Associate Degree Statistics
According to recent U.S. Department of Education data, over half a million associate degrees were awarded in the U.S. during the 1999-2000 academic year; this was approximately one-fifth (19.1 percent) of the 3,010,714 degrees conferred. A total of 573,620 associate degrees were conferred by degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas that year; men earned 228,958 and women earned 344,662.

Public vs. Private
Most associate degrees are conferred by public institutions. Of the 573,620 noted above, 452,933 were earned at public institutions, 48,463 were earned at private not-for-profit institutions, and 72,224 were earned at private for-profit institutions. There are more than 1,600 schools that primarily offer associate degrees. Things to consider when selecting a program are the schools' accreditation status, job placement rate, transfer rate, and course offerings.

Accreditation
Several government-approved organizations evaluate and accredit schools. The approval of these organizations signals that a school meets basic academic and financial standards. There are seven accrediting organizations approved by the U.S. Department of Education, one for each of seven regions.

Beyond broad school accreditation, specific programs are also accredited. Professional and industry associations or organizations -- such as ABET for engineering, and the American College of Veterinary Medicine for veterinary technicians -- also accredit programs that train professionals for specific occupations. Click here for more information about program accreditation.

Associate degree careers
To be career-ready in 2 years, students need to choose an
occupational major early in their school career. And there are plenty of options. An associate degree is the most significant source of training for several occupations in science, technology, and engineering. Earning an associate degree will affect the amount of responsibility workers have in an occupation. For example, science technicians with associate degrees often help to set up experiments and interpret results -- a greater level of responsibility than the routine tasks assigned to those whose highest level of educational attainment is a high school diploma. Following are some of the career areas available to workers with an associate degree.

• Engineering Technology. Programs in engineering technology are usually either at the associate or bachelor degree level. For example, electrical engineering technology students design and test radio frequency
  equipment, fiber optics, computers, or laboratory
  equipment, depending on the degree program. Chemical engineering technology students prepare to work in laboratories or chemical plants. Find out more about engineering technology.

• Healthcare. This is one of the largest -- and most lucrative -- career fields for those with an associate degree. Associate degrees are a significant source of training for several healthcare occupations. For example, more than half of all registered nurses and dental hygienists have this degree. Physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants usually need an associate degree to be certified. Radiation therapists; respiratory therapists; diagnostic workers, such as radiologic technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and EKG technicians; and many technicians, including orthotists and clinical laboratory technicians, also often earn associate degrees. Many schools have additional requirements for admission to healthcare programs, including a minimum grade point average and completion of high school science classes.
  
• Sciences. An associate degree in the natural sciences, such as
  biology, chemistry, or physics, prepares students for work as science technicians. Many graduates find work in laboratories, helping scientists conduct research by setting up experiments, taking measurements, and writing reports. Others work in chemical, medical, or electronics production plants, performing work such as checking products for quality and troubleshooting plant machinery. Forensic science technicians also can train with an associate degree, although bachelor's degree holders predominate in many States. Although a degree is not always required for science technicians, it gives students more opportunities and the chance to do more challenging entry-level work.

• Veterinary technicians. Veterinary technicians nurse animals, assist during surgery, prepare medicines, and perform laboratory tests. Many technicians have an associate degree; in fact, most States now require veterinary technicians to have one, and technicians need a degree before the American College of Veterinary Medicine can certify them. Veterinary technician students study anatomy, biology, medicines and chemistry, and medical procedures. Find out more about veterinary technology.