Online Associates Degree in Science

If your right brain is highly analytical and craves the challenge of technology, data and experimentation, studying science could be the catalyst to your next exciting adventure and new career. Associate degrees in science are typically two-year programs offered at community colleges, technical schools and some four-year universities. The curriculum covers basic scientific principles and the scientific method, introducing you to core disciplines such as anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics. The degree may be a non-career track program, which means you could it as the groundwork to earn an advanced degree.

Career options, outlook and salary

Associate degrees in science can put you on the path toward careers in health care, engineering and technology. Science technician positions typically require training such as an associate degree in a science-related major. Environmental science and protection technicians earned a mean salary of $44,440 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and they should experience employment growth as fast as the U.S. average for all occupations. Science tech openings are chiefly found in technical consulting services; government; architectural and engineering services; and colleges, universities and professional schools.

Beyond associate degrees in science

With additional training, nursing and engineering careers are options. The BLS projects employment growth for the 2010-2020 period that is much faster than the national average for registered nurses. RNs enjoyed median annual wages of $67,720 for 2010. Environmental engineers, with a salary level of $83,160, are expected to see employment growth even with the national average.

Associate degrees in science can serve as a gateway. You'll have the option to transition into a four-year program to earn your bachelor's degree, or begin working straight away. Or, you may elect to combine your degree with an MBA to take advantage of the business side of science and technology.

As you might expect, earning your degree through an online program offers a unique set of benefits -- you can keep your current professional and personal commitments while earning academic credits on your own schedule. The online degree is seen as a smart route for upwardly mobile professionals to earn marketable skills and technical knowledge while accumulating real-world experience at work.

If your right brain is highly analytical and craves the challenge of technology, data and experimentation, studying science could be the catalyst to your next exciting adventure and new career. Associate degrees in science are typically two-year programs offered at community colleges, technical schools and some four-year universities. The curriculum covers basic scientific principles and the scientific method, introducing you to core disciplines such as anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics. The degree may be a non-career track program, which means you could it as the groundwork to earn an advanced degree.

Career options, outlook and salary

Associate degrees in science can put you on the path toward careers in health care, engineering and technology. Science technician positions typically require training such as an associate degree in a …