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.