25 Best Online Associate’s Degrees (Get a Degree Quickly!)

Associate’s degree is also known as a two-year degree nevertheless it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to complete it in such a short period.

In fact, in most cases, you need at least 3 years to complete your training.

If you really want to obtain a degree to start a successful career, you need to choose an accredited program.

In this article, you can find a list of 25 degrees that you can easily get online.

Business Administration

Schools like Gwynedd Mercy University or  Truckee Meadows Community College offer excellent training programs for both Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees.

One of the most popular programs is business administration which you can complete only in 12 months.

Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania has accreditation of the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education.

Moreover, it’s recognized as the best regional university for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

Entering its training program on business administration, you are going to learn such subjects as accounting, business communications, business law, marketing, and small business management.

You can enroll in this accelerated program both online and on campus.

In fact, there is no need to enter a four-year program to obtain your degree.

A community college provides a bunch of accelerated programs that cost less.

Moreover, such colleges offering their training programs online.

Truckee Meadows Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Business is in the least of the best online training programs offered at the college.

This college situated in Nevada is accreditated by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Enrolling in business administration Fast Track program, you are going to attend such courses as accounting, bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, information systems, logistics, and management.

Time to complete: 12 months

Arts in Psychology

If you are interested in human’s behavior and way of thinking, you should consider applying for an associate’s degree at Miami Dade College.

There you can enter a psychology training program that can be completed just in 12 months.

This school is situated in Florida and is accreditated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Starting your training at Dade College, you are going to attend such courses as introductory psychology, social psychology, multicultural relations, addiction, human sexuality, abnormal psychology, human development, and statistical methods.

Moreover, there are some general education classes as well.

Completing your training, you are ready to enroll in some entry-level career in psychology at such facilities as mental health centers, substance abuse, and rehabilitation centers and childcare facilities.

Also, you can start your career in such spheres as criminal justice and legal system.

Time to complete: 12 months

Applied Science in Criminal Justice

In case you are interested in a career in the legal sphere.

After finishing your school education, you can apply for criminal justice training program online.

It’s a great choice if you want to start your career as soon as possible.

Purdue University Global offers a one-year online training program for those who want to start their career in the criminal justice sphere.

During your training, you are going to learn such subjects as philosophy and development of the criminal justice system, as well as criminology, criminal law.

You’ll be trained by law enforcement professionals and will work on a capstone project.

Moreover, students can get both a broad liberal arts education and the specific criminal justice skills which makes it easier to start your career.

Also, you can enroll in this training program at Truckee Meadows Community College.

As well as all Fast Track programs offered there, the criminal justice program can be completed only in 12 months.

To finish your training within 1 year, you need to double-up your courses and take two 5-week classes each session.

During your training you are going to learn:

• what rights criminal justice guarantees to individuals;
• which ethics are essential for every specialist in the criminal justice sphere;
• what procedures should be used during a criminal trial;
• how to investigate criminal matters regarding legal and ethical aspects;
• how to arrest and detain suspects properly.

Completing this training program, you’ll be able to start your career in such fields as law enforcement, corrections, investigations, probation or even corporate security.

Time to complete: 12 months

Applied Science in Fire Science

Do you feel like becoming a firefighter?

Purdue University Global’s associate’s in fire science program gives an opportunity to get your training and start a career only in a year.

This college is accreditated by the Higher Learning Commission and recognized as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education institution by the U.S. Fire Administration.

During your training at Purdue University, you are going to learn such disciplines as:

• fire prevention;
• firefighter safety;
• defense planning;
• firefighting strategy;
• hazardous materials management;
• building codes;
• code inspection.

Just keep in mind that after completing your training, you’ll be ready to perform a whole variety of jobs at firefighting and emergency services.

Time to complete: 12 months 

Applied Science in Paralegal Studies

If you want to start your career in the legal system, it doesn’t mean that you are obliged to spend 7 or more years completing your degree.

Purdue University provides Global paralegal studies associate’s degree for those who want to enter the field really fast.

There is an opportunity to enter a one-year online course.

This program pays great attention to practical training.

During your training, you are going to study legal terminology, contracts, wills, tort claims, and real estate.

Also, you will get such skills as research, writing, using technology and managing a law office.

Completing this program, you’ll be able to prepare a case, defend a client and bring a lawsuit which means that you can take the credentialing Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam or the Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal examination.

Moreover, there is an opportunity to get enough hands-on experience by entering an internship.

Time to complete: 12 months

Applied Science in Computer Information Systems or Information Technology

Do you want to start your career in the technology sphere?

In such a case, you should consider getting an associate’s degree in information technology or computer information systems.

This option gives you an opportunity to complete your training only in a year.

One of the best options is an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology online from Purdue University Global.

If you chose this program, you’ll be able to learn such disciplines as:

• managing networks and databases;
• developing Web pages and software applications;
• troubleshooting software and hardware issues.

Also, there are available such specialties as networking and multiplatform software development.

One other great training program is offered by the Florida Institute of Technology, based in Melbourne, Florida.

It is accreditated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Enrolling in this program, you’ll be able to get your Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems degree only in 20 months or even less.

You should know that this school is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in several categories.

During your training, you’ll be able to enroll in such disciplines as software design and development and programming in languages like Visual Basic and Java.

Time to complete: 12 to 20 months 

Health Science

Healthcare develops rapidly and there is a great shortage of qualified specialists.

If you want to start your career but don’t want to spend much time on your training, you’ll be glad to learn that there is a variety of associate’s degree programs including health science.

One of these programs is offered by Azusa Pacific University where you can complete your training online only in 2 years.

It is accreditated by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and placed in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best national universities.

Entering this training course, you are going to learn such disciplines as:

• anatomy;
• physiology;
• microbiology;
• chemistry;
• statistics.

Just keep in mind that being a Christian university, it requires such classes as biblical literature or bible study.

Also, there is a special training program for those who want to work as a nurse in the future.

To complete it, you need to take an additional 10 units of study.

Time to complete: 12 to 24 months 

Nursing

There are lots of options that can help you start your nursing career and getting a degree is a great decision in any case.

If you already have your license but still don’t have a degree, you can enroll in a one-year online program offered by Howard College.

It is located in Big Springs, Texas and also it has campuses in Lamesa and San Angelo.

The college is accreditated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Entering its Howard College’s Accelerated (Transition) Associate Degree Nursing Program, you are going to learn a wide range of disciplines that will help you succeed in your nursing career.

If you are only looking for some opportunities to start your career as a nurse, you can enroll in a nursing training program at Rasmussen College.

The headquarters of the college is located in Minnesota but there is a number of campuses all over the country.

This college has an accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission.

Completing its professional nursing program, you’ll not only learn some essential disciplines but also get prepared for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLE-RN) test.

If you decided to enroll in an online training program for nurses, you’ll be able to obtain your degree only in 18 months.

Time to complete: 12 to 24 months 

Health Information Technology

Both information technology and healthcare develop rapidly and it’s a good idea to learn some skills that will let you combine these two fields.

If you are interested in it, you should consider enrolling in Kaplan University’s Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology that lasts for 15 months.

During your training, you are going to learn how to use modern technologies to be able to manage various info in the healthcare system.

The program contains classes on medical coding procedures and tools for processing, gathering, reporting and maintaining data for various purposes.

Completing it, you’ll be able to take care after patients and reimburse research and marketing.

Moreover, there are classes on professional behaviors, legal aspects of handling health data, problem-solving skills and usage of computer for data management.

After completing your training, you’ll be able to take the Registered Health Information Technician certification test.

Time to complete: 15 to 18 months

Medical Assisting

If you want to start some practical career in the healthcare field without spending years on training, you should consider getting an associate’s degree in medical assisting.

Purdue University offers an online training program for medical assistants that can be completed in 15 months.

During your training you are going to learn how to:

• check patients’ vital signs;
• perform laboratory tests;
• help doctors with patient examinations.

Despite the fact it’s an online training program, you still will be able to get plenty of practice at a medical facility.

As soon as you complete your training, you can start some entry-level career.

Interested? Learn more here: How to Become a Medical Assistant

Time to complete: 15 to 18 months 

Medical Office Management

Have you ever thought about management career?

You should know that there is no need to spend years getting your training.

There is a great online associate’s degree in medical office management that can be completed in 15 months.

It is provided by Purdue University.

Enrolling in Purdue University Global’s Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Management program, you’ll learn such disciplines as:

• managing office operations;
• scheduling appointments;
• managing patient records;
• handling billing;
• coding and insurance paperwork.

Also, there is an opportunity to complete an externship that is held at a medical office.

As soon as you complete your training, you can take a variety of certification tests such as the Certified Medical Administrative Specialist and Certified Coding Associate examinations.

Time to complete: 15 to 18 months 

Applied Science in Medical Transcription

Want to work in the healthcare sphere but don’t feel like dealing with patients?

You should consider becoming a medical transcriptionist and enroll in a 15-months training program.

Working as a medical transcriptionist, you can start your career in various medical and healthcare facilities.

Among your duties, there will be making transcriptions doctors’ notes.

Global’s associate’s program in medical transcription offered by Purdue University contains such classes as:

• ethics;
• medical terminology;
• proper use of grammar and punctuation;
• editing.

Also, you are going to learn some essential standards and skills.

After completing your training, you can take the Registered Medical Transcriptionist.

Time to complete: 15 to 18 months

Design Studies

Are you a good artist and interested in design?

In such a case you need to apply for an associate’s degree in design studies or graphic studies.

The university is located in Madison, Wisconsin, and has accreditation of The Higher Learning Commission.

Also, it was recognized as one of the best online training programs by U.S. News & World Report.

Entering this training program, you are going to learn how to present ideas through art and how to build a good portfolio.

After completing your training, you’ll be able to:

• showcase your technical design skills;
• apply solid writing, speaking, computer, and critical thinking skills.

This program will be especially beneficial for those who have already completed some credits in design.

But even if you don’t have any credits, you’ll be able to complete your training only in 20 months.

Time to complete: 16 to 20 months (Program length pertains to graduating in normal time.)

Bonus option: Get a diploma in furniture design, click here to learn how.

Arts in Early Childhood Education

If you like working with kids, you should consider starting your career as a pre-kindergarten teacher, childcare worker or even learning center administrator.

It’s easy to get an associate’s degree for these jobs and start working fast.

In fact, this option is a great choice for both individuals who want to work in childcare sphere and those who want to become a licensed teacher obtaining their bachelor’s degree in the future.

Enrolling in a training program at Rasmussen College, you’ll be able to complete it in 1,5 year.

The program contains such disciplines as:

• childhood education;
• teacher preparation;
• child development;
• classroom management;
• some general education courses.

Time to complete: 18 months 

Arts in General Education or Liberal Arts

Do you feel like you need to obtain a degree not to lose a bunch of opportunities but you cannot decide on a specific career?

In such a case, you need to give a try to a degree in liberal arts and general education.

Enrolling in one of these programs, you can a get a wide range of knowledge and skills that will be a perfect basis for your further education or some career that doesn’t require specific training.

Accreditated by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges, Florida State College in Jacksonville provides an excellent accelerated Associate of Arts in General Education program.

You need 18 months to complete your training from scratch or 12 months if you have the maximum of prior credits that can be transferred.

Enrolling in this program, you are going to learn such disciplines as:

• human development;
• psychology;
• sociology;
• science;
• economic;
• finance;
• philosophy;
• mathematics;
• business;
• the humanities.

Those who already have prior college credits should consider enrolling in a training program provided by Northeastern University.

It’s a perfect opportunity to get your training as fast as possible.

This university is located in Boston, Massachusetts and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

It has a great online accelerated Associate of Science in Liberal Arts degree program.

If you have enough prior credits, you can complete your training in 9 months without even visiting the campus.

Also, you should know that this university was recognized by U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings more than just several times.

Time to complete: 18 Months (or less!)

Graphic Design

If you are interested in design for various media, you should consider enrolling in a graphic design training program.

If you want to start your career ASAP, there is always an opportunity to get an associate’s degree.

Enrolling in a training program offered at Rasmussen College, you can learn graphic design principles and skills only in 18 months.

This program contains a bunch of essential disciplines including:

• techniques of traditional art and multimedia design;
• color theory;
• photography;
• typography;
• print design;
• interactive media;
• editing audio and video clips;
• designing for the optimal user experience.

After completing your training, you’ll not only have some important skills but also will be able to think critically and solve challenges in order to meet your clients’ needs.

Just keep in mind that starting your training at Rasmussen College, you can choose from such specializations as Web and Interactive Design and Animation and Motion Graphics.

Time to complete: 18 months 

Human Resources

It’s not a secret that any industry requires specialists who can recruit, train and manage talents.

It’s exactly the point when human resources personnel who are responsible for hiring and developing workers are necessary.

If you want to start your career in this field you should consider enrolling in an associate’s degree in human resources in order to obtain all required skills.

Rasmussen College provides one of the best training programs for human resources personnel that lasts only 18 months.

The program includes such disciplines as:

• employment law;
• change management;
• benefits administration;
• managing and training employees.

After completing this training program, you will be ready to enroll in the Professional in Human Resources certification test.

Time to complete: 18 months

Human Services

Do you like to help people who face difficulties in their lives?

In such a case, you may be interested in a human services career.

For more information about this associate’s degree training program, check out Rasmussen College, the program lasts for 18 months.

After completing your training, you can start working as:

• Community health worker;
• Social and human service assistant;
• Social or community service manager;
• Community and social service specialist.

During your training, you are going to develop excellent leadership skills and learn a bunch of public services knowledge and crisis response strategies.

As soon as you get your degree, you can start looking for career options at victim advocacy organizations, courts, foster homes, and other facilities.

Time to complete: 18 months 

Software Application Development

If you are a creative and resourceful personality with excellent computer skills, you should consider becoming a software application developer.

This field develops rapidly so getting an associate’s degree will be a good idea as you can enter this sphere really fast.

Rasmussen College offers an associate’s degree in software application development that can be completed online only in 18 months.

The program includes such disciplines as:

• Software design;
• Smartphone app development;
• Programming in languages like Java and C++.

The whole program is focused on developing practical skills which give you an opportunity to build your own portfolio while training.

Moreover, in this school, you have an opportunity to enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s degree in computer science that can be completed in 18 months.

Time to complete: 18 months

Accounting

If you want to become an accounter but don’t want to spend years on your education, you should consider getting an associate’s degree first.

It gives an opportunity to complete your training in 20 months and start your career fast.

Florida Institute of Technology provides an associate’s in accounting program that can be taken online and completed in 20 months.

During your training, you’ll be able to learn accounting standards, theoretical fundamentals, and accounting procedures.

The program contains such disciplines as:

• Equities;
• Liabilities;
• Accounting’s role in business decisions;
• The process of preparing financial statements and records.

After completing your training you can obtain not only some entry-level accounting positions but also auditing, financial data analysis, and payroll administration careers.

Time to complete: 20 months 

Healthcare Management

There are lots of various career fields and not all of them related to manufacturing and selling goods.

Nevertheless, all spheres require people who can manage a whole thing making it all working properly.

Of course, the healthcare system is no exception so healthcare facility manager can be a good career option.

If you want to start working in this sphere, you’ll be glad to know that you can complete your training fast entering Florida Institute of Technology.

It offers an Associate of Arts in Healthcare Management online that can be completed in 20 months or even less.

During your training, you are going to learn not only some healthcare basics but also a bunch of business and management aspects that can help you perform your job.

There are various classes that include such disciplines as:

• The organizational structure of healthcare;
• Trends in modern managed healthcare;
• ethical concerns at play in the medical field.

After completing your training, you’ll obtain such crucial skills as critical thinking, ability to solve various issues, planning and staffing management, and so on.

This program will give you an opportunity to start your career as a case-coordinator, office manager, risk manager, and medical administrator.

Time to complete: 20 months

Insurance Billing and Coding

Medical insurance is an essential part of the US healthcare system.

Considering this fact, medical facilities experience the need to handle a whole bunch of various issues related to insurance.

As a result, there is a position that was created to deal with insurance billing and coding.

If you are interested in this career, you should consider enrolling in a training program that can be completed within 20 months.

Associate of Applied Science in Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist degree that can help you start your career at doctors’ offices, hospitals, outpatient medical facilities, nursing homes, and home healthcare services.

The program provides a whole bunch of classes including:

• medical terminology;
• coding for procedures and diagnoses;
• use of computer databases for managing patient information.

Despite the fact, that the program aims to prepare medical billers or medical coders it also can be a great choice for those who want to work as a medical clerk, insurance claims analyst, medical office assistant, and health information specialist.

Time to complete: 20 months (Program length pertains to graduating in normal time.)

Science of Marketing

Marketing is key to a successful business as it leads customers to buy the company’s products.

If you are creative and have excellent strategic and analytical, this career is just for you.

If you want to enter the field really fast, an associate’s degree can be a perfect first-step option.

There is a great online associate’s degree program in marketing at Florida Institute of Technology.

It can be completed only in 20 months without even visiting the campus.

The program is focused not only on business studies but also includes liberal art disciplines.

During your training, you’ll develop a bunch of skills that will help you

• plan, create and evaluate advertising and marketing campaigns;
• analyze and identify market segments to target for a particular product or service.

As soon as you complete your training, you can start working for a marketing agency or some start-up organization.

Time to complete: 20 months 

Wind Energy Technology

Even renewable energy requires proper maintenance in order to be used properly.

Qualified and experienced workers are always required in this sphere

Such specialists are necessary to perform such duties as inspection, maintenance, and repair of the equipment that is used to generate the energy of the wind.

If you have an associate degree in this field, you can easily start your career.

There are some colleges that provide training programs in Wind Energy that can be completed in 20 months.

After completing your training, you’ll be able to start your career as a wind energy technician.

During your education, you are going to learn such aspects as the right tools and procedures that used to inspect, clean, troubleshoot and repair turbines and generators properly.

Time to complete: 20 months

Web Programming

Nowadays, the Internet is an essential part of our life.

It is widely used by companies and organizations to tell customers about their products and services.

Web programmers help companies to create their websites and pages.

If you want to get your associate’s degree in web programming, you can enroll in the 21-month training program offered by Rasmussen College.

During your training, you are going to learn a bunch of programming languages such as CSS, Java, HTML, and Visual Basic.

Also, you’ll learn about various useful tools and techniques for coding websites and software applications that can help you significantly during your work.

One more important aspect is that you are going to attend some additional classes like communication that will help you to work with your clients and teammates effectively.

Time to complete: 21 months

How about computer science instead? If you’re interested, check this out.

Conclusion

An accelerated associate’s program provided by a regionally accredited institution is a perfect option for those who want to start their career ASAP.

Also, it can be a perfect choice for you, if you already have a lot of experience or some prior college credits.

Considering the fact that most programs are competency-based, you have an opportunity to get credits for experience you have and the things you know.

Moreover, there is a bunch of programs that oriented on degree completion so you can transfer your credits easily.

In other words, enrolling in an accelerated associate’s program you can complete the training and start your career in just no time.