Getting a college degree is a vital part of advancing a personal career. However, for many people, it can be a difficult goal to attain for a variety of reasons. One of the biggest setbacks for some aspiring collegiate students has been a lack of time for college studies. Some students have many other obligations to meet within the normal framework of in-person classes. Others have an inability to get to a college that offers what they need.

Fortunately, much of this has changed in the last 15 years. Today, many colleges are offering degree programs online for college students. This allows students to get a variety of online degrees starting with an associate art degree and associate science degree programs, without having to leave their home. Schedules for completing homework is very flexible, which allows for many students to complete their degrees at their own pace, and within the context of the rest of their obligations. Here are some additional perks of earning an Associate’s Degree in Arts and Science online:

1. Live anywhere, study anywhere
This relatively new online platform offerings by accredited colleges have been a huge benefit for people who aspire to get a degree but are unable to meet the traditional guidelines to become a student. For people who have a hectic lifestyle or are unable to get to a college campus for a traditional college educational experience, the internet has opened a world of possibilities.

2. Flexible learning
Students looking to advance their education with higher learning but need more flexibility, online associate degrees are a great place to start. While at the beginning of college educational advancements, students may not have defined a specific major, associate art degree and associate science degree options are great base degrees that can help students advance their careers.

3. Higher earning potential
It is widely recognized that people who have higher education degrees are more likely to have higher earnings than people who do not. Much of this is because many professional jobs and careers require at least some level of post-high school college education to be hired for specific positions. Once a person decides to look at online associate degrees as a good option for their further education goals, other career and education goals usually follow. Students who have successfully graduated high school can usually enter most online associate degree programs with a copy of their high school transcript.

4. Springboard for specialized learning
Both the associate art degree and associate science degree programs allow students to advance their careers and further their educational desires with ease. Once the associate degree is obtained, many students choose to begin a more specialized degree program for their bachelor’s degree.

5. Fast track or learn at your own pace
Online associate degree programs require basic coursework while also focusing on minor concentrations set out by the student working with an advisor. A total of 60 college credit hours is necessary to graduate with an associate degree. In general, all associate degree programs are designed to take two years to complete. However, students may take longer if necessary to meet their personal needs.