The term "associate degree" is spelled as /əˈsoʊ.si.ət ˌdiː.ɡriː/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable. The "s" in "associate" is pronounced as a voiceless "s" sound, while the "c" is pronounced as an "s" sound. The vowel in the middle is pronounced as "oh," and the last "ate" is pronounced as "ət." The word "degree" is pronounced with a long "e" sound and a silent "e" at the end.
An associate degree is an academic degree awarded by community colleges, technical schools, and some universities upon completion of a program of study typically lasting two years. It is a stepping stone towards higher education that provides students with a solid foundation in a specific area of study while also offering general education courses. This degree is commonly pursued by individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in a particular field in order to enhance their employment prospects or pursue further advanced education.
The associate degree is typically structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level job positions. It offers a balanced curriculum consisting of core courses related to the chosen area of study, as well as general education classes encompassing subjects such as mathematics, English, social sciences, and humanities. The educational programs leading to an associate degree are designed to equip students with the necessary skills to enter the workforce immediately upon completion or to transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
The associate degree is classified into different categories, including Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), based on the focus and nature of the curriculum. While the A.A. and A.S. degrees are more transferrable and often used as a starting point for further higher education, the A.A.S. degree is primarily career-oriented, preparing students for direct entry into the workforce. In summary, an associate degree serves as a valuable educational credential that provides students with the practical knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for various career paths and provides a foundation for further academic pursuits.
The word "associate" in the context of an associate degree comes from the Latin word "associatus", which is the past participle of "associare". "Associare" is composed of "ad-" meaning "to" or "towards" and "sociare" meaning "to join" or "to unite". The term "associate degree" was first used in the United States in the early 20th century to describe a degree that is earned by completing a program of study typically lasting two years. It is called so because the degree is often seen as a stepping stone or an initial level of higher education that can be used to associate, or unite, with higher-level degrees or careers.