Is an Associates degree considered a "low degree"?

Question

I know associates degrees are only 2 years and they are below Bachelors and Masters, but when going to apply for a job, using it as a reference, etc. Is it considered a minor degree?

Answer 1

no its just what they are not a minor

hubby has 2 and it about equalled a 1/2 degree when he went back to collge 20 years later

Answer 2

I've never heard it called a "low degree," but it is not worth much on the job market unless you take a rather practical, technical program such as some technician-level jobs in the medical field, etc.  These are pretty low-level jobs with little opportunity for advancement, but they can be stable as these sorts of jobs are necessary.  An associates degree is certainly a cut above high school, but they are worth little to nothing on the job market, except for those technical training programs.

As for academic programs, if you do your first two years there and transfer into a 4-year college for a BA, you are going to a run-of-the-mill local college for a run-of-the-mill degree.

Answer 3

Unfortunately there are too many ways to get a degree now. It's deflated the value of them.

An Associates degree is about equivalent to a high school diploma in the civilian world. It's better than nothing, but not much.  In the military it will give you a slight advantage over those who have nothing but a high school diploma... but not much.

The value of a Bachelors degree is wavering. It depends to some extent on the institution from which you received the degree. The institution absolutely has to be accredited by an organization approved by the government... or it has to be an institution with a name... such as Stanford, MIT, or even Harvard. The major is also a factor.

That's in the civilian world also. In the military, a Bachelors degree will make you eligible for n officer program.

Masters degrees are getting to be the level hiring managers look for. Why? Because so much time in college can be wasted getting the student to college level (something that used to be done by high school graduation). All the lower level courses are about the level of middle school. Also, there are some pretty dumb subjects in which one can get a degree today, and the standards even for the tougher subjects have been lowered to accommodate the "disadvantaged" (read "people who shouldn't be wasting class space in an academic environment").

A Doctorate is practically useless in business. It's supposed to be a research degree. Somebody with such a degree is expected to continue researching in his or her particular field and publish often. People working for a living don't have the time to do that.

However, there are exceptions. If you wish to work at NASA, or Microsoft, or if your degree is in medicine or law,a Doctorate ay be helpful.

If you want to us an Associate degree, I'd say something like, "AA in Accounting" with a 3.8. Expect to transfer to State in the fall and work towards my MBA." An MBA is not much of a degree. They're  easy to come by -- in most institutions, and almost anybody can get one. But, again, it's better than an AA degree and shows you are striving to continue your education.

Answer 4

Yes, an associates isn't going to do much for most employers of professionals. It's a good start, but get at least a BA/BS for a chance at a good job.

Answer 5

http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab7.htm

You can see from the above statistics that an associates degree will help you over a high school diploma.  The job market is very competitive.  Jobs that were filled by high school graduates twenty years ago, now require a bachelor's degree.  You will find your options limited with an associates degree. Scan the want ads, or monster for jobs, look at the requirements and you will get an idea of what you need to get the job you are looking for.  I highly suggest you go for your bachelor's degree.  Good luck! (college professor)