Students wanting to jump right into a career field may want to look into earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
These associate degrees are often focused on administrative, clerical, or technical careers. Busy students may even be able to earn their AAS degrees online.
Top Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs
Many colleges across the United States, especially community and technical colleges, offer online Associate of Applied Science degrees. We've listed some of our top picks below.
1. Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College is a public community college in Littleton, CO, a city south of Denver in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It offers associate degrees online.
The college offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in fields including:
- accounting
- computer networking, with two concentrations
- criminal justice
- health information technology
- mortuary science
Programs require anywhere from 60 to 70 credits and take an average of two years to complete.
2. Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College is a public college in Bismarck, ND. It's part of the North Dakota University System and offers many programs online.
The college offers online Associate of Applied Science degrees in a variety of subjects including:
- administrative assistant, with three concentrations
- electric power technology, with four concentrations
- geographic information systems technicians
- human services
- nuclear power technology
Degrees require between 60 to 70 credits and take two years to complete. Multiple online certificates are also available.
3. Eastern Gateway Community College
Eastern Gateway Community College is a public community college out of Steubenville, OH. It offers a number of associate degrees and certificates online.
Some of the AAS degrees offered online include:
- criminal justice
- fire science
- health information management
- pre-kindergarten care and education
- social work
Several Associate of Applied Business (AAB) degrees are available as well in fields like accounting and business management.
Degrees range from 60 to 65 credits and can be finished in two years.
4. Houston Community College
Houston Community College is a community college system based in Texas and with campuses throughout the state. It also offers over 60 programs online.
A few of the online Associate of Applied Science degrees offered include:
- computer programming, with three concentrations
- fire science and safety
- geographic information science
- marketing
- real estate
The majority of these programs are 60 credits and take two years to complete.
5. Itawamba Community College
Itawamba Community College is a public community college in Fulton, MS, and with a few other campuses in the state. It offers a handful of online programs.
Some of the online Associate of Applied Science programs offered include:
- business and marketing management
- early childhood education
- hospitality management
- paralegal
- public health
Programs require 60 to 61 credits and take two years to complete.
6. Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is a public community college system in Indiana with over forty campus locations and a large selection of online programs.
Associate of Applied Science degree fields offered entirely online include:
- criminal justice
- cybersecurity/information assurance
- informatics
- logistics and supply chain management
- medical assisting
Most programs are 60 credits and take four semesters, or two years, to complete. Through the NextLevel Jobs program, Indiana residents may be able to earn their degree for free.
7. Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a public community and technical college with several campuses in northwest Minnesota and multiple online programs.
The college offers a dozen Associate of Applied Science degrees online including:
- business
- computer programming
- digital marketing
- health information technology/coding
- medical administrative assistant
Programs typically require between 60 to 65 credits and take two to three years to complete.
8. Moraine Park Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College is a public community college based in Fond du Lac, WI. It has a handful of campuses throughout the state and many online programs.
A few of the online AAS degree programs offered by Moraine Park Technical College include:
- accounting
- business management
- health information technology
- information technology, with four online concentrations
- legal studies/paralegal
Most programs require between 63 to 66 credits and take two years to complete.
9. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is the online branch of Indiana's public Purdue Global. It offers online degrees at all levels, from associate to doctoral.
Some of the Associate of Applied Science degrees offered include:
- business administration, with 11 concentrations
- criminal justice
- early childhood development
- fire science
- legal support and services
These programs generally require 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) and courses are offered in 10-week terms. Students generally study 15 to 18 hours per week and finish within two years.
FAQs About Online Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about online Associate of Applied Science degrees.
What's the Difference Between an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science Degree?
The primary difference between AS and AAS degrees is that AAS degrees are designed so students can enter the workforce in their chosen field immediately after graduation.
AS degrees require the student to meet all general education requirements and can be used to transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
How Long Are Associate of Applied Science Degrees?
Typically, Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed to take two years, though some may take an extra semester or two.
What Programs Are Offered through Associate of Applied Science Degrees?
There are many different majors you can choose for your Associate of Applied Science degree. Some common ones include:
- business and accounting
- criminal justice
- early childhood education
- information technology
- legal/paralegal
Earn an Online Associate of Applied Science Degree
Several colleges and universities offer online Associate of Applied Science degrees in a variety of fields. Take a look at our picks listed above to find your perfect program today.
