Unlock your career horizons with an Associate Degree in Applied Science
Transform Your Career with an Associate Degree in Applied Science
An Associate Degree in Applied Science (AAS) offers a quicker and cost-effective path to high-demand, well-paying careers in various sectors, particularly healthcare, technology, and engineering.
In the ever-expanding digital landscape, the demand for talented web developers is on the rise. These professionals design and maintain websites, ensuring they are user-friendly and visually appealing. Meanwhile, the healthcare sector continues to grow, with roles such as registered nurses, dental hygienists, and radiologic technologists in high demand.
An AAS degree is designed to provide students with both theoretical and hands-on experience. Programs are usually designed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that the curriculum meets current job demands. Graduates tend to see a quicker return on their investment, with individuals earning around $50,000 annually, approximately $10,000 more than those with only a high school diploma.
Many industries actively seek candidates with an associate degree in applied science. Examples of careers that can be pursued with an AAS include Registered Nurses, Radiologic Technologists, Computer Support Specialists, Web Developers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians.
Top career paths for an AAS degree include:
- Healthcare roles: Registered Nurse, Dental Hygienist, Radiation Therapist, Radiology Technician, Physical Therapy Assistant
- Technology roles: Computer Network Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist, Data Management or Digital Media Specialist, Computer Support Specialist
- Engineering/Technical roles: Nuclear Technician, Electrical or Engineering Technician, Aerospace Operations Technologist, Solar Panel Installer
- Other high-paying roles: Air Traffic Controller
These careers often require licensure or certification and pay well, with some, such as nuclear technicians and air traffic controllers, earning over $100,000 annually.
An AAS degree transforms professional life by focusing on practical, job-ready technical skills, enabling graduates to enter the workforce quickly—typically within two years—without the need for a four-year degree. This leads to earlier earning potential compared to waiting to complete a bachelor’s degree.
While AAS degrees tend to be terminal (less often designed for credit transfer to bachelor programs), they provide a solid foundation for immediate employment. Graduates typically experience a significant lifetime earnings boost versus those with only a high school diploma, with median lifetime earnings roughly $400,000 higher.
In summary, an Associate Degree in Applied Science is ideal for individuals seeking to transform their professional life by rapidly acquiring specialized, marketable skills for well-paying, in-demand technical and healthcare careers without the time or cost of a four-year degree.
- The Associate Degree in Applied Science (AAS) offers a quicker and cost-effective path to various high-demand, well-paying careers, such as web developers in technology and registered nurses in healthcare.
- An AAS degree equips students with both theoretical and hands-on experience, preparing them for careers in sectors like engineering, technology, and healthcare.
- Graduates with an AAS degree tend to earn around $50,000 annually, which is approximately $10,000 more than those with only a high school diploma.
- Career paths for an AAS degree include healthcare roles, technology roles, engineering/technical roles, and other high-paying roles, which may require licensure or certification.
- An AAS degree facilitates quicker entry into the workforce, offering students specialized, marketable skills for in-demand technical and healthcare careers without the time or cost of a four-year degree, potentially leading to significant lifetime earnings boosts.
