Is a Associate Degree useless?

Of course, the second one would be out, as there is no indication of formal training in computer science. I agree with your point. In a situation where your AS degree is in a discipline that is unique from your BS , there is an obvious advantage.

My A.A. and B.A. degrees were in the same discipline, but I list all four of my degrees on my vita. Of course, a curriculum vita tends to be quite a more specific (and lengthier) than a resume.

 

I think that community colleges are the hidden gems of American post-secondary education. (Hidden in plain sight.)

Where else can you learn a new job skill in two short years, virtually for free at the tax-payer's expense?

Community colleges are engines of social mobility, not only for poor people hoping to enter the middle class, but for retraining individuals who are laid-off in declining industries. They make the workforce more flexible and more fluid, better able to move into areas where growth is happening and skilled people are in short supply.

We are going to be seeing a lot more attention paid to these schools if the current economic problems persist, especially if entire industries start to tank. Lots of people might end up needing retraining in coming years.

 

This is a great point. In fact, I would say most college students should in fact start off their studies at a community college and then transfer to a four year school after they get their AA or AS. First, they would save some money. Second, not everyone is cut out for college. If a person decides they can't hack it in community college, they know a four year college is not for them and they can get their AA or AS in a vocational field. Third, a lot of students, right out of high school, just aren't mature enough to live on their own, be responsible for their studies, etc. A community college is a good stepping stone for them.

 

I agree. I am 36 years old and I am about to wrap up an Associates with Excelsior. This degree is more for motivational purposes then anything else.

 

" But not quite a "degree, either", LOL, nice, I don't agree with that whatsoever.

Soooo what makes and AA or AS not quite a degree, and please don't say "Just because" that will not quite qualify as a response.

 

On a professional level, Associate degrees are useless.


I believe that there are plenty of RN's out there that would disagree with that statement.

 

Associates degrees are fantastic and very useful in the medical field to live a nice middle class lifestyle.

Lots of medical equipment that need technicians to run it and repair it. Also, lots of nursing and assistant positions in hospitals that it can be very useful for.

 

Techs to repair it...that is my world!