Is an Associates Degree Necessary and Valuable?

When considering the returns on educational investments, it's easy to get caught up in the debate over whether an associates degree is worth it. However, it's crucial to understand that the value of a degree often depends on the context in which it is applied.

The Value Beyond the Classroom

Any degree that equips you with necessary skills or enables you to provide value in the job market is not inherently useless. There are scenarios where a degree can be instrumental in your career progression, even if it's not the terminal degree.

For example, an associates degree can serve as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree, or it may directly contribute to your immediate career aspirations. If the field or job you pursue demands specific skills provided by an associates degree, it can be a significant investment in your future.

A Stepping Stone to Greater Success

One of the primary reasons an associates degree remains valuable is its flexibility. You can use it as a platform to transition into a four-year college, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree. This path can open doors to more lucrative and specialized roles. Here are a few examples:

Education and Psychology: Someone with an associate’s degree in education can transfer to a four-year program to pursue a teaching career, such as becoming a kindergarten teacher. Nursing: An associate's degree in paramedic studies can pave the way for transferring credits to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree, setting the stage for becoming a registered nurse (RN). Accounting and Finance: While an associates degree may not hold as much value in certain fields like accounting, it can still be a valuable stepping stone if you decide to further your education with a bachelor's degree.

The Case of a Humorous Example

To illustrate the point, let's look at a humorous anecdote. Imagine a scenario where a medical doctor calls a plumber, and the plumber quotes $100 per hour for their labour. When the doctor exclaims that he doesn’t earn that much, the plumber replies, "I didn’t either when I was practicing medicine." This anecdote highlights the intrinsic value of gaining skills in a specific field, regardless of whether it’s initially at a lower rate.

Variety of Programs in Community Colleges

Community colleges in the United States offer a wide range of educational programs. These include diplomas and associates in applied science for vocational skills like plumbing, cosmetology, and a variety of other fields. Additionally, they offer associates degrees in arts and sciences for those looking to transfer to universities, making it easier and less expensive to pursue higher education.

Some community colleges even offer accelerated programs, such as a three-year RN (Registered Nurse) program, which can significantly enhance your career prospects in healthcare.

Using an Associates Degree as an Insurance Policy

In fields where an associates degree is highly valued, such as healthcare, it can serve as an important insurance policy. If unforeseen circumstances arise, such as a health issue preventing you from completing a bachelor’s degree program, an associates degree on your resume is a valuable asset. It shows that you have a foundational understanding of your field and have completed a substantial amount of coursework.

Even if everything proceeds as planned, you may have only wasted a few classes and some fees to obtain the associates degree. This minor inconvenience is outweighed by the long-term benefits of having a formal educational credential that can bolster your job prospects.

For a field like accounting/finance, where an associates degree may not hold the same level of value, pursuing a bachelor’s degree directly might be more beneficial. However, the original statement about an associates degree being unnecessary is not entirely accurate. The value of such a degree depends on the context and your career goals.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an associates degree should be based on your individual circumstances and career aspirations. It’s a strategic investment that can pay off in numerous ways, either by serving as a stepping stone to further education or by providing foundational skills that are essential in your chosen field.