An associate degree is an important first step in preparing you for the future by completing the foundational courses needed for any degree. Through these courses you’ll find your passion and determine your major. It’s the best way to figure out exactly what you’d like to do with your life.
An Important First Step
An associate degree shows employers you're serious about your education — and it looks great on a resume. Whether you're starting fresh or have transfer credits, UMass Global can help you move forward.
Each step in your education builds valuable skills, opens doors to better jobs, and shows you're committed. Plus, an AA degree makes it easy to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
Getting started is simple. All you need is a high school diploma or GED. Already have 12+ college credits? Submit your transcripts and get credit for what you’ve already done.
Undergraduate Admission
Undergraduate Admission
Interested in an associate or bachelor’s degree program? Review the requirements for your specific program, fill out the online admissions application, and request and submit your transcripts.
Undergraduate Financial Aid
Undergraduate Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for undergraduates enrolled in degree programs and teacher credential programs in the form of need-based and non-need based grants, loans and outside scholarships.
Programs Offered
Instructor-Lead
General Education
AA (General Education)
In this general education degree, you'll be introduced to a broad range of subjects, including written and oral communication, liberal studies, mathematics, history, art, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Aug 25, 2025
AA (General Education)
Instructor-Lead
In this general education degree, you'll be introduced to a broad range of subjects, including written and oral communication, liberal studies, mathematics, history, art, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Associates
Online
Self-Paced
Business
General Business (General Business) *self-paced, AA
This online, self-paced program helps students build the knowledge and skills to advance in business. This competency-based associate degree also provides the foundation for students to progress into a bachelor's degree program.
Continuous Starts
General Business (General Business) *self-paced, AA
Self-Paced
This online, self-paced program helps students build the knowledge and skills to advance in business. This competency-based associate degree also provides the foundation for students to progress into a bachelor's degree program.
Associates
Online (Self-Paced)
Related Information
Adult Learner
How to Choose a Major in College – Tips to Consider
Adult Learner
Should I Get an Advanced Degree? - 4 Questions to Ask Yourself
Adult Learner
Going Back to School as an Adult: How to Do It
Frequently Asked Questions
An AA is the building block for post-secondary learning. It teaches you the foundations of key skills valued by employers. The diverse curricula of these programs cover topics such as communication, critical thinking and quantitative analysis. Students can also specialize in a topic like business, which can increase job prospects in their chosen field.
It typically takes two years to complete the required 60 units for an associate degree. UMass Global offers two 100% online options for earning your AA. One is a traditional, session-based general education path, where your instructor leads your online lectures and coursework and sets deadlines. The other is our UMass Global MyPath AA in General Business. This is completely self-paced, where you work at your own speed, finishing one section of your online coursework before moving on to the next. For areas where you already have knowledge, this can allow you to accelerate your degree path.
No. Although they are both undergraduate degrees that are earned after high school graduation, they are different. An associate degree builds a foundation of general knowledge; it also can be used as the first two years toward a four-year bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree builds off the general education gained with an associate degree and then focuses on a "major." Courses build knowledge in that area of expertise. That is why bachelor's degrees, unlike like AA degrees, have a title, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Business Administration.
No. An AA can be earned before a bachelor’s degree, but it is not required to complete these separately. Some students prefer to take it step-by-step, while others may choose to enter straight into their bachelor’s once they begin college since the associate-level is already embedded in the curriculum.
An associate degree can open doors to job entry-level opportunities in many industries. Some examples of potential job titles include executive assistant, veterinary technician, paralegal, human resources assistant, computer network support specialist and respiratory therapist. Consider your unique skills and interests when evaluating your job and industry options.