associate's degree

American  

[uh-soh-shee-its di-gree] / əˈsoʊ ʃi ɪts dɪˈgri /

noun

1. a degree awarded by a junior or community college after completion of two years of study.

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Etymology

Origin of associate's degree

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

She spent some time raising her daughter and began commuting to Charlotte, N.C., a few nights a week to take college classes, earning her associate’s degree.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

Abraham, who’s 34 years old, recently earned an associate’s degree from the College of Southern Maryland in the applied science of Homeland Security.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2025

In prison, Lozano received her associate’s degree in behavioral and social sciences, and co-founded an organization for juvenile offenders, along with another group that brings victims, law enforcement officers and prisoners together for discussions.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2024

Today, Jaden has nearly completed an associate’s degree in applied science and wants to one day become a physical therapist, inspired in part by his own experience with years of physical therapy.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2023

I wanted to stay at Valley Forge and attend its junior college, which would allow me to go through the early commissioning process, receive my associate’s degree, and become a second lieutenant in the Army.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore