Prepare for the career you want by enrolling in an associate degree program online or on campus at Southern New Hampshire University. In our 60-credit associate programs, you'll learn from industry experts and gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance in your field or pursue a new career. Whether attending classes on campus or earning your associate degree online, you'll have the support of academic and career advisors who are dedicated to your success.
The benefits of earning your associate degree from SNHU include:
- Transfer-friendly programs. Transfer credits toward your bachelor's degree. Once you've earned your associate degree, you can seamlessly transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's.
- Convenience. Whether you're looking for 24/7 access to coursework online or the traditional classroom experience on campus, you can choose the program that best fits your learning style.
- Affordability. SNHU is committed to making education accessible and affordable. We keep our tuition low and offer financial aid to those who qualify.
- Expert instruction. Learn from instructors with relevant, real-world experience.
Earning your associate degree at SNHU will help prepare you for entry-level positions or promotion opportunities. Or, you can choose to continue your education seamlessly with one of our bachelor's programs.
Explore our associate degrees today.
Getting Started with an Associate Degree
Whether you’re looking to get ahead in your current job or break into a new field, earning an associate degree is a great step in taking your career to the next level. Designed to be completed in as little as 2 years – or even faster if you have transfer credits – the associate degree is an attractive option for learners looking to further their education.
Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market
With the job market becoming increasingly difficult to maneuver, earning an associate degree can open doors to new opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are expected to rise 11% from 2016-2026.*
After taking time off school and struggling to find her niche in healthcare, Emma Gilbert ’14 decided to branch out and enroll in an associate degree program at SNHU. “My supportive husband suggested I should take some courses in business administration to broaden my scope of practice,” she said. Shortly after beginning her schooling, Gilbert received a job offer.
Her story isn’t a coincidence, either. On average, people who have earned an associate degree are less likely to be unemployed than those who didn’t pursue a degree beyond high school.**
Climbing the Career Ladder
It isn’t just entry-level job seekers who are affected by the demand for candidates with college degrees. Increasingly, adults with workforce experience are enrolling in associate degree programs to help advance their careers.
“Recently, I have seen my company leaning more towards people with degrees when considering promotions,” said associate in business administration student Michael Hall. “I decided to step out of the shadows and go back to school for business administration.”
Beyond opening doors to more job opportunities, earning your associate degree is a good way to invest in yourself. On average, associate degree holders earn 17.4% more than those with only a high school degree.**
Stepping into Your Bachelor’s Degree
An associate program is also a great option if you’re on the fence about pursuing your bachelor’s degree. Some students choose to use their associate degree as a stepping-stone to earn general education credits that can later be put toward a bachelor’s program of choice.
When Michele Hale ’17 initially enrolled at SNHU, she had the goal of earning her associate in accounting. After successfully completing the program, she was inspired: “Now with the encouragement of my academic advisor, I am looking forward to enrolling for my BS.”
The good news is when you earn your associate degree at SNHU, choosing to continue your education isn’t a chore – you can seamlessly transfer your credits to one of our bachelor’s programs down the road.
Want to learn how SNHU can help you see yourself succeed? Request information today.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupations that Need More Education for Entry are Projected to Grow Faster Than Average, 2017, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-summary.htm (visited June 22, 2018).
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Projections, Unemployment rates and earnings by educational attainment, 2017, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm (visited June 22, 2018)