Associate degrees can be earned online through accelerated programs.
Earning an associate degree at a community college or at a traditional four-year college or university generally takes at least two years when attending classes on campus. Online accredited colleges, however, allow students to complete the study program of their choice at their own pace. Accelerated associate degrees can be achieved in as few as 18 months or less, depending on the amount of time you have available to devote to online studies.
Pierce College
Pierce College, based in Woodland Hills, Calif., is a private four-year college offering specialized programs mainly for working adults. Options include earning a degree completely online, on campus, at a company or community location or any combination of the three. Seven-week-long accelerated classes begin every month. Associate degree programs include business administration, paralegal studies, management, business law and information technology. The college uses a Modular Object-Oriented Developmental Learning Environment (Moodle), an e-learning software platform, to post assignments, messages and course materials.
Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Central Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers an Accelerated Career Education (ACE). Active and frequent online class participation that demonstrates an understanding of course material earns students participation points. Classes are typically eight weeks long, and most students are required to attend four classes per each 16-week term.
Strayer University
Strayer University was originally founded in 1892 in Baltimore, Md., as Strayer's Business College, and now operates approximately 80 campuses in 17 states. The accelerated associate degree programs available include accounting, contract management, information systems, criminal justice and marketing. Online classes can be attended in real time, with live class and instructor interaction, or at any time by accessing recorded audio lectures, video presentations and online instructions. Strayer University also offers online tech support and tutoring.
Academy of Art University Online
San Francisco's Academy of Art University was founded in 1929 and is the largest art and design university in the country. Accelerated 8- to 16-month associate degree programs are available in advertising, animation and visual effects, fine art, graphic and industrial design, interior architecture and design, motion picture and television, and photography and new media. Special software and hardware must be purchased for certain courses.
Tags: Strayer University, Academy University, associate degree, Central Community, Central Community College, Community College