Associates Degree (A.A. or A.S.)
For information about the salary you can expect with one of these degrees, we recommend JobWeb Salary Survey and The US Department of Labor and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Westwood College offers over 18 associate and bachelor degree programs in
Business, Information Technology, and Design as well as over 7 degree, diploma,
and certificate programs in Health Care, Industrial Services, and Aviation
Maintenance.
Westwood
College Online Associate Degrees Computer Network Engineer Graphic Design and
Multimedia Software Engineering.
An Associates Degree is a two year degree program (assuming full time attendance) within a college or university. There are two tracks to within the Associates Degree program to follow. The Associate in Science (A.S.), which might include programs such as dental hygienist or legal secretary; and Associate in Arts, which is often the first step towards a Bachelor's Degree. Other Associates degrees are considered vocational degrees, due to their subject matter,
Think of the A.A. as a mini-diploma saying you passed the first two years of college. This is because many students earn their associate degrees at junior or community colleges. These are schools designed to give students jus the first two years of college education, after which the student often transfers to a 4 year college or university to complete their bachelor's degree.
Coursework in two year degrees are often generalized, with classes in English and writing, to help with oral and written presentation skills, math (such as algebra or calculus) in order to understand how to computer and build formulas, some basic science and the humanities
The following is a brief description of the major Associates degree types and the kind of careers for which they prepare the student.
Associates Degree Types:
- Accounting
- Administrative Assistant
- Agribusiness and Science Technology
- Agriculture/Outdoor Power Equipment
- Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Associate
- Automotive Technology
- Banking and Financial Services
- Computer Information Systems-Microcomputer Specialist
- Computer Information Systems-Network Specialist
- Computer Information Systems-Programmer/Analyst
- Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
- Culinary Arts
- Dental Hygienist
- Early Childhood Education
- Educational Interpreter Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electronics
- Fire Protection Technician
- Hotel & Restaurant Management
- Human Resources
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Interior Design
- Marketing
- Mechanical Design Technology
- Nursing-Associate Degree
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paralegal
- Printing and Publishing
- Quality Management
- Security Loss Prevention
- Technical Communications
Accounting
This two-year associate degree program in accounting prepares students for entry-level positions as assistant auditors, tax accountant assistants, junior accountants, accounts receivable clerks and internal assistant auditors. Students will maintain records of accounts and handle business transactions for expenses, payments, purchases and inventories in journals, ledgers and on computers; prepare financial reports to substantiate transactions such as income statements, balance sheets, cost studies and tax reports; and review and interpret financial reports.
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Administrative Assistant
As an administrative assistant, you’ll be employed in one of the largest, fastest growing occupations in the U.S. and global economies. The administrative assistant combines organizational and people skills with an expertise in information processing and office technology. Utilizing their computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics and communications, administrative assistants function as an integral part of the office team.
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Agribusiness and Science Technology
As an administrative assistant, you’ll be employed in one of the largest, fastest growing occupations in the U.S. and global economies. The administrative assistant combines organizational and people skills with an expertise in information processing and office technology. Utilizing their computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics and communications, administrative assistants function as an integral part of the office team.
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Agriculture/Outdoor Power Equipment
As an administrative assistant, you’ll be employed in one of the largest, fastest growing occupations in the U.S. and global economies. The administrative assistant combines organizational and people skills with an expertise in information processing and office technology. Utilizing their computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics and communications, administrative assistants function as an integral part of the office team.
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Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Associate
As an administrative assistant, you’ll be employed in one of the largest, fastest growing occupations in the U.S. and global economies. The administrative assistant combines organizational and people skills with an expertise in information processing and office technology. Utilizing their computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphics and communications, administrative assistants function as an integral part of the office team.
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Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology program is designed to train individuals to understand the concepts of automotive engineering. This enables them to perform specialized diagnostic work. Automotive technicians are top-level technicians who realize the duties of other technicians they may supervise.
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Banking and Financial Services
Banking and Financial Services is a specialized program of study in that it relates to financial institutions. Courses in financial services give the student a background in various phases of financial services. Accounting and business-related courses which are an integral part of financial services are also included in the curriculum.
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Computer Information Systems-Microcomputer Specialist
Microcomputer specialists work with freestanding and networked desktop computers. Their job, quite simply, is to deliver to their employers the productivity and efficiency promised by computer hardware and software manufacturers. They analyze information needs, identify alternative hardware and software solutions, plan and develop application systems, implement the systems, and train others to use the solutions effectively.
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Computer Information Systems-Network Specialist
Network specialists implement and maintain various telecommunication systems. Graduates may manage a single local area network or be involved in a complex telecommunication environment. They may administer a local area network, install or troubleshoot communication hardware or software, or integrate technologies to meet the corporate demands for information sharing.
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Computer Information Systems-Programmer/Analyst
Programmer/analysts typically develop computer applications for a business. They may be asked to analyze a business problem or need and then design and write program instructions to tell the computer how to address it.
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Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers are responsible for the preservation of law and order. Duties typically include traffic accident investigation, traffic direction and control, prevention and investigation of crime, vehicle patrols and assistance to the public.
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Culinary Arts
Chefs are specialists employed to prepare, season and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts and other foodstuffs, such as sauces, gravies and salads. They may handle one type of specialized food preparation or be responsible for preparation of all foods served in a given eating establishment. Chefs and head cooks coordinate the work of the kitchen staff and direct all kinds of food preparation.
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Dental Hygienist
The dental hygienist is a member of the dental team and helps individuals maintain oral health and prevent oral diseases. Under the supervision of a dentist, the hygienist inspects the mouth, removes stains and deposits from teeth, applies preventative agents, prepares clinical and diagnostic tests, completes dental x-rays, and performs many other services related to oral care.
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Early Childhood Education
The key goal of the associate degree Early Childhood Education program is to prepare students to become professionals who will provide care for young children in a group setting in an effective and positive manner. To achieve the goal of developing the whole child, emphasis is placed on the child’s physical development, mental growth, emotional needs and socialization skills.
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Educational Interpreter Technician
Educational interpreters are the communication links between deaf or hard of hearing students and the classroom teacher. They are familiar with the deaf culture and are sensitive to the social and psychological effects of hearing loss. They use signs and oral interpreting techniques and strategies for language and reading development.
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Electrical Engineering Technology
A severe shortage of electronic technicians and electrical engineers has created a new position in the electronics industry, the "super tech." The person holding this position performs a wide variety of tasks that cross over in both areas. By increasing the scope of a technician’s area of responsibility, the engineering staff can work more efficiently. Industry has a high demand for individuals capable of functioning in this capacity.
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Electronics
Electronics is a very diverse discipline that has found applications in almost every aspect of business and industry. Because of this diversity, an electronics technician needs a broad background in computer programming, applications, networking, wireless and wired communications, data acquisition, software control and embedded controller based systems.
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Fire Protection Technician
A fire protection technician protects life and property through fire prevention efforts and, if necessary, by proper firefighting principles and techniques. Graduates are well trained in the progressive, proactive philosophy of the modern fire service which emphasizes fire prevention and public education, as well as the traditional firefighting and emergency medical service components.
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Hotel & Restaurant Management
The Hotel & Restaurant Management program will train students to enter hospitality areas including lodging, food and beverage, meeting planning, tourism and recreation.
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Human Resources
As a Human Resources graduate, you will use your excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills as you assist managers and directors with various HR activities.
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Industrial Engineering Technician
Industrial engineering technicians assist engineers in the development of plans for the smooth and efficient flow of materials through their plants or businesses to completion of the finished product or service. Specifically, engineering technicians study and record element times, physical motions, and methods involved in the duties performed by maintenance, clerical and production workers.
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Interior Design
Interior design is a business and an art which contributes to the physical, visual and intellectual comforts and joys of people as they are affected by the interior design of homes and businesses. Interior designers plan the arrangement of interior space and coordinate the selection and sales of furniture, draperies and other fabrics, floor coverings, interior accessories, calculations, bidding proposals and pricing.
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Marketing
People in retailing or sales usually spend much of their time with customers creating interest in the product, particularly through demonstrations. They answer questions about its care, show various models, styles and colors, and aid the customer in making a selection. Satisfying customers and helping to build and maintain the reputation of the company or business are the major responsibilities.
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Mechanical Design Technology
Some mechanical design technicians are employed in manufacturing plants to help plan, test and inspect machines and equipment or to work with the engineer in eliminating product problems. Others find employment as detailers and layout drafters.
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Nursing-Associate Degree
The registered nurse who is prepared in a two-year associate degree program provides direct care to people of all age groups who have common physical and mental health problems. Nursing involves a broad range of functions from the very simple to the highly complex.
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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) work with clients of all ages with developmental, physical, social or emotional problems which prevent independent functioning in the tasks of daily living. Working under the supervision or guidance of a registered occupational therapist, OTAs may implement restorative, preventive and maintenance programs.
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Paralegal
As part of the legal office team, the paralegal provides assistance by drafting and interpreting legal documents; selecting, compiling and using technical legal information; analyzing and resolving legal procedural problems; and recognizing and managing potential ethical conflicts. A mastery of the English language and client service as well as the ability to understand and interpret legal information is essential. The paralegal is a vital member of the legal team, directly assisting the lawyer in the practice of law.
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Printing and Publishing
The printing and publishing industry is very diversified, covering many distinct job titles. They include desktop publishing, page layout artist, scanner operator, duplicator operator, press operator, press helper, bindery worker, customer service, sales and service.
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Quality Management
A Quality Management program will provide students with state-of-the-art, quality-related content designed to be immediately useful. Training and business management skills are provided through several supervisory management courses included in the program.
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Security Loss Prevention
The primary responsibility of security and loss prevention personnel is the safeguarding of proprietary assets and the prevention of loss. Typically, these positions require knowledge of intrusion devices, principles of loss prevention, security auditing, accounting and inventory procedures, and the various aspects of commercial, retail and industrial security.
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Technical Communications
Technical communicators put scientific and technical information into easily understandable language. Technical manuals, user guides, detailed specifications, online help, Web content and training materials are just a few of the documents they create. They also prepare and deliver presentations on products and/or processes.