Updated at: 19-04-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

The common perception has always been that obtaining an online associate degree is “easier to earn” than a bachelor’s degree. The “middle workers” who need more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree are the target audience for associate degree programs. The coursework for an associate degree typically covers introductory level material. Students can earn a foundational education while maintaining the flexibility to either continue their education and work toward a bachelor’s degree or enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Associate degree programs are commonly offered by both public and private universities and colleges and by community colleges. Since community colleges typically offer lower tuition rates, many students take advantage of this opportunity to further their education.

Associate degrees are typically completed in two years and are less expensive than bachelor’s degree programs. Career services help graduates of many of the simplest online associate degree programs find jobs quickly and easily. An associate degree will not only allow you to enter the workforce sooner and at a lower cost than a bachelor’s degree, but it will also prepare you for a career that pays well.

Is it possible to earn an online associate degree? In a word, yes! Distance education has made it possible for institutions to offer streamlined online associate degree programs that retain these helpful features while also providing students with more time and variety in their course schedules. A recent article by the American Council on Education claims that those with an associate degree are more valuable to society financially and intellectually than those with only a high school diploma.

The Easiest Online Associate Degrees

The easiest online associate degrees

Liberty University’s Online Easy AS in Psychology

Online students in Lynchburg, Virginia, can earn an AS in Psychology from Liberty University. Students aiming for a bachelor’s degree in psychology will find online courses fascinating, adaptable, and helpful.

The 60 required credits are offered in eight-week blocks, making it possible to earn an associate degree in just 24 months. Liberty University is approved by the SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) to accept up to 75% of transferred credits.

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Online AS in Accounting

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Online AS in Accounting

The city of Marion, Indiana can be found there. An online Associate of Science in Accounting degree is available from Wesleyan University.

Students can complete IWU’s straightforward online associate degree program in 26 months, but those who already have 36–59 transferrable credits can start working toward a bachelor’s degree through the university’s Bridge program.

The university has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and is also affiliated with the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

Granite State College’s Online AS in Early Childhood Education

The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program at Granite State College can be completed entirely online.

This is one of the quickest online associate degree programs we’ve found because it only takes six weeks to complete each term.

One of Granite State College’s most popular associate degree programs is Early Childhood Education because of its reputation as a relatively simple major. In addition, most students finish school with excellent grades.

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges has awarded Granite College institutional accreditation through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Ohio Christian University’s Easy Online AA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Ohio Christian University’s Easy Online AA in Interdisciplinary Studies

An online Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program is available from Ohio Christian University in Circleville.

This online associate degree program offers 22 elective hours of study in a variety of disciplines, and students have immediate access to academic advisors.

The university’s Online Plus, designed specifically for distance learners pursuing a bachelor’s degree, provides a curriculum that is both adaptable and easy to follow, with detailed lesson plans for each course. This institution has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission, which is a branch of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Associate of Applied Science/Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Northeast Community College

The Early Childhood Education department at Northeast Community College offers two different associate degree programs. The Associate in Applied Science degree is designed for those who want to enter the workforce immediately after finishing school.

The A.A.S. curriculum bridges the gap between liberal arts education and vocational training.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university should strongly consider the Associate of Arts program because of its liberal arts curriculum.

There is a common requirement of 60 credits for both Early Childhood Education associate degrees. There is a choice between attending either program on campus or online. The online courses are provided by Northeast in conjunction with other public schools in Nebraska.

Stanly Community College 

Stanly Community College 

Students at Stanly Community College can earn an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education with one of three available concentrations:

  • Certification in Early Childhood Education
  • Educating Young Children: An Alternative Route to Licensure
  • Career Readiness in Early Childhood Programs

In order to graduate from either the Licensure or Non-Licensure Tracks, 73 credits are needed. Students aiming for a BA in Early Childhood Education or Child and Family Development will benefit greatly from these courses. Graduates who have no interest in furthering their education can benefit from the Career Ready Track’s non-transferable curriculum.

All aspects of child growth, assessment, learning, and guidance theory will be covered in depth as students progress through the curriculum. Communicating effectively with children, parents, guardians, and other professionals in the field is another area of expertise they cultivate.

There is a mandatory background check to work with children as part of the practicum for all degree programs. If students do not consent to the background check, they will be denied entry to certain schools that provide child care. Students enrolled in EDU practicum courses who have not yet gained professional experience in a licensed child care facility will work under the guidance of those instructors. In addition to passing a background check, they’ll need to meet standards for things like drug testing, proof of immunization, proof that they’re TB-free, and physical mobility.

The Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children has granted accreditation to the Early Childhood Education degree programs at Stanly Community College.

Institutionally recognized by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

With their superior knowledge of early childhood education, graduates have an easier time finding work. A bachelor’s degree in child development or a related field is another option for them.

Haywood Community College

Haywood Community College

The Accounting and Finance Associate of Applied Science degree program at Haywood Community College prepares students for entry-level positions in the accounting and finance fields. Students have a wide variety of employment options in the public sector, the private sector, hospitals, banks, small businesses, and accounting firms to pursue after graduation.

Students need to complete between 65 and 67 credits to graduate. Some of the classes will cover broad but necessary areas like economics, finance, business law, entrepreneurship, and even taxation and real estate. Students studying accounting and finance will also develop their capacity for analysis, argumentation, written and oral expression, and ethical decision making.

Students can add to their credentials by completing one of the Accounting & Finance certificate programs beyond the requirements of the A.A.S. They can tailor their associate degree to include a certificate in either accounting and finance, tax preparation, or financial planning for small businesses.

The Moodle e-learning platform is used in online classes, and students are expected to participate and interact with their instructors in a professional manner. You have until the end of the fifth semester, which includes the summer, to finish the program.

Colorado Christian University

The Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration degree program at Colorado Christian University is tailored to the needs of working adults. There are a total of 60 credits needed to graduate from the fully online program. Individual classes are completed in increments of 5 weeks. Students can earn their associate’s degree in less than two years even if they have not completed any of the prerequisite general education or elective coursework. Associate degrees typically take two years to complete, but students with relevant work experience, military service, or prior college credits can finish their degrees in as little as one year.

Students in CCU’s BS in Healthcare Administration program will gain insight into the field from a Christian worldview. Each class will emphasize the importance of doing the right thing and learning what it takes to lead an organization with a servant’s heart. Students majoring in Healthcare Administration will gain exposure to a wide range of healthcare-related topics through this program. Human resource management theory is also a part of the curriculum. They’ll learn the fundamentals of communicating with patients of all backgrounds, working with a variety of health plans, handling EMRs, and running an efficient office. Aside from that, the program will talk about how to incorporate ethics and spirituality into medical care.

Baker College’s Easiest Online AAS in Criminal Justice

Online students in search of a degree in criminal justice can do so through Baker College in Flint, Michigan. This university offers accelerated eight-week terms and round-the-clock access to online resources through its Virtual College. To earn an associate’s degree in criminal justice, students must do well in non-criminal-justice related courses, such as those in the arts, sciences, mathematics, and history. The fact that there is no capstone or independent research project required to earn this associate degree makes it a good option for busy people. The criminal justice associate’s degree program is competitive and provides a solid foundation for a professional career. The Higher Learning Commission has recognized Baker College as a legitimate educational institution.

You may also want to check out the other available simple online associate degree programs that Baker College offers. These can include business administration and general studies, both of which can lead to a bachelor’s degree with additional work.

Academy of Art University’s Easiest Online AA in Fashion Styling

The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, provides convenient online Associate of Arts in Fashion Styling degree programs that can be finished in as little as 18 months. This is a one-of-a-kind degree program with engaging classes that can be taken at any time of day or night from anywhere in the world. Live chats, dynamic videos, and real-time presentations are also available. The university’s online portal makes it simple to submit projects and assignments. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Colleges (WSCUC) has granted accreditation to the Academy of Art University.

This is also one of the recognized online colleges that offers a 2-year associate degree in the creative disciplines. Other areas of study leading to an Associate of Arts degree are graphic design, illustration, industrial design, and jewelry and metal arts. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they did not complete high school in California.

The online AS in Accounting program at Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana can be found in Indiana. Wesleyan University offers one of the most accessible online Associate of Science in Accounting degree programs.

The straightforward online associate degree program can be finished in 26 months, while IWU’s Bridge program allows students with 36 to 59 credit hours to immediately begin working on their bachelor’s degrees.

The Higher Learning Commission has recognized the university as meeting its criteria for accreditation and the university is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The online AS in General Studies program at Weber State University

Weber State University, located in Ogden, Utah, offers a number of convenient online associate degrees, including one of the simplest: the Associate of Science in General Studies.

After completing the required 60 credits, students will be prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education as a bachelor of general studies.

Discussions in online classes are both intellectually stimulating and professionally relevant.

The university now offers accelerated Canvas courses that can be finished in just eight weeks. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has granted accreditation to this Utah-based school.

Online AS in Dental Hygiene from College of Southern Nevada

When it comes to online Dental Hygiene associate degree programs, College of Southern Nevada ranks near the top.

Students participate in on-campus lab and clinical activities in addition to their online course work. Associate degrees can be earned rapidly and cheaply, and they often lead to better-paying positions in the healthcare sector.

Condensed courses, a wide range of clinical experiences, and access to online resources make this degree program at the College of Southern Nevada more manageable, despite its difficulty.

The ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation has given their stamp of approval to the course of study. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has granted accreditation to the university.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an associate degree is a good option for those who want to further their education after completing high school but who also want to continue working. In addition, you may read our piece on fast online degrees for adults in the workforce.

We’ve listed some of the best universities and the courses they offer so you can make an informed decision. Consider the information in this article as you weigh your options for higher education.

Best wishes!