Yes! On the flip side, associate’s degrees may not prepare you for certain types of employment. If a student dual enrolled at age 16, he could have an Associates in Applied Science degree and a very good job by the age of 20 for a VERY modest investment. Sometimes it's A LOT of value. Computer engineers design, build and operate computer systems. [2021 Guide]. can you do anything with an associate degree in computer science ?? education is always worth it. You will likely earn less than someone with a bachelor’s degree, and may lack specialized learning, especially in professional fields such as medicine and law. Copyright 2012-2020. Home » Is An Associate’s Degree Worth It? Maryland, Maine and Texas were the best-paying states, with mean wages of $61,490, $61,250 and $61,120, respectively. Hi, r/mechanicalengineering I'm currently 17 years old and about to graduate high school, and I start at a community college in August, I'm enrolled in the mechanical engineering technology program, and wondering if it's worth it to get my associates of science degree so I can become a technician or something similar while I go back to college to finish … of course it depends on a lot of factors, but a major corp is a lot less likely to hire you if you dont have a 4 year degree Here are some profitable jobs you can get with your associates degree. With associate degree jobs paying a very reasonable salary, it’s easy to see why so many students opt for a 2 year degree. Some companies may prefer you to have a bachelor’s degree when applying for these jobs. It’s your individual circumstances that will determine whether the associate’s degree in business is the best way for you to go when considering all three of these academic options. at that point, they are investing in you. You’ll be eligible for more jobs. According to a University of Hawaii study, associate degree graduates earn around $400,000 more during their careers than those with just a high school diploma. Earning an associate’s degree can help prepare you for a high paying job in a wide range of professions. An associate’s degree program is much more affordable and spares you from large debt burdens. In a practical engineering role, a graduate with an Engineering Technology degree can be highly valued, especially if that means the degree program contains more hands on skills. Associate degrees are flexible, low cost, and can be completed in two years or less. However, I believe that with the combination of my former experience, combined with the associate degree, I know that I will have the technical knowledge and skills, as well as the philosphical aspect of engineering, down pat. This enables you to get valuable experience and time in the field so that you can gain more academic qualifications whenever they’re required at different stages in your career. Associates degrees are less expensive, and you can pay off loans much quicker because you start earning earlier. Software engineers deal with building and maintaining software systems. Yes! With the earnings and opportunities it offers and the relatively small commitment of time and money it demands, the answer for many students is a definite yes. Nevada was the top-paying state, with an annual mean wage of $68,850. Civil engineers design infrastructure projects, such as highways, utility systems and bridges, and civil engineering technicians help them do it. An associate’s degree can be seen as complementary to the bachelor’s degree, and it is more economically viable, according to academic and economic experts. Plus, there are 34% more job opportunities for those with associate degrees as compared to high school graduates. According to a University of Hawaii study, associate degree graduates earn around $400,000 more during their careers than those with just a high school diploma. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. An associate degree can offer a particularly good return on investment (ROI), since the cost of obtaining the degree is significantly less than a bachelor's degree, and the job opportunities can be plentiful. One important fact that students should know about associate’s degree programs in engineering is that there are two different kinds of programs. This is just my professional opinion, but with that associates degree, you need at least a few years exp. Plus, earning an associate’s degree can qualify you for a wide-range of jobs in well-paying sectors from aviation to healthcare. [2021 Guide], Network and Computer Systems Administrators, Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants, What Can You Do with a Communications Degree? They sometimes collect samples to test for pollution, operate equipment used to clean up or prevent damage to the environment or modify equipment. Is an associate’s degree worth it? Deciding between and associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree will depend on your desired career path, tuition cost, and field of study. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. This type of a degree will not transfer to a Bachelors program for any school that is worth anything. (The state is picking up a good portion of the cost.) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians, Annual Salary of a Pollution Control Technician, The Average Salary of a Technician for a Power Company, Careers with a Civil Engineering Technology Degree. Author has 416 answers and 265.2K answer views An Associate degree is a starting point - if you aren’t able to commit to 4 years of education due to life circumstances, financial situation, or lack of interest, an Associate degree is a way that increases your ability to apply to jobs. This gives you a jump-start on those pursuing a bachelor’s degree. An associates degree in business is a highly versatile degree that covers a wide-range of business and entrepreneurship topics. All are highly relevant degrees … Techs may help with computer-designed plans, conduct site inspections or test materials to ensure they meet specifications. For some students, tuition is the problem. So, is an associate degree worth it? Is an associate’s degree worth anything? U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Mechanical Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 -- Mechanical Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 -- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Civil Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 -- Civil Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Environmental Engineering Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012 -- Environmental Engineering Technicians, Salaries for Certified Engineering Technicians, Aerospace Electrical Design Engineer Salary. The two best-paying employers were the federal government and distributors of natural gas, where the mean wage was $77,770 and $73,400, respectively. Yes, an associates degree is worth it and may be a wise investment. An associates degree in business may not necessarily prepare you for some of the more lucrative associate-degree level jobs, but it too can be a good stepping stone. It is a great option if you want to start working early, without being burdened by large and looming student loan debt. Is An Associate’s Degree Worth It? There are several benefits to having an associate’s degree. Clearly, an associate’s degree is worthwhile. Industrial engineering technicians work to create efficient systems to help … The three best-paying states were Connecticut, California and Alaska with respective mean wages of $66,520, $62,840 and $61,100 annually. An associate’s degree requires 60 credits and two years to complete. How Much Money Will I Make As an Engineering Technician. DegreePlanet.com. However, since you are going for your Bachelor's degree, the academic benefit is more evident. But my concern is that the cost of engineering degrees is outstripping this value. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned no more than $28,680, but the top-paid 10 percent earned at least $76,560. Ten percent earned $76,660 or more per year, but 10 percent earned no more than $33,370. No, an associate’s degree is not useless. What Job Can I Get With an Associate's Degree in Engineering Technology? Your salary will depend on many things such as the field you choose, your experience, and your location. NACE says that as of 2008, engineering degrees represented a mere 5.4% of all undergraduate degrees earned in the U.S. Several years back, MSN Money claimed that the value of an engineering degree over a high school diploma was $497,930 over a 40-year career. If the degree program that you are looking into says Applied Science then run and find a different program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary of an associates degree holder is $52,830. I worked there until I graduated, then asked for a position and they made an offer I couldn't refuse. Associate’s degrees online or on campus are quick, convenient, and affordable, but use this guide to weigh the pros and cons to get a clear understanding of all that it involves. For others, time off work and an inability to work and go to school at the same time can sink plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree. That’s over $400,000 more than those who just hold a high school diploma! with it in networking until you get a decent paying job. Careers with an associate’s degree. Associate’s degrees take 2 years to complete and you will receive a well-rounded academic experience with a concentration in your chosen field of study. It can help you to zero in on career interests if you’re initially unsure. The hard part might be to convince a potential employer that I am worth employing over someone who went fresh out of school, did a BEng, and is applying for the … With an associate degree in hand, you may also want to consider advancing to a bachelor's degree. Though an associate degree may not carry the same weight as a 4 year degree, it qualifies you for entry-level jobs in many well-paying sectors in half the time. You can view the associate’s degree as a good starting point to launch your career when you are unable to commit four years to a bachelor’s program. Industrial Engineering. degreeplanet.com is an advertising-supported site. A college degree's impact on earning potential is well known, but new data questions whether an associate's degree can beat out a bachelor's. As an example see Gateway Community College (Northern Kentucky) Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Jeffrey Joyner has had numerous articles published on the Internet covering a wide range of topics. By choosing to start your four-year engineering studies at a community college, y… Online associate degrees are also becoming more popular, due to their flexibility and affordability, allowing individuals to work while they study, often for a reduced price. If you would rather not spend four years in college pursuing a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree may be a great alternative. is much more valuable than theoretical knowledge. Get the answers you need to achieve your college dreams with our in-depth informational guides and insider tips! My coworker is a network admin and just has his AA with some cert$, making about $60k/year. The BLS expects growth for this occupation to be 4 percent during the decade ending in 2020, a rate that is substantially lower than average. The duties, as well as potential salaries, depend largely on the engineering specialty chosen for the associate degree. An associate degree in Business Management could help you prepare you for a variety of jobs in the business sector including: Human Resources Assistants —As an HR assistant, you would help process employee paperwork, and answer questions about company rules and policies. Engineering techs assist engineers in a variety of ways. An associate degree in engineering is a two-year degree that provides the basic education needed to work as an engineering technician. The BLS reported an annual mean salary of $49,220 for civil engineering techs in May 2012. It takes most students 2 years to complete an associates degree. Completing an associates degree only takes two years, whereas a regular bachelor’s degree program takes four years to complete. The BLS expects a 12-percent growth rate for civil engineering techs between 2010 and 2020, which is near the national average of 14 percent. The duties, as well as potential salaries, depend largely on the engineering specialty chosen for the associate degree. I'm like a system admin for about 30 … However, salaries also rely heavily on employer and location. An Associate's Degree on its own probably won't open many career doors for you. The cost of an associate degree will vary depending on a number of factors including regional location, the type of school, and how many credit hours are required for your field of study. About 32,000 job postings in 2016 specifically asked for an associate of arts degree. As of May 2012, environmental engineering techs received a mean wage of $49,380 annually, according to the BLS. If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree later, you can fast-track it and finish it in 2 years instead of 4 years when you earn an accredited degree. An associate degree in engineering is a two-year degree that provides the basic education needed to work as an engineering technician.Engineering techs assist engineers in a variety of ways. If you attend a public college with in-state tuition, you will likely pay around $3,500 per year. In my industry (manufacturing) experience in programming, practical design of systems, etc. Yes, an associates degree is worth it and may be a wise investment. A bachelor’s degree is even more beneficial, and an MBA even more so. A large number of universities now offer 8 week online courses which allow you to complete each class in half the time. If you want to earn your associates degree in less time, you can enroll in accelerated classes or take your classes online. When you want to enhance your skills, but are unwilling or unable to take 4 years to get your degree, an associate’s degree is a good option. Being a shorter, more affordable, and swifter path to employment than a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degrees open up a comprehensive and varied range of vistas. Five years after graduation, A.A. degree holders earn on average less than $40,000 per year. Mean wages were highest in the District of Columbia at $73,390, followed by Hawaii at $70,710 and Alaska at $70,460. it shows you took the initiative to go to school, you are capable of learning and can be trained. A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credits and four years to complete. if an employer likes you and you do your job well, perhaps they will pay for you to go on and get your bachelors. A few weeks before I graduated, I contacted a few companies and basically offered "free work" for the experience. The top-paying employers were manufacturers of coal and petroleum products and companies involved in oil and gas extraction, with respective mean wages of $72,630 and $72,470 annually. The three most common types of associate’s degrees are: If desired, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree program at a later stage. Some associate’s degrees offered at community colleges, like the Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals degree or an Associate of Science in Engineering degree, are intended as stepping stones to the bachelor’s degree you will need if you want to become a full-fledged engineer. According to the May 2012 data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for mechanical engineering techs was $53,830. Associate’s degrees usually prepare you for a specific career. Pros and cons of an associate’s degree like Firefighting Technology or Turf Management engineering specialty chosen for the.... Start working early, without being burdened by large and looming student loan debt colleges, the mean of... Guides, or other editorially-independent Information published on this site per year or match results are for schools that us... 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