What Classes Do I Need to Get an Associate's Degree?

Associate degrees are a common type of degree that can help you start your career or education. There are specific classes or types of classes you need to take to earn your degree.

Below, we'll explain more about what an associate degree is and the type of courses you can expect to take in an associate degree program.

What Is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is a two-year degree. It typically requires 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits.

These degrees are usually offered by community, junior, or technical colleges. Occasionally they may be offered by larger colleges and universities. Busy students can also earn their associate degree online.

Many careers, especially those with extensive on-the-job training, don't require more than an associate degree, making this a good option for students.

Some students may use an associate degree as a way to quickly get into their preferred field. For example, students can become registered nurses (RN) with an associate degree in nursing.

Other students may choose to use an associate degree to take their general education courses before transferring into a bachelor's program since associate degrees are often less expensive.

There are three primary types of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA): AA degrees typically focus on arts and humanities subjects like liberal arts or psychology.
• Associate of Science (AS): AS degrees are more focused on STEM subjects, like business or computer science.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS): AAS degrees are used for vocational or trade programs, like medical technology, paralegal studies, or mechanics.

Some programs don't fit neatly into the arts or sciences category, so while one school may list it as an AS degree, another may list it as an AA degree.

What Classes Are Needed to Get an Associate Degree?

The classes you need to take to earn an associate degree will depend on the school's requirements and the concentration you choose.

Some students may decide not to choose a concentration and to instead focus on general studies. This is a great option if you are undecided on your major and plan to transfer your credits anyway.

General requirement courses are the courses that every student needs to take, no matter their major. These are basic foundational courses that help provide you with a well-rounded education.

While the requirements may vary depending on the school and whether you're earning an AA, AS, or AAS, there are a few requirements that generally every college has.

We'll break them down for you below.

English, Composition, and Communication

Almost every associate program requires a college composition course, even STEM-focused careers.

Writing is a key part of many careers, and effective writing skills can benefit everyone. Most colleges will require you to take at least one college composition course as a result.

Some schools may also require some sort of communication course, such as public speaking. Almost every career requires some level of communication, and these courses can help improve your skills.

History and Social Studies

History and social studies courses give you a better idea of what the broader world is like and what it has experienced.

The content offered by these courses helps you make better, more informed choices in your personal life and your career.

Often, you must fulfill a specific number of credits in this requirement, but you get to choose the courses. You may decide to learn about a specific war or the history of a specific country or area.

Some schools also wrap social and behavioral science courses into this category. These may include courses in anthropology, sociology, economics, and psychology.

Sometimes this category of classes is intertwined with humanities and fine arts.

Humanities and Fine Arts

Humanities and fine arts courses are meant to provide a more holistic, rounded view of the world.

You may be able to choose from courses in subjects like:

• art
• ethics
• literature and fiction
• music
• philosophy
• religion
• theater

These classes can be a great opportunity to learn more about a subject or culture you don't know much about or to take a class that you're really interested in.

Mathematics and Logical Reasoning

Mathematics and logical reasoning courses can help sharpen your brain and may provide a foundation for STEM or healthcare-based fields.

Statistics and algebra are both common options that students choose to fulfill mathematics requirements.

Other options may include:

• calculus
• precalculus
• quantitative reasoning or analysis

If mathematics courses are required for your career, this can be a good opportunity to get those courses started.

Science

Most colleges have some sort of science requirement. Science courses help you think both logically and outside the box.

If you're pursuing a STEM field, you can choose science courses that align with your major. For those in other fields, you can choose a course that interests you.

Science options may include courses in fields such as:

• anatomy and physiology
• biology
• chemistry
• ecology
• engineering
• geology
• physics

Depending on the school you choose, you may be able to find some interesting courses in this category.

Concentration Courses

Concentration courses are the courses geared specifically toward your major or concentration. These are often specific courses that you must take in order to graduate.

There is generally very little flexibility with these courses, although in some cases you may be able to choose from a few options to fulfill a requirement.

For example, students in nursing or other healthcare fields may be required to take courses on things like medical terminology, microbiology, and pathophysiology.

Meanwhile, a student earning an associate degree in cybersecurity may take courses in subjects like computer networking and operating system security.

Elective Classes

Elective classes are classes that you get to choose. Your choices will depend on a few factors, including your major.

If you've chosen a concentration or have one in mind, you can use elective courses to take more classes in your chosen field.

Some students use electives to help offset a heavy workload. For example, if you're taking a semester full of difficult classes, you may choose an elective that you know will be easier for you.

The electives available to you will depend on the school you choose and your program.

Some schools will require you to choose from a small pool of electives relevant to your program, while others will let you choose from almost any courses available.

Earn an Associate Degree

Earning an associate degree can have a big impact on your career prospects. To learn more about how to get started, be sure to check out our website.