An Associate Degree is a type of academic degree that is awarded by a bachelors degree-granting institution, junior colleges and community colleges as well. Typically, an associate degree is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelors degree program. Associates degrees are awarded in the United States and, more rarely, Canada, though this type of degree is also being added to the academic degree systems of other countries.

Australia added associate degrees to their Australian Qualifications Framework in 2004, though very few academic programs have begun to use the title. In the United Kingdom, foundation degrees are the equivalent to associates degrees. As an equivalent to higher diplomas, Hong Kong initiated various associates degree programs.

There are four general categories of associates degrees, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Business Administration.

Associate of Arts degrees are generally awarded for academic programs that are intended for transfer to a four year university or college. Typically students working toward an AA degree will major in social sciences of humanities, though general studies students may also receive Associate of Arts degrees.

Associate of Science degrees are, like AA degrees, awarded to those seeking to enter the work force or a four year college or university upon completion of an associates degree program.

Associate of Applied Science degrees are awarded to students to relax some of the general education requirements so that when the have completed the associates degree portion of their education, they can focus more on their specific area of study. This type of associates degree is especially intended for those seeking to continue their education at a four year college or university.

Associate of Business Administration degrees are often awarded to students for completing academic programs that are terminal or intended for continuing education at a four year university or college, typically with a business related major.

Many people earn associates bachelors and masters degrees while working by attending evening classes. This practice has become so prevalent that it has been estimated that more degrees are earned this way than through full-time day studies. Getting an associates degree is a wonderful way to get started on furthering your education.

There are many reputable online colleges, but the best ones are still online classes offered by traditional educational institutions. If you are going to enroll in a completely online school, do your homework. Search for discussion forums and find out what other people have experienced with particular online degree institutions, as well as online learning in general.