A Guide to Accelerated Associate Degrees Online for 2020

accelerated associate degree online

Generally speaking, associate degree programs are regarded as two-year academic offerings. This isn’t always an accurate timeframe, though. In reality, one can earn an associate credential in significantly less time by choosing an accelerated online associate degree program. For students who desire the most convenient avenue to an associate credential, accelerated associate degree programs online are the way to go!

What Are Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs?

Accelerated online associate degrees are fast online degrees ideal for ambitious students who wish to earn an official academic credential quickly. These programs may require a heavier course load than traditional associate-level offerings, but they enable students to fulfill degree requirements in less time, in some cases in as little as a year. Accelerated online degrees are almost always just as rigorous as more traditional programs. In fact, because students enrolled in these tracks often take heavier course loads, they can be even more challenging.

Online Associate in Business Administration

One of the most common types of accelerated associate degrees online is the associate in business administration. These programs are appealing to students who want to pursue entry-level management and leadership positions after graduation.

Curriculum for Online Associate of Business Administration Degree Programs

Students interested in fast online degrees in business administration should expect to take introductory classes in marketing, accounting, economics, management, and more. Below are some sample course titles representative of the core curriculum of an online business administration associate program. Note that these titles have been sourced from actual degree programs identified by our editors:

Computer Concepts and Applications
Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
Social, Legal, and Ethical Environment of Business
Introduction to Finance
Information Technology and Applications
Business Problem Solving

Some associate in business administration online programs are intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university to continue their studies in a bachelor’s degree program. Others are more vocational in nature and are geared more towards students who want to enter the workforce after graduation.

Schools for Accelerated Online Associate Degrees in Business Administration

Students who are looking for a fast online associate in business administration have a number of options to choose from. For example, Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an associate in science in business administration program that can be completed in as few as 18 months. This ACBSP- accredited offering requires 60 credit hours of coursework, including classes such as Microcomputer Applications for Business and Economics, Introduction to Project Management, Principles of Marketing, and Business Statistics, for example. In addition to this required coursework, students enrolled in this program can pursue one or more of the following professional certificates: Entrepreneurship, Business Specialist, Business Operations, and Business Management.

Colorado Technical University also offers a fast track option towards an Associate of Science in Business Administration degree. This option allows students to take exams in order to earn credit for subjects they’re already proficient in. The curriculum for this 93-credit hour option includes a general education component as well as core courses like Spreadsheet Applications, Management Fundamentals, and General Business Applications in a Global Environment. The university ensures a seamless transition to its bachelor’s of business administration program for those students interested in continuing their studies after earning their fast online degrees.

Accelerated Associate in Criminal Justice Online

Online associate in criminal justice offerings are accelerated online degrees that prepare students to enter the fields of law enforcement, corrections, and social services. Students pursuing such a degree can expect to take classes covering subjects like the U.S. justice system, victim advocacy, criminal law, and rehabilitation, for instance.

Curriculum for Online Accelerated Associate of Criminal Justice Programs

An accelerated online associate in criminal justice program will consist of a general education component as well as a core curriculum. Below, we’ve listed some sample course titles that comprise the major curriculum for fast online degrees in criminal justice:

Juvenile Justice System
Ethics and the Criminal Justice Leader
Introduction to Law Enforcement
Social Psychology
Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation
Substantive Criminal Law

Schools for Accelerated Online Associate in Criminal Justice

An increasing number of colleges and universities are offering their online criminal justice associate degrees in an accelerated format. For example, Le Tourneau University offers associate in criminal justice classes via a fast track option, enabling students to finish each class in just five weeks’ time. Coursework required for the degree includes specific titles such as Justice and Human Rights, Criminal Law, Homeland Security, and Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism. In addition to offering an appealing course schedule and an accelerated track, the school has also received national accolades. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 25 regional universities in the West as well as the nation’s 15 best value schools.

Another school that offers fast online degrees, including an accelerated online associate in criminal justice, is Liberty University. The school’s 60-credit hour program can be completed in a year and a half on average and features course titles such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Corrections, Criminal Justice Research and Writing, and Judicial Process. All courses required for the degree are offered in an asynchronous format for maximum flexibility.

Take a look at some of the career possibilities for associate degree holders in the field of criminal justice in our article highlighting the Highest Paying Criminal Justice Careers.

Accelerated Associate of Accounting Online

A popular choice for number-crunching students in a hurry to find a career path, the accelerated online associate in accounting prepares students for entry-level positions in accounting and provides a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue certification as certified management accountants (CMAs) or certified public accountants (CPAs).

Accelerated Accounting Associate Degrees: Curriculum

Students enrolled in such a program can expect to study topics such as business law, marketing, taxation, statistics, and economics. The standard curriculum for the degree may include course titles like the following:

Business Systems Analysis and Design
Federal Taxation
Principles of Marketing
Business Law
Principles of Banking
Microcomputer Accounting

Schools for Accelerated Online Associate of Accounting

While it’s not hard to find an online associate degree program, finding one with an accelerated option may be a bit more challenging. It is possible, however. This fact is demonstrated by Liberty University, which offers a 60-credit hour online associate degree in accounting that can be completed in just a year and a half. Students enrolled in this program will take required courses such as Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Intermediate Accounting, Intermediate Business Computer Applications, and Principles of Marketing, for example. Graduates of this fast online associate in accounting will be prepared for entry-level jobs in the field or for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Liberty University is a good choice for accounting students as many of the school’s online business education programs have received top rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

Another top provider of fast associate degrees online, Florida State College at Jacksonville also offers an accelerated online associate in accounting technology. This degree plan can be completed in as few as 18 months and features course titles such as Introduction to Forensic Accounting, Applied Business Communications, Principles of Management, and Microcomputer Applications for Business and Economics, for example. In addition to required coursework, students can also opt to pursue professional certificates like Accounting Technology Management, Accounting Technology Operations, or Accounting Technology Specialist. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Accelerated Online Associate in Information Technology (IT)

Information technology is a fast-growing industry with many career opportunities for entry-level professions. To help accommodate this demand for trained professionals, many colleges and universities have begun to offer associate in information technology degrees online. Some of these programs are offered via an accelerated format.

Accelerated Associate Degrees in Information Technology: Curriculum

As is the case for most other academic offerings, the curriculum for online associate in information technology degree programs will vary from school to school. The field of information technology is also very broad, so some schools may offer opportunities for students to specialize in a certain area of the IT industry through specializations and concentrations. Aside from these emphasis areas, the core curriculum for most IT programs at the associate level will be somewhat similar. We’ve listed some sample course titles below for your reference:

Introduction to Computer Networks
Cross-Platform Technologies
Introduction to Web Design and Development
Networking and Telecommunications
Scientific and Technical Communication
Introduction to Programming
Business Computer Skills

Schools for the Fastest Online Associate Degrees in Information Technology

Several schools offer their online associate in information technology degrees in an accelerated format, enabling students to earn their IT credentials in less than two years. For example, students enrolled in Florida Tech’s AS in Computer Information Systems program will devote just 20 months to their studies in order to fulfill all degree requirements. Core courses required for the degree include Electronic Commerce, Foundations of Information Systems, Introduction to Macroeconomics, and Principles of Marketing for instance. Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this accelerated associate degree in information technology online.

Florida State College at Jacksonville also offers a 20-month accelerated online associate degree in computer information technology. This program is a versatile option, featuring career tracks in Software Development, Web, Database, and Data Science. The curriculum for the program includes courses like Computer Networks and Telecommunications, Information Systems, Web Technologies, and Introduction to Computer Programming, for example.

Online Accelerated Associate Degree in Healthcare Management/Healthcare Administration

Students who desire to take on leadership roles in the healthcare field may benefit from an accelerated online associate degree program in healthcare management or healthcare administration. Jobs in healthcare management and administration are growing rapidly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and colleges and universities across the country are offering flexible degree plans to keep up with the demand for professionals trained in the field. This includes accelerated online associate degrees.

Accelerated Online Associate of Healthcare Management Curriculum

The curriculum for healthcare management associate degrees includes topics in both health care principles and leadership concepts. Some of the specific subjects covered in an associate-level healthcare management degree plan include healthcare ethics, human resources, technology in health care, and organizational management, for instance. Course titles will vary depending on the school and program, but classes may include:

Business Law and Legal Aspects in Health Care
Computer Applications in Health Care
Principles of Management and Leadership
Medical Ethics
Global Business Perspectives
Leadership and Change in Healthcare
Ethical Issues in Healthcare

Schools for Accelerated Online Healthcare Management Associate Degrees

Students who wish to pursue an online associate in healthcare management degree have a wide variety of programs to choose from. Those who desire an accelerated degree plan may consider Community Care College’s 20-month online associate in health care administration. This unique Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) option can be completed entirely online and covers topics such as medical billing, diagnostic coding, medical office administration, leadership development, and more. Community Care College is accredited by both the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges as well as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools to award this degree.

Another option for an accelerated online associate in healthcare management is The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP). Also a 20-month offering, CHCP’s degree plan features course titles such as Medical Terminology, Business Law and Legal Aspects in Health Care, and Medical Office Procedures/Management. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Accelerated Online Associate in Paralegal Studies

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are growing much faster than average. Since these careers are fairly lucrative and require only an associate degree, online associate degree programs in paralegal studies are also in demand. Accelerated options are also available in this field and can help ambitious students gain the credentials they need to work as a paralegal at a faster pace.

Curriculum for Online Associate in Paralegal Studies

The curriculum for an associate degree in paralegal studies is designed to prepare students for work in a legal office. Students enrolled in a program of this kind will study topics in legal writing, research, and office administration. They will also be trained in different types of law, including real estate law, tax law, international law, corporate law, and more. Specific classes will vary by school, but some sample course titles are listed below for the sake of reference:

Civil Litigation
Criminal Law and Court Procedure
Real Estate and Property
Legal Research and Writing
Litigation for Paralegals
Foundations of Law
Criminal Practice and Procedure

Accelerated Online Associate of Paralegal Studies Schools

Students who want a fast online associate in paralegal studies should consider Eastern Kentucky University. The school’s paralegal associate degree program is a 64-credit hour option that can be completed almost entirely online. Core courses required for the program include Legal Administration and Computer Applications, Introduction to Law, Litigation: Trial to Appeal, and Legal Research and Writing, for example. Active duty military personnel enjoy a reduced tuition rate for this program.

Another option is Remington College, which offers one of the fastest online associate degrees in paralegal studies. This 90-credit hour option can be completed in just 18 months and features classes such as Legal Liability and Ethics, Real Estate Law, Legal Writing, and Bankruptcy Law, for instance. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited Remington College to award this degree.

Fire Science Accelerated Associate Degree Online

Associate degrees in fire science are intended to prepare students for careers as firefighters or to advance in their current roles in the fire protection industry.

Curriculum for Accelerated Online Fire Science Degree Programs

The standard curriculum for an online associate in fire science is comprised primarily of classes in fire prevention and control. Specific course titles will vary by school but may include the following:

Fire Behavior and Construction
Principles of Fire and Emergency Services
Fire and Arson Investigation
Firefighting Strategy and Tactics
Fire Prevention Principles
Incident Management for the First Responder

In addition to coursework, some online fire science associate degree programs may include hands-on components that can be completed in the student’s local fire district.

Colleges Offering Accelerated Online Fire Science Associate Degrees

Students looking for fast online degrees in fire science will find options at Northern Virginia Community College. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology that features accelerated options, including credit for prior learning and transfer credit opportunities. The curriculum for the program is comprised of courses such as Principles of Emergency Services, Legal Aspects of Fire Service, Fire Protection Hydraulics & Water Supply, and Fire and Risk Analysis, for instance. Students must complete a total of 67 credit hours of coursework in order to fulfill degree requirements.

Florida State College at Jacksonville’s list of accelerated online associate degree offerings also includes an option in Fire Science Technology. Students enrolled in this Associate of Science program will explore topics such as fire chemistry, fire behavior, fire prevention, and fire department administration. As an optional component of the program, students may also pursue the Fire Officer Supervisor certification. The entire program can be completed within just 18 months.

Online Accelerated Associate in Early Childhood Education

Online associate of early childhood education programs prepare students to enter the rapidly growing field of education by training them to teach at the preschool level. These programs train enrolled students to teach children ages 0 to 5 years old. Graduates have the option of entering the workforce immediately upon graduation as preschool teachers, teaching assistants, or childcare workers. Alternatively, they can choose to continue their studies in a bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education or related field.

Curriculum for Early Childhood Education Associate Degrees
Psychology of Childhood
Professionalism and Growth in the Early Childhood Education Field
Principles of Education
Family, School, and Community
Children’s Play and Learning
Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education

Schools Offering Accelerated Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Options

For students desiring the fastest path to a career in early childhood education, there are a few schools that offer accelerated online associate degrees in the field. One such school is American Public University. The university has a generous credit-for-prior learning policy that allows students to earn credits toward the degree for life experiences, including military service. This policy enables some students to earn their Associate of Arts in Early Childcare and Education in less than two years. The program also includes an optional Child Development Associate (CDA) certification track.

Another accelerated option for early childhood education students is Liberty University’s Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education. This 60-credit hour program features a robust curriculum, including course titles such as Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting, Educational Philosophy, and Learning Theory and Portfolio Development, for example. Students can fulfill all degree requirements within just a year and a half.

To see what career options are available, check out our article on the Highest Paying Early Childhood Education Jobs.

Accelerated Online Associate Degrees in Marketing

Accelerated online associate of marketing programs are fast online degrees that provide students entry into the field of marketing as well as its subfields of advertising, promotions, and public relations.

Curriculum for Associate in Marketing Online Programs

Degree plans for an online associate of marketing programs are often deeply rooted in business fundamentals and include coursework in finance, business ethics, professional communication, and related areas of study. Of course, they also include marketing-specific classes to make up the core of the curriculum. Some examples of associate level marketing courses are listed below:

Principles of Marketing
Principles of Management
Customer Relationship Marketing
Principles of Public Relations
Social Media Analytics and SEO
Introduction to Mass Communication
Advertising and Promotions

Schools for Accelerated Online Associate of Marketing Programs

Florida Tech is known for its accelerated associate degrees online, and among these offerings is an accelerated online Associate of Arts in Marketing. This fully online program features standout course titles like Entrepreneurial Marketing, Global Business Perspectives, and Integrated Marketing Communication Management. Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this entry-level marketing credential.

Milwaukee Area Technical College offers one of the fastest online associate degrees in marketing. Its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Marketing can be completed in just 16 months of full-time study and features optional technical diplomas in Digital Marketing and Integrated Communications as well as Sales and Customer Experience. Sample course titles comprising the curriculum for the program include Advertising: Brands and Campaigns, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Research/Analytics, and Retail and Consumer Marketing, for example.

Online Accelerated Graphic Design Associate Degree Programs

Associate degrees in graphic design remain some of the most popular undergraduate degree programs because of their versatility and inclination toward creative expression. Online accelerated associate in graphic design enable students to earn their credentials in less than two years and begin building their careers in the field. Graduates of these degree programs may work in a wide range of creative fields, including web design, illustration, printmaking, game design, advertising and promotions, publishing, and more.

Online Associate in Graphic Design: Curriculum

The exact curriculum for an associate of graphic design degree will vary depending on the college or university, but many schools offer similar courses. We’ve listed some examples of classes that one may find on their course schedule after enrolling in a graphic design program at the associate level:

History of Graphic Design
Web Design and Development
Introduction to Digital Media
Graphic Design Tools
Advertising and Design
Brand Identity Design
Typography

Schools for Accelerated Associate of Graphic Design Online Degrees

The vast majority of online associate in graphic design programs are designed to be completed in two years, but it is possible to find accelerated options. For example, the Associate of Science (AS) in Computer Graphic Design from Sullivan University can be completed in as few as 18 months. Students enrolled in the program will take courses such as Color Theory, Digital Imagery & Image Making, 3-D Modeling, and Basic 3-D Animation, for instance. Graduates of the program are qualified for work as web designers, technical illustrators, computer graphic consultants, creative directors, and more.

Students looking for a fast online associate in graphic design will also find options at Gateway Technical College. The school offers credit for prior learning to students enrolled in its 60-credit hour Associate of Graphic Communications degree program. The curriculum for the program features classes such as Computer Illustration and Drawing Technology, Illustration Media Concepts, Webpage Design for Graphic Designers, and Advanced Design Concepts.

Accelerated Online Associate in Liberal Arts/General Studies

Associate in liberal arts or general studies degree programs are popular options for students who intend to transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree after graduation. Liberal arts/general studies are also good options for students who desire entry-level employment in business, education, or social services.

Curriculum for Online Associate in General Studies or Liberal Arts

General studies or liberal arts degree plans at the associate level are deeply rooted in the humanities. Students enrolled in these programs can expect to study academic subjects such as literature, composition, social sciences, behavioral sciences, and fine arts, for instance. Often, the curriculum for these programs will mirror the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree program, making them easily transferable to a four-year university. Some sample course titles are listed below for reference, but keep in mind that specific classes will vary depending on the school and program.

Introduction to Humanities
Perspectives in the Social Sciences
The Human Behavior Perspective
Integrated Life Science
Interpersonal Communications
Women, Gender and Culture
Composition & Rhetoric
Schools for Accelerated Associate of Liberal Arts and General Studies Degrees Online

Students who are in a hurry to begin their careers or continue their studies at a university will benefit from fast associate degrees online, including the one offered through Milwaukee Area Technical College. An associate in arts online, the program is accelerated in nature, offering courses in seven or eight-week blocks. Course titles required for the degree include Intercultural Communication, American National Government and Politics Today, Introduction to Psychology, and Understanding Art, for example. MATC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award this accelerated online associate degree in liberal arts.

Another option for liberal arts students desiring accelerated associate degrees online is Liberty University’s Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. This 60-credit hour offering is designed to be completed within a year and a half, and up to 75% of credits can be transferred in. Topics covered by the program’s curriculum include professional development, communications, career planning, and composition and rhetoric.

Online Accelerated Associate in Human Services

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in human services are growing much faster than the average occupation. The agency attributes this rapid growth to an aging population and the increasing demand for substance abuse and addiction treatment. Individuals with a desire to take advantage of employment opportunities in the field of human services may find the idea of accelerated associate degrees online very appealing.

Curriculum for Accelerated Online Human Services Associate Degrees

Human services is a broad field of study, so courses and topics can vary widely from school to school and program to program. These degree plans tend to emphasize topics in the social and behavioral sciences, however. Some examples of courses one might expect to encounter are listed below for the sake of reference:

Introduction to Sociology
Civic Engagement
Minority Relations
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Working With Communities and Organizations
Foundations of Counseling
Chemical Dependency and Relapse Prevention

Accelerated Human Services Associate Online Schools

Most associate degrees in human services require two years of full-time study, but there are exceptions. For example, Thomas Edison University allows its associate of human services students to earn credit for prior learning, which can significantly reduce completion time for the degree. Required courses for the program include Introduction to Psychology, Quantitative Literacy, Cultural Diversity, and Critical Information Literacy, for example. A capstone course in human services is also required prior to graduation.

Elizabethtown College also offers fast online degrees, including an Associate of Human Services. Accredited by the Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools, the college offers its courses in accelerated 5-week terms. Core course requirements for the human services associate credential include Ethical Issues in Human Services, Social Welfare Programs and Policy, Developmental Psychology, and Counseling Techniques and Skills, for instance.

Accelerated Online Associate in Psychology

Psychology is an engrossing field of study that explores how people think and why they behave the way they do. This makes it a popular academic discipline for students who want a fast associate online degree. After earning this credential, graduates can go on to study psychology at the bachelor’s level or find employment as a psychiatric nursing assistant, addiction rehabilitation assistant, or youth counselor, for instance.

The Curriculum for Accelerated Psychology Associate Degrees Online

Degree plans for associate in psychology programs provide students with an overview of human psychology across a lifetime, including child, adolescent, and adult psychology. They may also include courses in abnormal psychology and counseling techniques. Some course titles are listed below for the sake of example:

Theories of Personality
Survey of Psychological Assessments
Human Sexuality
Psychology Through the Lifespan
Transformational Psychology
Psychology of Personal Awareness
Introduction to Group Dynamics
Psychology of Women
Introduction to Human Services and Social Work

Schools for Online Accelerated Associate in Psychology Studies

Liberty University is home to one of the fastest online associate degrees in psychology. Requiring just a year and a half of full-time study, this Associate of Arts in Psychology program features course titles such as General Psychology, Psychology of Personality, and Developmental Psychology, for example.

Holmes Community College also offers accelerated online classes toward an Associate of Arts in Psychology. Students enrolled in the program will take classes such as Human Growth and Development, Adolescent Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Child Psychology, for instance.

Online Accelerated Associate in Human Resource Management

Human resource management is a subfield of management related to the employees and staff of an organization. Although a bachelor’s or even master’s degree is required to work as a human resources manager, an associate degree is often the first step in the process. This credential can also prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field.

Curriculum for Accelerated Online Human Resource Management Associate Degrees

Degree plans for associate of human resource management programs focus on the management of a company’s personnel. Topics range from the recruitment and hiring process, employee benefits, training and staff development, and professional communication, for example. Some sample course titles are listed below, but keep in mind that classes will vary by school and program:

Introduction to Human Resources
Recruitment, Selection, and Staffing
Employment Law
Introduction to Organizational Leadership
Compensation Management
Employee Benefits
Talent Acquisition
Training and Development

Schools Offering Accelerated Associate in Human Resource Management Online

Students who need a fast online associate degree in human resource management may find the program offered by Fayetteville Technical Community College to be a perfect match. Accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges, FTCC allows its human resources associate students the opportunity to earn credit for prior learning. Coursework required for the degree includes Employment Law and Regulations, Training and Development, Recruitment Selection and Personnel Planning, and Human Resource Management Applications, for instance.

Guilford Technical Community College also offers an accelerated option for students looking for fast online degrees in human resource management. Its associate in HR Management includes a professional HR certificate that can be earned in just two semesters. Course titles for the program may include Compensation and Benefits, Business Ethics, and Human Resource Management Applications, for example.

Accelerated Online Associate of Engineering

Students with an associate degree in engineering are poised to enter a highly lucrative career path with plenty of opportunities for advancement. Occupations in engineering are also growing at a steady pace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Curriculum for Accelerated Engineering Associate Online Programs

Coursework for associate in engineering programs will vary by school, but these degree plans typically include introductory courses in engineering, mathematical, and technological concepts. Depending on the college or university offering the program, course titles may include:

Engineering and Ethics
Microprocessor Systems Engineering
Engineering Dynamics
Technology and Society
Introduction to Solid Mechanics
Engineering Statistics
Differential Equations
Mechanics, Wave Motion, and Thermodynamics

Schools for Accelerated Online Associate in Engineering

Generally speaking, one can expect to spend two to three years working towards an associate of engineering credential. Those looking for fast online associate in engineering may find their ideal program at Liberty University. The school offers a 1 ½- year online Associate of Science in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Courses comprising the program’s curriculum include Calculus and Analytic Geometry, Introduction to Computing Sciences, and Introduction to Statistical Analysis, for instance. Graduates of the program will be qualified for positions as data analysts, systems engineers, engineering technicians, and logistics analysts among related occupations.

Accelerated Online Associate of Cybersecurity

Employment in the field of cybersecurity is expected to grow by more than 30% in the coming decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Individuals who want to break into this growing field quickly can benefit from accelerated online associate degrees in cybersecurity.

Curriculum for Accelerated Cybersecurity Associate Online Programs

Cybersecurity associate degree plans will inevitably vary depending on the school. However, most programs cover the same basic topics. These include computer programming, information security, risk assessment, network systems administration, and more. Some sample course titles are listed below for the sake of example:

Principles of Networking
Database Management Systems
Cyberspace Vulnerabilities and Risks
Survey of Operating Systems
Introduction to Digital Forensics
Incident Response and Disaster Recovery
Ethical Hacking
Computer and Malware History

Schools for Accelerated Online Associate in Cybersecurity

Most associate degrees in cybersecurity (whether on campus or online) require at least two years of study. It is possible to find an accelerated option, however. For example, East Coast Polytechnic University offers an accelerated Associate in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Cyber and Network Security. Courses comprising the curriculum for the program include Principles of Cybersecurity, Introduction to Cloud Solutions, Linux Administration, and Introduction to Networking. The entire program can be completed in just 15 months.

Accelerated Associate in Finance Online

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that jobs in financial operations are currently growing faster than average, providing plenty of opportunities for those looking to earn accelerated online degrees in the field. Though most of these positions will require a bachelor’s degree, online associate in finance can provide students with a convenient entry into the field. Graduates may qualify for roles as financial assistants, or they may transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Curriculum for Online Finance Associate Degrees

There is no one standard curriculum for all online associate degrees in finance. Instead, each school has the liberty to develop its own unique degree plan. Still, there is often a fair amount of overlap when it comes to course topics. Common topics covered by associate-level degrees in finance include banking, investments, financial planning, and business finance, for example. Specific classes may include:

Money and Banking
Corporate Finance
Consumer Lending
Law and Banking Principles
Money, Banking, and Financial Markets
Principles of Finance
Personal Financial Planning
Financial Statement Analysis

Schools Offering Accelerated Online Associate in Finance Degrees

As with most associate degrees, online associate of finance programs typically require two years of study. It is possible to graduate faster, however. For example, Franklin University allows students to transfer in credits, thereby graduating from its AS in Financial Management program in less than 24 months. Enrolled students will be required to take classes like Financial Accounting, Principles of Finance, and Investments. The program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Accelerated Online Medical Assistant Associate Degree

Jobs for certified medical assistants are growing much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although it is possible to enter this occupation with no formal academic training, many employers prefer that applicants have a credential from a postsecondary school such as an associate degree in medical assistantship, for example.

Curriculum for Online Associate in Medical Assistance

The curriculum for associate of medical assisting programs will vary from school to school, but most cover the same basic material. Students enrolled in these programs can expect to study subjects such as medical office management, healthcare information management and documentation, medical insurance procedures, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare, for example. Course titles comprising the degree plans for these programs may include the following:

Medical Office Procedures
Medical Billing/Insurance
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information
Essentials of Healthcare Documentation
Pharmacology
Computerized Medical Office Management
Medical Office Procedures With Insurance

Schools Offering Accelerated Online Associate of Medical Assistantship
There aren’t many schools that offer online associate in medical assisting that can be completed in less than two years, but they do exist. Dakota College at Bottineau, for example, offers an accelerated Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assistance that can be completed in just one year, making this credential one of the fastest online associate degrees available in this field. Courses required for the degree include Medical Transcription, Computer Applications in Healthcare, Medical Terminology, and Basic Diagnosis Coding, for example.

Students who have already earned a professional certificate in medical assistantship or closely related area can finish their associate degree at an accelerated pace at Nebraska Methodist College. Technically an Associate of Science in Health Studies with a Medical Assistant concentration, the program is offered entirely online in an asynchronous format.

Accelerated Online Associate in Software Development

Careers in software development are among some of the most lucrative occupations there are, and demand for professionals in the field is growing at a rapid pace, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Though official positions as software developers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, associate in software development credentials can provide graduates with an entryway to the field. They can also provide for an easy transition to a bachelor’s program.

Curriculum for Software Development Associate Degrees Online

Software development is a fairly broad field, so the curriculum for associate degrees in this academic discipline can vary significantly from program to program. Common subject areas covered by these types of degree plans include programming languages, computer science, operating systems, network administration, and database management, for example. Some sample course titles are listed below for example. These were taken from actual online associate degree programs in software development that are currently accepting new students:

Computer Concepts
Application Programming
Computing and Informatics Project Management
Web Site Development
Database Management
Introduction to Software Applications
Responsive Web Design

Schools Offering Online Accelerated Associate in Software Development

Champlain College offers its online associate in software development through accelerated 7-week courses. Professional courses required for the degree include Networking Fundamentals, Information Systems Analysis and Design, Introduction to Computer Systems, and Data Structures and Algorithms, for instance. Champlain College has been accredited to award this credential in software development by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Sinclair Community College also offers a fast track option towards its Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Systems/Software Development. The curriculum for the program features course titles like Java Software Development, Introduction to Problem Solving & Computer Programming, Information Systems Analysis & Design, and Web Site Development with HTML & CSS, for example. The program holds special accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Fastest Online Associate Degree Programs for 2020