Online Associates Degree in Applied Science

If you have an aptitude for science but just can't picture yourself in a white lab coat, applied science may be a practical alternative. Associate degrees in applied science cover scientific principles as they apply to professional practice, including the scientific method and core disciplines such as biology, chemistry and physics. You'll take the lessons you learn and apply them in the discipline of your choice, such as computer science, health care or engineering.

Career options, outlook and salary

Graduates with associate degrees in applied science have a dynamic range of career options. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health care practitioners and technicians, in general, earned an average salary of $71,280 in 2010. Some health care occupations pay more than others, so you should consider all options before committing to a single career track. Technical positions also may require specialized training beyond the associate degree.

If you beef up your math studies, an associate degree could qualify you for a position as a technician in fields such as engineering. Engineering technicians earned a median wage of $58,020 in 2010, but employment growth for this occupation is projected to be slower than the U.S. average between 2010 and 2020.

Maybe you're the one who fixes everyone else's computer problems. Most computer support staff have some college coursework, but a degree is not a requirement for all entry-level positions. Technical support specialists earned a median wage of $46,260 in 2010, and the BLS projects that these pros will see employment growth that is much faster than the national average.

Going beyond associate degrees in applied science

With further education you could become an engineer, and the median annual salary for engineers in general was $91,770 in 2010, according to the BLS. Engineers in many disciplines will see limited employment growth, so education is important to compete in this field. If you continue your IT studies, you could join the computer and research science field; overall, these professionals saw a May 2010 salary in the six figures.

Associate degrees in applied science can prepare you to make the jump to a full four-year program or various career paths. And learning through an online program is a smart move to make, as you gain tech savvy and professional training on a schedule that fits your hectic lifestyle. The distance learning model might eliminate some of the hassles found with the campus-based alternative.

If you have an aptitude for science but just can't picture yourself in a white lab coat, applied science may be a practical alternative. Associate degrees in applied science cover scientific principles as they apply to professional practice, including the scientific method and core disciplines such as biology, chemistry and physics. You'll take the lessons you learn and apply them in the discipline of your choice, such as computer science, health care or engineering.

Career options, outlook and salary

Graduates with associate degrees in applied science have a dynamic range of career options. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that health care practitioners and technicians, in general, earned an average salary of $71,280 in 2010. Some health care occupations pay more than others, so …