What is an associate degree?

Community College Degrees: What is an Associate Degree?

An associate degree from Oklahoma Community College (OCCC) requires completion of 60 semester credit hours (minimum), including:

• General education classes, essentially the same at most colleges or universities in Oklahoma, including writing, math, science and history courses.
• College classes specific to your major or associate degree program.

 

How Long Does an Associate Degree Take?

People often refer to associate degrees as “two-year degrees” because it typically takes full-time students:

• Two academic years (typically fall and spring semesters for two years)
• Or, four semesters (which could include summer or intersession)

 

Full-time students typically enroll in 12 to 15 or more credit hours per semester in the fall and spring. That usually equals four or five classes, each offering three credit hours. Enrolling in six credit hours (two 3-credit-hour classes) in the summer is also considered full-time status.

 

If you decide to attend Oklahoma City Community College part time (taking fewer than 12 to 15 credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters), then earning your associate degree will take longer, depending on how many college classes you complete each semester.

 

What Types of Associate Degrees Does Oklahoma City Community College Offer?

Oklahoma City Community College gives you the choice between two types of associate degrees:

• Associate in science degree (A.S.) / associate in arts degree (A.A): Students most often earn this kind of associate degree with a plan to transfer to a college or university, where they’ll earn a bachelor’s degree and beyond.
• Associate in applied science degree (A.A.S): Students who choose this option intend to go straight into the job market.

 

What Certificate Programs Does Oklahoma City Community College Offer?

In addition to two types of associate degree programs, Oklahoma City Community College offers many technical certificate or professional certificate programs for students who:

• Already have a college degree but are looking to add specific job skill sets.
• Want to focus only on their chosen field without the general education requirements.

 

Often these certificate programs take just one academic year (two semesters) to complete.

 

Questions? Contact an OCCC Admissions Advisor Today

By email:         admissions@occc.edu

By phone:        (405) 682-7580