technology tools and methods. They will work to develop their written and oral communication skills in order to effectively explain information technology concepts to end-users in order to help them better understand the software applications that they are using. Students will also be tasked with gaining a deeper understanding of network security and maintenance in order to service vast information technology systems. They will also learn how to work with organizations to assess their information technology needs to create plans and goals that they can then use to implement new information technology systems.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Information Technology degree program, students will have gained a variety of hard skills needed for success in the field of information technology. Students can begin work in a variety of different entry-level information technology jobs including IT specialist, systems administrator, security engineer, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an information technology worker is $82,860/year. This industry is expected to undergo approximately 13% job growth by the year 2026.
If you are interested in working with computers or technology then an Associate’s in Information Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
15. Online Associate in Psychology
For those fascinated with the human mind, the way people think, and the various mental illnesses that plague it, an Associate’s in Psychology degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Psychology degree program, students will begin working on an introductory level of knowledge regarding topics in psychology. Students will spend time understanding theories and models of the human mind to understand the patterns and systems that govern behavior. They will also spend time gaining a background in behavioral sciences to better understand the ways that people behave. Furthermore, students will begin to learn about topics like developmental psychology which is the study of the way that the human mind changes and develops through childhood all the way into adulthood. They will also spend time learning about the psychology of personality to get a better grasp on the way that the human mind changes the way that people present themselves through their personality. If you are interested in learning about the human mind and the way that they think, an Associate’s in Psychology degree will help you to begin that journey.
By completing an Associate’s in Psychology degree, students will have gained an introductory level of knowledge regarding the human mind and psychology practices. To work as a psychologist, students must complete a Master’s-level of education. However, students can use what they’ve learned through an Associate’s in Psychology degree towards degrees in related fields of study like human services or social work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a psychologist is $75,230/year and the industry is expected to grow by 14% by 2026.
If you want to begin an education dedicated towards understanding the human mind then an Associate’s in Psychology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
16. Online Associate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Want to maintain the driving engine behind industry? Does the idea of working to ensure that the flow of products and supplies within a company moves smoothly excite you? If so then an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree students will gain career training in one of industry’s most crucial aspects. Through an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management curriculum, students will work to gain a more detailed understanding of supply chain and logistics management concepts. They will spend time learning the leading supply chain strategies as well as industry techniques for global logistics management. Students will learn how to describe supply chain drives and to understand the metrics that are used to evaluate and rate them. They will also learn how to design, plan, and monitor logistics networks. Further, they will learn how to evaluate different potential supply chain models and learn how to choose one and defeat that chose using relevant metrics that corroborate the potential success of a given supply chain model.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Logistics & Supply Chain Management degree, students will have gained a specific, career-oriented degree that will provide them with the education and training needed to succeed in a variety of different roles within supply chain management and logistics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, logisticians earn a median annual salary of $74,170/year. This industry is expected to experience 7% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and is indicative of a growing job market.
If you are interested in working to ensure the smooth flow of product and supplies through a system then an Associate’s in Supply Chain Management & Logistics is the best online associate’s degree for you.
17. Online Associate in Accounting
For those students interested in beginning the study of accounting, an online Associate’s in Accounting degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the study of an Associate’s in Accounting degree, students will work towards gaining an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of accounting. They will work to study basic accounting principles and practices while gaining insight into the tax code and business practices. Students will learn about U.S. Tax Regulations as well as international standards for accounting. They will learn proper financial records handling and maintenance for internal and external users. Students will also gain practice in learning how to properly communicate accounting information to non-accounting professionals in order to properly transmit the sometimes hard to understand accounting data. A major focus on Associate’s in Accounting degree curriculum is the understanding of good ethics as it relates to the handling and maintenance of sensitive accounting data. Through an Associate’s in Accounting degree, students will gain a foundational knowledge needed to enter into this practice.
Students who earn an Associate’s in Accounting degree can expect to enter into a variety of different job positions within the field of Accounting. The Associate’s in Accounting degree gives students a survey of the knowledge needed to succeed as an accountant and prepares them for roles in entry-level accounting positions. Students can find jobs working as a payroll clerk, a bookkeeper, accounts receivable clerk, and more. They will also be poised to work towards gaining their Certified Public Accountant status. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in accounting are expected to increase by 10% in 2026 and students can currently expect a median salary of $68,150.
For students interested in a career in accounting, an Associate’s in Accounting degree is the best online associate’s degree from which to choose from.
18. Online Associate in Multimedia Design
Do you work well in a variety of different design mediums? Do you want to develop your skills across a variety of different types of multimedia? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Multimedia Design degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Multimedia Design degree, students will work to learn about different types of multimedia to learn how to create and apply them to different scenarios. Students will study topics related to visual arts including design, page layout, typography, color theory, and much more. They will also become more familiar with information sciences and technology topics so they can build their familiarity with computers and software needed for multimedia design. Students will develop their communication and analytical skills as they will learn how to work with clients to understand their needs and deliver different types of multimedia in order to meet their needs. Students will gain an understanding of workin different medium such as video, illustrations, audio, graphic design, and much more. This program of study will prepare students with a variety of different skills when it comes to media design in order to make them even more valuable to future employers.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Multimedia Design, students will have gained a variety of different career-oriented skills that will have prepared them for a variety of different careers. Having learned a variety of different digital arts, students can find jobs in graphic design, web design, video editing, photo editing, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, multimedia artist earn a median annual salary of $65,300/year. This industry is projected to grow 10% by 2026 which is indicative of healthy job growth.
If you are interested in working in a variety of different digital arts formats then an Associate’s in Multimedia Design degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
19. Online Associate in Fashion Merchandising
Are you interested in fashion? Do you love expressing your creativity through your clothing and look? Want to share your creations with the world? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree students will learn the ins-and-outs of the fashion industry to get a better understanding of what it is needed to design a piece of clothing and get it to market. Students will develop their creativity as it applies to fashion design. They will take courses in color theory, fabric design, and and basic garment construction to learn how to best bring their ideas for articles of clothing to life. While working on how to bring their clothing designs to life, students will also learn about the merchandising aspect of fashion. They will learn how to create cohesive lines of items that can be sold together and how to properly position them in a variety of different markets in order to drive sales. Students will also be trained in sales techniques allowing them to build their interpersonal and communication skills in order to drive sales of their products.
By completing an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree, students will have gained a very technical and career-oriented education that can be directly applied to a variety of different career paths. Many students will find themselves entering into careers as fashion designers, working to apply their skills towards a fruitful career of designing and selling clothing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of a fashion designer is $65,170/year. This industry is expected to experience 3% job growth by the year 2026.
If you are interested in becoming a fashion designer and shaping the fashion of the future then an Associate’s in Fashion Merchandising degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
20. Online Associate in Social Science
If you are fascinated by and want to learn more about the social sciences then an Associate’s in Social Science degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Social Science degree, students will develop a liberal arts background in a variety of different social sciences courses. They will develop soft skills including communication skills, interpersonal skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical thinking skills. In this program of study, students will spend time learning about the humanities, physical and life sciences, and much more. Students will be able to take courses in topics including psychology, history, political science, and anthropology. An Associate’s in Social Science degree is a great degree for students who want to learn more about human history and the ways that humans have interacted. A rather broad degree, an Associate’s in Social Sciences degree is often shaped by the student enrolled in the program. Students can create a class schedule that best reflects the types of courses they are interested in studying.
RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Social Sciences degree, students will have gained a broad liberal arts degree that can be applied to a variety of different career paths or can be used as a springboard for further education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in social science have a median annual wage of $63,340/year. This industry is expected to experience 10% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and indicative of strong job market.
If you want to learn more about the humanities and social sciences then an Associate’s in Social Sciences degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
21. Online Associate in Sociology
If you are interested by the ways that groups of people interact with one another and the different forces that are at play that influence these interactions then an Associate’s in Sociology might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Sociology degree, students will be introduced to key concepts in sociology to begin to gain a broader understanding of the topic. An Associate’s in Sociology degree curriculum has students examining the ways that people are interdependent on one another and how their behaviors interact and effect one another. Students will spend time studying social institutions including family, the workplace, romantic relationships, and more to understand the ways that people conduct themselves within these institutions. They will learn more about social behavior and ways that they are influenced by religions, cultures, and stereotypes. Students will learn how to identify a variety of different social conditions that can be attributed to the different behavior of groups. They will learn how to think critically and analytically in order to apply different theories and case studies to events being observed.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Sociology degree students will have gained a broad understanding of sociological concepts and will be prepared for a variety of different careers in sociology-related fields including consumer advocate, public heath educator, social service case worker, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in sociology can expect to earn a median annual salary of $63,340/year. This industry is expected to grow by 10% by the year 2026 which is a healthy amount of growth.
If you are interested in learning more about social constructs influence people’s behavior then an Associate’s in Sociology degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
22. Online Associate in Criminal Justice
Want to work in law enforcement? Interested in studying criminal law? If this is of interest to you then an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree, students will study a variety of topics related to criminal justice. This program of study is designed to be career-oriented and will teach students skills and information that can be directly applied to a job in law enforcement or other related fields of work. Students will become familiar with criminal law, learning the various codes and laws that govern modern society. They will learn the intricacies of the United States justice system and the role to which they would play within that system. During this degree program, students will study social sciences as they relate to human behavior including deviant social behavior. They will work to gain an understanding of the ways that police officers and law enforcement agents can provide intervention in a variety of different criminal situations. Students in this program will gain the knowledge needed to properly undertake criminal investigations.
Students who complete an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree will have earned a technical, career-oriented degree that will prepare them for a variety of entry-level positions in the field of criminal justice. Many of these students will be able to enter into jobs as police officers, law enforcement agents, or security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for those working in law enforcement is $61,600/year. This industry is expected to grow 7% by the year 2026. Law enforcement jobs provide great job security and benefits.
Those interested in a career in law enforcement should enroll in an Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree as their best online associate’s degree option.
23. Online Associate’s in English
Want to learn more about the English language? Love writing? Fascinated by literature and the written word? If this describes you then an Associate’s in English degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. By choosing to enroll in an Associate’s in English degree, students will begin to advance their understanding of the English language beyond their high-school education. A liberal arts focused degree, students will spend time honing their writing and reading skills through the completion of this degree. They will work to hone their analytical and critical thinking skills as they learn how to analyze pieces of writing and texts for deeper meaning. Students will work to learn how literature has shaped our culture over the years and how different texts have shaped or mirrored the time that they are from. They will also work to tap into their own creativity as they learn how to cultivate their own voice and style of writing. This means becoming more familiar with different types of writing like poetry, prose, fiction, nonfiction, and more. Students who enroll in this program will gain a deeper understanding of literature and writing, preparing them with a variety of different soft skills applicable to many careers.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in English degree, students will have gained a liberal arts degree that they can choose to apply to a variety of different career paths. For those students interested in pursuing writing, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for a writer or author is $61,240/year. This industry is expected to undergo 8% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy median salary and rate of job growth.
If you want to become a writer, an author, or just love literature then the Associate’s in English degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
24. Online Associate in General Education
Want to advance your studies beyond the high school level? Want to experience a college education without committing to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in General Education degree might be the best affordable online degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in General Education degree program students will have the opportunity to study a variety of different topics and areas of study at the collegiate level. Students will be able to expand their knowledge of the humanities by studying topics including language, literature, and philosophy. They will also be able to take courses exploring the fine arts, expanding their cultural knowledge of paintings and sculptures. Students can choose to take courses in the natural sciences, learning more about the science behind our natural world. They can also choose to pursue courses in mathematics to hone their skills. Along the way the will become stronger communicators, have greater analytical and critical thinking skills, and become more well-rounded individuals. This is a great degree for those who would like to gain some insight into higher education.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in General Education degree students will have developed a repertoire of hard and soft skills that can be applied to a variety of different entry-level positions or can be used as a springboard for continued education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with an Associate’s degree make a median annual salary of $58,240/year. This is much higher than the $35,580/year that those with only a high school diploma earn.
If you are interested in trying your hand at a higher education and want to survey the types of courses and classes available then an Associate’s in General Education degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
25. Online Associate in Liberal Arts
Want to study the arts and humanities? Interested in gaining a more expansive knowledge of art, culture, and history? If so then an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through enrolling in an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree program, students will go through a curriculum designed to bring students through a variety of different topics of study within the humanities. Being a very broad field of study, an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree affords students a great deal of flexibility when it comes to their actual degree plan. Students will be able to spend time studying literature in the form of American, contemporary, world literature or more. They’ll be able to delve deeper into the arts. Students can choose to spend their time studying performing arts, music, sculpture, painting, or more. They can choose to spend their time examining topics including religion, spirituality, or philosophy. The pursuit of an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree is the pursuit of a well-rounded education in the humanities. Through this type of degree program students will be able to survey a great deal of liberal arts and humanities courses.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree students will have gained a broad education that will have provided them with a variety of hard and soft skills applicable to a variety of different career paths. Due to the open-ended nature of an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree, there is no set career path for those who complete this program of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with an associate’s degree earn a median annual salary of $58,240/year. This is much higher than the $35,580/year that those with only a high school diploma earn.
If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of the arts and humanities then an Associate’s in Liberal Arts degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
26. Online Associate in Communication
Want to work in the professional field of communication? Interested in crafting the messaging and communication for an entire organization? Then you should consider enrolling in a Associate’s in Communication degree as it is the best online associate’s degree to help attain such career goals. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Communication degree students will learn the tangible communication tactics and techniques needed for proper communication, as well as the theories and frameworks that support these tactics and techniques. Students in an Associate’s in Communication degree program will spend time developing their verbal and written communication skills. They were learn how to convey ideas in a clear and concise manner that can be digested by a variety of different audiences. This program helps students to develop their critical thinking skills as well as their analytical and research skills. As a student in an Associate’s in Communication degree program, you will be tasked with examining the ways we communicate more closely and the media that we choose to communicate through.
RELATED: What Can I Do With a Degree in Visual Communications?
By completing an Associate’s in Communication degree program, students will have gained a preliminary education and the skills needed to enter into a variety of different entry-level communications-related positions across different industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs within the communication sector are expected to grow by 6% by the year 2026. The median salary for those working in communication is $54,780. An Associate’s in Communication degree helps position students to enter into a variety of different positions.
For those interested interested in the ways that we use media to communicate should enroll in an Associate’s in Communication degree as their best online associate’s degree option.
27. Online Associate in Hospitality Management
Love making people feel at home? Want to make sure that when people travel or go out to eat that they are having the highest-quality experience possible? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree program, students will learn the skills needed to work in a variety of different positions within hospitality industries. Students will work to learn the leadership and management skills needed to effectively run a hospitality enterprise. They will take courses in employee management and administrative skills such as office management. Students will also study more hospitality-related topics including guest services, sanitation, menu writing, and more. Students will spend time familiarizing themselves with other hospitality-related topics such as guest satisfaction, quality management, purchasing and much more. They will learn the operational structure of hotels, restaurants, country clubs, and other hospitality entities. Through this degree program, students will be prepared with the knowledge necessary to provide quality hospitality.
By completing an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree, students will have gained an education that is very career-oriented and that provides them with the skills needed to work in a variety of different hospitality positions. Students can find jobs working in hotels, resorts, restaurants, country clubs, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lodging managers make a median salary of $51,840/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by the year 2026. This is strong job growth and indicates a healthy job market.
If you are interested in working in the hospitality industry then an Associate’s in Hospitality Management degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
28. Online Associate in Legal Support
Want to learn more about the law? Want to use this knowledge of legal codes to help others with their legal issues? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Legal Support degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Legal Support degree curriculum, students will work to gain knowledge needed to work in a career within legal support and services. Students will be tasked with building foundational knowledge of the law while also building out their understanding of a variety of different legal administrative skills. They will work to understand a variety of different legal services, laws, and policies. Students will also be tasked with learning a variety of technical skills related to legal services such as contract writing, legal consulting, and much more. Through this type of program, students will develop their interpersonal and communication skills while also developing critical and analytical thinking skills crucial to success in this type of environment. Students will spend time examining topics like real estate and insurance to learn the ways that they can apply their understanding of the law to better help those with issues related to those topics.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Legal Support degree, students will have gained an understanding of legal services and support that will allow them to enter into a variety of careers including work for insurance firms, health care institutions, legal services teams, and much more. Students may find themselves working as paralegals or legal assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a paralegal is $49,500/year. This industry is expected to have 15% job growth by the year 2026. This is healthy job growth and indicative of a strong job market.
If you are interested in a career in legal assistance then an Associate’s in Legal Support degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
29. Online Associate in Interior Design
If you are somebody who loves to make interior spaces look good while making sure they are safe and functional, than an Associate’s in Interior Design degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Interior Design degree, students will hone their creative skills while gaining a better understanding of the many guiding principles that make for great interior design. Students will work to study a variety of different aesthetic principles that govern modern-day interior design. They will also work to gain a better understanding of the variety of different professional practices necessary to succeed in interior design. This means learning how to work with clients in order to better assess their needs while also helping guide them towards making smarter decisions when it comes to interior design choices. Students will have to also familiarize themselves with a variety of different materials, fixtures, and furniture in order to understand how they best interact with one another in a common space. They will also spend time learning different computer applications such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Photoshop in order to design their interior design plans.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Interior Design degree, students will have gained a very specialized education that all have provided them with the career-oriented skills. Students can find work in both residential or commercial interior design, or work in related field such as set design and showroom design. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working as interior designers earn a median salary of $48,910/year. This industry is expected to experience 5% job growth by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and indicative of a healthy job market.
If you are interested in making interior spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional then an Associate’s in Interior Design is the best online associate’s degree for you. Learn more about whether you need a degree to be an interior decorator.
Explore the top 10 interior design schools in the U.S.
30. Online Associate in Ministry
Are you a religious person? Do you want to work in the ministry and want to work for Christian churches and organizations? If this describes you then an Associate’s in Ministry degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. By enrolling in an Associate’s in Ministry degree, students will undergo a curriculum that is designed to teach them more about the structure of the ministry while learning the different skills they will need to thrive within a variety of different types of Christian churches. They will learn the various roles within a church while learning the skills needed to become a pastor. Students will be tasked with studying the Bible and other Christian texts while working to think more critically and analytically. They will hone their communication skills and writing skills as they work to develop their own sermons in order to better communicate with the people of their church. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Ministry degree, students will learn a variety of different soft skills including public speaking, how to motivate others, how to think critically, and effective interpersonal skills. These are all vital to success within the ministry.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Ministry degree program, students will have gained the skills and education needed to enter into a variety of different roles within Christian churches and organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clergy jobs earn an annual median salary of approximately $47,710/year. This industry is also experiencing normal job growth and is indicative of a strong job market for those with degrees.
If you would like to work as a minister or pastor then an Associate’s in Ministry degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
31. Online Associate in Funeral Service
A very noble and important profession, the role of the funeral director is a career that is often times not considered. However, this career is an essential part of life and important to the healing of the living as it allows those who have lost a loved one to move on and let go of their loss. If you are interested in helping those who have recently lost someone in their life to facilitate their passing then an Associate’s in Funeral Service degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree students will learn the skills needed to work as a funeral director and run a funeral home. Students will be taught funeral law and funeral home operations as to understand the proper operational procedures needed to legally run a funeral home. They will also learn more technical skills regarding the embalming process. By gaining a background in human anatomy, students in an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree program will learn embalming their as well as restorative arts practices in order to ensure the proper burial of the cadaver. Students will also learn how to provide comfort and ease to families during such trying times.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree students will be prepared with a very specific set of skills that can be used for a fruitful career in the funeral services industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, funeral service workers have a median salary of $54,830/year while funeral service managers make $73,830/year. This industry is expected to grow 5% by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of industry growth and should be indicative of employment opportunity.
If you are interested in a career as a funeral director then an Associate’s in Funeral Services degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
32. Online Associate’s in Graphic Design
Love illustrating and drawing? Want to take your creative abilities when it comes to illustration to the next level? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree, students will learn the latest in graphic design practices and technologies in order to advance their skillset and prepare for a career in the field of graphic design. Students will be tasked with learning key graphic design components including typography, identity design, page layout, and much more. Through learning these graphic design fundamentals, students will learn to develop their eye to learn what makes for great graphic design. Students will learn how to clearly convey messages through graphic design in order to communicate their client’s needs. They will also become well-versed in the latest in graphic design applications including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, an much more. Students will also be taught the different mediums that they can create graphic design for and the different requirements and constraints of each medium.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree, students will gain the fundamental knowledge and training needed to enter into an entry-level position in graphic design. Students will find themselves working for advertising, marketing, or other businesses providing them with their graphic design skillset. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for graphic designers is $47,640/year. This industry is expected to grow by 5% by the year 2026. This is a healthy amount of job growth and a good median wage for the industry.
If you are interested in learning more about graphic design and honing your graphic design skills then an Associate’s in Graphic Design degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
33. Online Associate in Event Planning
Love setting up events? Want to be at the center of a big party or celebration to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Event Planning degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. By enrolling in an Associate’s in Event Planning degree, you will learn the skills needed to become an expert event planner. Learning to work with a variety of different clients, students will learn how to work with clients to assess their needs and begin to assemble the elements that the clients desire to make the even what they want it to be. Students will develop their interpersonal skills by learning how to communicate with a variety of different clients and vendors as well as honing their organizational skills to ensure that all the pieces fall into place to make the perfect event. Students will also learn to work creatively and think on their feet as they will be tasked with solving problems on-the-fly to make sure that events go smoothly. Students will also learn basic entrepreneur skills needed in order to run their own event-planning businesses. This is a great degree program for those who like to bring happiness to people and provide them with the event of their dreams.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Event Planning degree, students will gain the knowledge and training to begin a career as an event planner. Graduates can choose to apply their skills in variety of different industries including wedding planning, corporate event planning, nonprofit event planning, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, event planners earn a median salary of $47,350/year. This industry is expected to grow at a rate of 10% by 2026. This is healthy industry growth and a good median salary.
If you are interested in learning how to properly plan events like weddings or corporate meetings then an Associate’s in Event Planning degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
34. Online Associate in Human Services
Want to advocate for those in need? Interested in providing help and aid to those that need some help? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Human Services degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Human Services degree program students will learn how to provide those in need with the type of social aid and help that they require. Through the curriculum of an Associate’s in Human Services degree, students will spend time learning about the social, historical, and political milestones that have effected social advocacy over the past years as they look to the past to see the ways they can make changes in the future. Students will study different populations and cultures to understand the ways that they might respond to social work or social aid differently in order to create strategies that best suit these communities needs. They will spend time familiarizing themselves with the legal and the ethical standards that dictate social workers behavior with clients. Students will also work to gain a better understanding of the ways that they can work to effect and shape public policy in order to provide more social care to those in need. Through their studies, students will build their critical thinking, analytical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Human Services degree, students will have gained the skills needed to enter into a variety of different social work career paths. Students can choose to find employment as case workers, mental health aides, probation officers, life skills instructors, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, social workers earn a median salary of $46,890/year. This industry is expected to experience 15% job growth by the year 2026. This is healthy job growth and indicative or a growing job market.
If you are interested in working in social work then an Associate’s in Human Services degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
35. Online Associate in Homeland Security
Want to work towards making our country a safer place? Interested in gaining the education and training needed to work in a career in counter-terrorism? If this sounds interesting to you then an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree, students will learn the fundamentals needed to work in a variety of homeland security related careers. Through this program, students will spend time studying the historical concept of homeland security to better understand how it works within the political and national security system of the modern United States. Students will study a variety of threats to homeland security as they familiarize themselves with counterterrorism and hazard management techniques. Students will learn how to prepare detailed response plans that can be rolled out quickly and effectively. They will discuss a variety of different threats including biological warfare, chemical attacks, nuclear attack, and much more. Students will become well-versed in the different government apparatuses involved in homeland security.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree, students will be prepared with a a specialized skillset necessary to work in a variety of government positions. Students can find themselves working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, and much more. Students can find work on the local, state, and federal level or take their knowledge to private industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency management specialists earn a median salary of $45,670/year.
If you are interested in working in homeland security then an Associate’s in Homeland Security degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
36. Online Associate in Physical Therapy
After being injured, for many the hardest part is not the surgery but the time after that. Many times, after undergoing serious surgery or injury, patients must learn how to strengthen and use their injured body parts. To help build up strength, flexibility, and confidence in these body parts that have injured, physical therapists work with patients to use these body parts again. If you think you would be interested in helping injured people work through their injuries to find confidence then an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree, students will study a variety of different biology and science-related topics in order to gain a better understanding of the human body. Students will be tasked with studying topics including anatomy, biology, physical fitness, and kinesiology. Through these topics they will gain a deeper understanding of the way that the body moves and heals itself over time. Students will learn techniques used to help increase mobility and flexibility in injured body parts in order to help patients become stronger in these weakened limbs. Through an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree, students will begin to learn how to help patients be strong again.
By completing an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree, students will have begun to amass the skills needed to work as physical therapists. To own their own practices they will need to undergo more education, but students will have gained enough education to get certified to work as physical therapy assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists and aides earn an annual median salary of $45,290/year. This job industry is expected to experience a 30% job growth by 2026. This is incredibly high job growth rate and is indicative of a very healthy job market.
If you want to help work with injured people to recover from illness or injure then an Associate’s in Physical Therapy degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
37. Online Associate in Real Estate Studies
If you are interested in learning how to sell property to people then an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies students will develop the competencies and skills needed to succeed in the field of real estate. Through this curriculum of study, students will be introduce to the concepts, principles, practices and legal and ethical issues that surround the practice of real estate sales. They will also begin to develop the hard skills needed to be successful real estate agents. Students will spend time developing the ability to interpret financial analysis and property appraisal. They will become more familiar with internet marketing techniques needed to help promote their properties while also learning research techniques to learn more about the market in which they are selling. Students will also develop traditional sales skills including the negotiation skills. They will learn how to market themselves as well as the organizational and time management skills needed to succeed when running your own real estate operation. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree students will be prepared for work in the field of real estate.
RELATED: Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?
By completing an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree, students will be prepared to work in the field of real estate as real estate agents. They will have gained the skills needed for them to begin working in residential or commercial real estate, and will be able to start helping people sell property. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of real estate brokers and sales agents is $44,610/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by the year 2026. This is a moderate level of growth and indicative of a healthy job market.
If you want to learn more about real estate and how to help people sell property, then an Associate’s in Real Estate Studies degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
38. Online Associate in Public Health
To help maintain and promote health and a macro-level, public health policy is created and adapted to provide for the needs of different populations. If you are interested in learning more about public health and how to promote better public health then an Associate’s in Public Health degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Public Health degree, students will begin to gain a broader understanding of the various goals and challenges that effect current public health policy and administration. Students will begin to understand how health works at the global community-level as to better understand how the health of different major populations can effect one another. They will also begin to be introduce the concept of public health as a both a political and health matter. Much of public health policy is determined through political systems, so students will learn the ways that public health policy is determined and how to influence those processes. Students will also spend time learning how to enact public health policy at the community-level in order to provide different groups of people with the public health intervention that they need.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Public Health degree, students will have gained the knowledge needed to begin working in entry-level positions in jobs and roles related to public health. Many of these students will find positions working as health educators and community health workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health educators is $44,390/year. This industry is expected to experience healthy job growth of up to 16% by 2026.
If you want to learn more about public health policy and how to promote healthier communities then an Associate’s in Public Health degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
39. Online Associate in Biology
Want to enter into the health-profession? Interested in learning about how to get involved in scientific research? If so, then an Associate’s in Biology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Biology degree, students will begin to study the various topics and scientific research that make up the field of biology. Through this program students will gain an understanding of general biology and chemistry concepts. Students will also be introduced to organic chemistry as well. An Associate’s in Biology degree program acts as an introductory program to a variety of different types of sciences. Students will also work to strengthen their background in mathematics by studying calculus and statistics. Through their time in this Associate’s in Biology curriculum, students will take courses in human anatomy and physiology, as well as learning about life at the micro-level by studying microbiology. Students will expand their knowledge of living organisms to study the various functions that allows for different types of life. For those who like to think critically and examine the way life works through a scientific lens then an Associate’s in Biology degree is right for you.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Biology degree program, students will have gained the introductory and preliminary knowledge to either continue their education in Biology or to enter into a variety of different entry-level positions. Many students can choose to enter into the entry-level positions of biological technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for this job is $42,250/year and the industry is expected to experience 10% job growth by 2026.
For those interested in pursuing a career in biology should consider an Associate’s in Biology degree as the best online associate’s degree.
40. Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
Want to start your own business? Have a great product or service idea but just are not sure how to get started? Always been an ideas guy? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Starting a business or getting a product to market can be a very daunting and unwieldy task. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree program, students will gain the foundational knowledge needed to understand how to properly start a new business and the various tasks needed to maintain a healthy business. They will learn how to craft a business plan that properly demonstrates the details of their new business. Students will also learn about securing proper funding for their ideas. This typically is coupled with the development of communication and leadership skills as they are often needed to help entrepreneurs with gathering investors and clients. This program of study will also teach students what they’ll need to start their business and to keep it operating. They will learn how to be strong leaders and what it takes to motivate a workforce.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree students will have gained a variety of hard and soft skills that can be applied to a variety of different career paths. Students can choose to take their background into management or they can pursue their goals as an entrepreneur. Due to the very nature of entrepreneurship, statistics regarding the median salary of an entrepreneur are not readily available as they are not something easily tracked. However, entrepreneurs are the masters of their own destinies and can work to create their own opportunities.
If you want to work for yourself and start your own business then an Associate’s in Entrepreneurship degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
41. Online Associate in Retail Management
Enjoy working retail? Love to help people find the product’s that they need? Want to move up into management positions within retail operations? If so then an Associate’s in Retail Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Retail Management degree, students will learn the principles and skills needed to manage a retail operation. They will work to develop the interpersonal and managerial skills that are integral success while also learning important communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Students will spend time staying the different functions of management by learning the process of planning, organizing, staffing, and directing retail operations. They will learn to understand the different systems in play in a modern retail operation by gaining insight in the information technology systems, financial systems and human resources systems in play in a retail operation. Students will also spend time learning how to conduct themselves ethically and responsibly in a retail environment. This program will help to jumpstart a students retail management career.
By completing an Associate’s in Retail Management degree program, students will have developed the set of skills and competencies needed to succeed in a retail environment. They will be prepared for a variety of different management roles available in different retail stores. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary of a retail manager is $39,040/year. This industry is expected to grow moderately in the coming years which is indicative of a healthy job market.
If you are interested in learning the skills needed to thrive in retail management then an Associate’s in Retail Management degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
42. Online Associate in Medical Billing & Coding
The healthcare and medical field has a wide variety of different jobs and career paths available to students. An often overlooked but very important aspect of the healthcare industry is medical billing and coding. In this career path, workers are expected to maintain patient records while making sure they follow industry standards. If this seems like an interesting career path to you then an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding curriculum, students will be tasked with learning the industry standard medical coding system, ICD-10. Through learning this code, students will learn how to ensure that medical organizations records are compliant with a variety of different federal regulations, and to ensure that these documents and bills are all written in such a way that any and all medical professionals can clearly and quickly read their content. In an industry where time can be a situation of life and death, it is important that medical documents are clear and follow proper coding procedure. By enrolling in an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree program students will gain valuable knowledge needed to succeed as a medical coder.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree, students will be prepared with the career skills needed to pursue roles as medical coders and gain employment working in medical records and medical billing departments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical coders and medical records technicians earn an annual median salary of $38,040/year. This industry is projected to experience 13% job growth by the year 2026. This is higher than normal job growth and is indicative of a very healthy job market.
If you are looking for a stable career in the field of healthcare then an Associate’s in Medical Billing & Coding degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
43. Online Associate in Health Information Technician
Looking for a career with strong job security in the field of healthcare? Want to work at the intersection of information technology and health? If this career path sounds interesting to you then an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree, students will prepare and train to gain the insight and knowledge needed to manage patient care data. An integral part to the healthcare industry, the management of patient care data is crucial to the smooth operation of any healthcare facility. Through this program of study, students will learn how to properly analyze patient care data while also learning how to properly store and maintain such pieces of data. Students will learn the various types of patient care data and the ways that it is generated. Incorporating teachings from information technology curriculums, students will also become well-versed in computer security issues as well as important ethical concerns regarding the privacy of such sensitive patient data. An Associate’s of Health Information Technician degree will prepare students with the knowledge needed to succeed in this industry.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree, students will have gained a technical, career-oriented education that can be directly applied to a variety of different careers. Students can find themselves working in medical billing and coding, patient information management, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for health information technicians is $34,040/year. This industry is expected to experience 13% job growth by 2026.
If you are interested in working in the healthcare field then an Associate’s in Health Information Technician degree might be best online associate’s degree for you.
44. Online Associate in Health Sciences
Want to begin a career as a nurse? Thinking about working as an emergency medical technician? Looking for a way into the field of healthcare? If so then an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. In an Associate’s in Health Sciences curriculum, students will work to build an understanding of the variety of different health systems that effect the human body. Students will study a variety of different topics relevant to the direct application of health care. They will gain insight into the topics of health care delivery, health care management, and support and ethics. Students will also be given an overview of topics including basic medical terminology. They will also spend time studying the history of medicine and its effect on society over time. Biomedical ethics will be studied as well as to ensure that students are learning how to provide healthcare in a safe and ethical manner. Students will also study medical law in order to ensure they are working within the law. They will also study general topics of health and wellness as well as alternative medicine. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree, students will build the fundamentals needed to work in the field of health care delivery.
By completing an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree, students are prepared with a career-oriented education that they can choose to apply to a variety of different jobs. Students can choose to work as medical administrative assistants, emergency medical technicians, nurses, or much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, emergency medical technicians and paramedics earn a median salary of $32,670/year. This job market is expected to experience 15% job growth by the year 2026. This is a very healthy amount of job growth and indicates a growing industry.
If you are interested in starting a career in patient health care delivery then an Associate’s in Health Sciences degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
45. Online Associate in Veterinary Technology
If you are somebody who loves animals and wants to work to help keep them healthy and happy then an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree, students will become familiar with the practices and skills needed in order to work with animals in a safe manner in order to promote their health and help treat their sickness. Through this program of study, students will be tasked with studying topics in biology and anatomy to better understand the different biological and anatomical structure that make up a variety of different animals. They will learn how to assess and develop treatment plans for a variety of different animals with different types of illnesses. Students will spend time learning about the different types of tools and apparatuses used to help treat sick animals. Through this program of study they will become comfortable with different types of treatment plans and be able to work with a variety of different technologies such as radiology, anesthesia, and other medical skills necessary to treating animals.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree, students will have developed the technical, career-oriented skills needed to begin a successful career as a veterinary technologist or technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technologist and technicians make an annual median salary of $32,040/year. This job market is expected to grow by 20% by the year 2026. This is very hight job growth and is indicative of a healthy job market.
If you are interested in working with animals to help diagnose their illnesses and nurse them back to health then an Associate’s in Veterinary Technology degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
46. Online Associate in Behavioral Science
Fascinated by the ways that humans interact and behavior? Want to learn more about human nature? Then an Associate’s in Behavioral Science degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Behavioral Science degree, students will begin their studies of the different human sciences needed to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior. Through this type of program, students will be introduced to the topic of behavioral science and will learn to examine a variety of different behavioral science research to gain a deeper understanding and more vivid wealth of knowledge regarding the factors that influence the ways that humans behave. They will work to develop their writing and research skills while learning to think more critically and analytically. Students will also begin to be exposed to topics in psychology as well as sociology. This type of degree program is a great springboard for students as they decide whether they are interested in studying more regarding sociology and psychology. Through the examination of human behavior, students will learn how to better understand the ways that people interact and communicate with one another.
Through earning an Associate’s in Human Behavior degree, students will have gained an introductory knowledge of the ways that humans conduct themselves and how they interact with one another. Students can choose to use this degree to begin entry-level work in fields including social work and mental health counseling. Students can find jobs as social work aides, mental health technicians, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for human services assistants is $30,830/year and the industry is expected to grow 11% by 2024.
If you are somebody who is interested in learning more about human behavior then an Associate’s in Human Behavior degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
47. Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
Love children? Interested in a career that allows you to work with young minds to help shape them to become thriving adults? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the pursuit of an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree, students will gain the insight and knowledge needed to work in a classroom environment with young children in order to help teach and guide them in their educational pursuits. Many programs will have students learning the educational trends from both public schools as well as private school in order to broaden their hiring options. Students will learn different learning theories and educational models in order to best determine which ones are applicable in what situations and to which students. They will be taught concepts including differentiated learning and direct instruction allowing them a greater deal of flexibility when it comes to providing instruction to different ages and types of children. Students with an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degrees will gain the skills to effectively teach and care for young minds.
By completing an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree, students will have received a very career-oriented degree that will allow them to immediately begin searching for work. Students will be able to apply for jobs in pre-schools, daycare facilities, and homeschooling positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for preschool leaders is $28,790/year. This industry is expected to undergo 10% job growth by the year 2026.
If you are someone who wants to work with and teach children then an Associate’s in Early Childhood Education degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
48. Online Associate in Sales
If you are considering a career in sales or you want to help move your own sales career further along then an Associate’s in Sales degree might be the best online Associate’s degree for you to choose. Through an Associate’s in Sales degree program, students will spend learning the skills and techniques needed to succeed in the modern world of sales. Through this program of study, students will learn the basics of sales such as prospecting, qualifying, listening, problem solving, and closing. They will learn how to work with prospective customers to understand their needs in order to suggest products and services that would work best for them. They’ll learn how to use the products features and benefits to persuade the prospective customer into purchasing. Students will also spend time learning about customer relationship management systems that are employed to manage data about past customers. They’ll analyze customer situations in order to learn how to act strategically to employ advanced selling techniques. Through this course of study, students will gain the skills and competencies needed to become expert salespeople and further their sales careers.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Sales degree, students will have gained a variety of hard and soft skills that can be applied to a variety of sales careers. Since almost all industries rely on trained sales professionals selling product, students have a wide variety of different potential employers to choose from. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales occupations have a median annual salary of $26,590/year. This industry is expected to grow by 3% by the year 2026 which is slower than average.
If you want to start a career in sales then an Associate’s in Sales degree might be the best online associate’s degree for you.
49. Online Associate in Public Safety
Interested in a career in private or corporate security? Want to learn more about risk and security management? If this sounds like you then an Associate’s in Public Safety degree is the best online associate’s degree for you. Through the completion of an Associate’s in Public Safety degree, students will learn the skills needed to pursue a career in public safety and security. Throughout the Associate’s in Public Safety curriculum, students will first begin to build the initial knowledge of public safety and security practices including many industry-standard technical skills. They will work to understand how to prepare, plan, and execute important public safety and security plans. Students will spend time developing critical and analytical skills in order to ensure that they can assess situations quickly in order to act fast. They will spend time during the course of their studies learning leadership and communication skills needed in order to help and guide people during the event of a public safety crisis. They will be taught the skills and tools needed in order to ensure the safety of others in time of emergency.
Through the completion of an Associate’s in Public Safety degree, students will have developed a variety of hard and soft skills that can be applied directly to a career in a variety of different public safety fields of work. Students can find work in private security companies, corporate security companies, or work for risk and security management teams. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of security workers is $25,840/year. This industry is expected to experience 6% job growth by the year 2026 which is considered to be a moderately healthy amount of job growth.
If you want a career in security or risk management then an Associate’s in Public Safety degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
50. Online Associate in Ethics
Want to learn more about philosophy? Intrigued by discussions of ethics and morality? If so, an Associate’s in Ethics might be the best online associate’s degree for you. Through this program of study, students will begin to gain an understanding of ethics and philosophy as they relate to the modern world. With a heavy-basis in liberal arts, students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills as they learn the basics of philosophy and ethics. Students will discuss topics like the “nature of being” as well as learning about what makes something “right” or “wrong” and what that even means. They will learn how to think critically about major philosophical and ethical questions regarding the meaning of existence and goodness to better understand how these societal constructs effect people on a day-to-day basis. Steeped in literature, this course of study will have students reading and examining many different texts to gain the kind of insight and understanding needed to begin their studies of ethics and philosophy. This plan of study is great for students who are interested in the nature of things and want to learn how to determine what is right and wrong in the world today.
With an Associate’s in Ethics degree, students will have received an education that is heavily-fortified with liberal arts teachings and training. Through this program of study, students can choose to enter into a variety of different career paths including politics, business, or law. Furthermore, an Associate’s in Ethics degree is a great way for students to begin their higher-education studies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students who choose to enter into roles as compliance officers can expect a median wage of $70,520. This industry is expected to experience 0.7% job growth by 2026.
If you are interested in studying ethics and philosophy then an Associate’s in Ethics degree is the best online associate’s degree for you.
Related Resources:
Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree
50 Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs
What Degree Do I Need to Be a Computer Technician?
What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Cybersecurity vs. Network Security?
What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?
What Degree Do I Need to Be an Information Technology Specialist?
Where Are the Best Paying Jobs With a Degree in Interior Design?
Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers
