College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.	Earn an Associate Degree (page 1 of 2)	
There are normally seven steps you must complete to earn the two-year Associate of Arts (A.A.) or 
Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.  In the past, you may have earned 
a scout badge by completing all the 
tasks that are required  — and you may have had the opportunity to select which tasks you want
ed to do to 
earn the badge.  Earning an Associate degree is similar to earning a scouting 
badge:  a) You complete the seven tasks required, some of which you are 
allowed to select based on your interests.  b) When you finish, you are 
awarded the Associate degree!
Students must complete about 60 semester units to earn their Associate 
degree from a community college.  Since each class is about 3 units, abo
ut 
20 classes are required for this degree.  This varies from college to college.  
Many community colleges require that students maintain an overall grade 
point average (GPA) of not less than 2.0 ("C" average) in order to graduate.  
Types of Associate Degrees
1) Associate Degree with Employment Major.  	Students are ready to enter 	
the work force after graduation.  Majors include Nursing, Graphics, Medi
cal Assistant, Air Conditioning, 
Automotive Technology, Fire Technology, Police Science, Paralegal, Computer Information Systems, and 
others.  With an Associate degree, you are qualified to enroll in a 4-year college to continue your education.
 
2) Associate Degree with Transfer Major.  	Students who earn this degree complete the	
college freshmen and sophomore (first and second year) general education requirements and 
may transfer from the community colleges to a 4-year college as a junior (third year of college).   
Seven Steps to Earn an Associate Degree
Step #1 — English, Communication & Critical Thinking	 	
You take three classes for this step:  (a) From list of 	English classes	 that qualify for this step, you may 	
select EITHER one English class that will not transfer to a 4-year college OR one English class that will 
transfer to 4-year colleges.  You may select the English class that fits your goals.  The English class that 
transfers to 4-year colleges is harder.  (b) You select one 	speech class	 such as Public Speaking, Group 	
Communication, or other.  (c) You select one 	math or critical thinking class	 that appeals to you such as 	
Algebra, Statistics, Computer Programming, Logic, or other class listed.
    
Step# 2 — Social, Political, Economic & Behavioral Sciences (also kn
own as Social Studies)
You take two classes for this step:  Part A —Any one American Government, History, or Political Science 
classes listed.  Part B — Any one behavioral science class listed such as Anthropology, Child 
Development, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Marriage & Family, or other.
Step #3 — Humanities (study of the cultural activities and artistic expressions)
You select one class from a list of many classes which may include Art History,  World Literature, Spanish, 
Humanities, Interior Design, Music, Philosophy, Sign Language, Drama, or other class.
Earn an Associate Degree

Earn an Associate Degree (page 2 of 2)	
Step #4 — Sciences
Some community or technical colleges require one science class with a la
b; others require two sciences 
classes, one with a lab.  Again, you select the class you will enjoy from a list of classes which 
include 
Astronomy, Biology, Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or other class.
Step #5 — Cultural Studies
You select one class from a list of classes that qualify for this require
ment.  Classes may include Human 
Communication, Intercultural Studies, Cultural Geography, World Civilization, Mass Media, Religions of 
the World, Ethics, International Relations, or other class.
Step #6 — Lifelong Learning & Wellness
You select one class from a list of those classes that qualify.  Classes on the list include most physical 
education classes, Introduction to Health, Gerontology (study of elderl
y people), Child Development, 
Counseling, Home Economics, Human Services, Psychology, or other.
Step #7 — Major
You take about 	seven classes in a major	 of your choice such as Fire Technology, 	
Nursing, Automotive, Business Management, Electronics, Computer Graphics, 
Administration of Justice, or Transfer Major.  Some majors require more than seven 
classes — such as Nursing, Fire Technology, and Police Science — so you will not 
be able to take elective classes outside the major.  Other majors, such as Business and 
Child Development, may allow you to take two elective classes unrelated 
to the major.
Will a degree help me earn more money?
You may earn a 	Certificate	 (for skill majors such as welding, computer repair, or elec	-	
tronics technician) by completing Step 7 only — the major.  Employers hire the best 
person for the job.  When you take the effort to earn the Associate degree, you prove 
to an employer that you are the best person for the job.  The U.S. Department of Labor 
says that workers with college degrees receive higher pay and promotions
 to manager.  
Enjoy a lifetime of benefits from taking the time and effort to earn an Associate!
1. a) How many steps do take to earn an Associate 	
degree?  b) Explain how earning an Associate 
degree is similar to earning a scouting badge.	
2.  a) What number of units are required for the 	
Associate degree?  b) How many classes is 
this?  c) What GPA do many colleges require? 	
3. List the 2 types of Associate degree majors.
4. Give 3 types of classes required for Step #1.  
5. a) How many classes are required for Step #2?  	
b) List one class you would select for Part A.  
c) List one class you would select for Part B.	
6. List the Humanities class you would select 	
from those listed.	
7. a) How many classes are required for Steps #5 	
and #6?  b) Of those listed, which class would 
you choose for Step #5?  c) For Step #6?	
8. How many classes are required for a major?
9. a) List one major that requires more than seven 	
classes.  b) List one major that may allow you to 
take elective classes unrelated to the major	
10. a) Which is the only step you complete to earn a 	
Certificate?  b) List one Certificate major.  	
11.   a) Do you think it would be best for you to earn 	
a Certificate and start work as soon as possible, 
or to continue in college to earn an Associate?  
b) In an essay of 25 words or more, give reasons 
for your answer.	
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