Explore common two-year degree programs in high-demand fields like nursing, IT, and business. Find out which online associate degrees offer the best ROI today.
If you’re considering a shorter path to higher education, two-year degree programs can offer a practical and flexible option. These programs are commonly available at community colleges and focus on building foundational knowledge and career-ready skills.
Common two-year degrees include fields like business, healthcare, information technology, and criminal justice, among others. Understanding the range of accelerated associate degrees available can help you choose a program that aligns with your interests and long-term goals.
About Two-Year Degree Programs
Associate degrees, which take two years to earn and are often referred to as two-year degrees, come in several types, including the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree and the Associate of Applied Science degree. When you choose to earn one of these degrees, you also have to determine a program. Each program focuses on a certain area of study, such as computers or business.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThesePrograms">Important Facts About These Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Nursing </th><th> Business </th><th> Computer Information Systems</th></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Programs are available. </td><td> Programs are available. </td><td> Programs are available.</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Charge nurse, emergency room RN, dialysis RN </td><td> Account manager, executive assistant, administrative assistant </td><td> Support services specialist, database administrator, systems analyst</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, health assessment and promotion </td><td> Management, public speaking, business ethics </td><td> Computer systems maintenance, network technology, database management</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs </td><td> Residencies are available. </td><td> Internships are available (typically in the summer). </td><td> Paid internships are available through some companies.</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $77,600 (<i>for all registered nurses</i>) </td><td> $39,680 (<i>for all secretaries and administrative assistants</i>)</td><td> $57,910 (<i>for all computer support specialists</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>6% growth (<i>for all registered nurses</i>) </td><td> -8% decline (<i>for all secretaries and administrative assistants</i>) </td><td>6% growth (<i>for all computer support specialists</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CommonPrograms">Common Programs</h3><p>Associate degrees are offered in a wide variety of programs, but if you're looking for programs that are fairly common, you might choose one related to the health sciences, business, computers or liberal arts. Many of these degree programs prepare you for several different career opportunities.
</p><h3 id="section---Nursing">Nursing</h3><p>Earning an associate degree in nursing prepares you to aid the ill in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctor's offices and nursing homes. If you'd like to work in the health field, but aren't interested in nursing, dental hygiene programs are another common choice among students.
</p><h3 id="section---Business">Business</h3><p>Completing a business program, whether in business administration, business management or general business, gives you the skills necessary to hold entry-level positions in all types of business industries. Common topics of study in these programs include finance, marketing, economics and management.
</p><h3 id="section---ComputerInformationSystems">Computer Information Systems</h3><p>As a professional with an associate degree in computer information systems, you might work in computer support, database administration or Web management. These programs help you gain skills in programming, software applications, project management and network security.
</p><h3 id="section---LiberalArts">Liberal Arts</h3><p>A basic liberal arts degree is generally not awarded for one particular area of study; instead, you can design a program to suit your interests, whether this includes art, philosophy or economics. These degrees are designed to let you transfer into a four-year school and earn a bachelor's degree.
</p><h3 id="section---HowToChoose">How to Choose</h3><p>If you can't decide which degree program is right for you, you might visit your school's career counseling services office. The professionals in these offices can offer you advice or have you take career aptitude tests, which might make your choice easier. You might also consider choosing a general studies program if you're planning to transfer to a four-year school; a general studies program lets you explore your interests while completing necessary general education credits.</p>
