associate

An associate degree is an academic title awarded to students who have completed two years of study, typically at a community or junior college. These institutions offer instruction beyond secondary school, including technical and vocational training, and can also provide the first two years of undergraduate study for transfer to a four-year institution. The associate degree, such as an Associate in Arts (A.A.), is the most common credential awarded by these colleges. Junior colleges, often called community colleges, have been instrumental in providing accessible higher education and flexible learning programs since the early 20th century.123