How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

An associate degree is often called a “two-year degree” because it typically takes about two years to finish. You'll find associate degree options within British Columbia and similar programs in other provinces. These will be offered at various postsecondary institutions, including public colleges, public institutes, public universities, and provincially authorized private degree-granting institutions [2]. 

With an associate degree, you can enter the labour force after graduation or put those degree credits towards earning a bachelor's degree. Depending on the postsecondary institution and bachelor’s degree you hope to enrol in, your associate degree credits might be put toward credit requirements of a related three- or four-year bachelor's degree [3].

To determine if an associate degree is right for you, learn more about the potential time investment and benefits.  

Typical timeline for an associate degree

How long it takes to get an associate degree from an authorized institution depends on your chosen program of study.  

Full-time associate degree timeline

As a full-time student, completing an associate degree takes up to two years .

Advantages of full-time schooling

The biggest advantage of attending school full-time is the potential to finish your degree faster. Taking 15 credits per semester and completing each course with a “C” average overall can satisfy your associate degree requirements in two years [4]. Other advantages of full-time schooling include:

• Greater likelihood of transferring to advanced studies: According to a study by BC Student Outcomes, 65 per cent of associate degree students continued their studies [5].

• More robust campus experience: Some schools offering associate degree programs provide optional on-campus student housing. Depending on the school, to be eligible for on-campus housing, students must be enrolled in a program at that school; some of these schools require students to meet a certain credit requirement, which may mean students need to be enrolled full-time. For some schools, living on campus gives students convenient access to activities and amenities, such as meal services, access to laundry, and many others. 

Part-time associate degree timeline

If you have family or work obligations, you might pursue an associate degree as a part-time student. If you choose to study part-time, the length of time it takes to earn an associate degree in BC will depend on where you study, the program in which you’re enrolled, and your individual circumstances for requiring additional time. For example, students enrolled in the two-year Associate of Science Degree (Biology) at Capilano University are given up to five years to meet all requirements for graduation [6]. 

However, students in Douglas College’s Associate of Arts Future Teachers program are permitted to finish their studies in up to seven years. 

Advantages of part-time schooling

One of the biggest advantages of a part-time schedule is greater flexibility. Because you're taking fewer classes every semester, you have fewer commitments, which may be a good option if you work or have family obligations. In addition to that flexibility, other advantages of going to school part-time include:

• Earning income while studying: Studying part-time gives you the freedom to work while you pursue your associate degree. 

• Lower tuition payments: The fewer courses you take each semester, the less you spend at one time. While the total tuition amount remains the same, by choosing to study part-time, your financial commitment in the short term is lower by spreading out your payment schedule. For example, the University of the Fraser Valley, which offers several associate degree options, allows part-time students to pay tuition for individual classes/credits instead of per semester.  

Other factors affecting the length of time

Associate degree programs in British Columbia require 60 credits to graduate [7]. Here are a few other factors that may lengthen the timeline:

• If you change your major or switch to a different school, some of your completed credit hours may not transfer to your new school or program.

• If you drop classes, you reduce the number of credit hours you complete during that semester. 

Accelerating your associate degree program

If you’re motivated and have the time, you can speed things up. These steps might help you earn your associate degree faster:

• Take more credits per semester or attend an educational institution with a semester format that enables you to complete more credits throughout the year.

• Earn college credits in high school to apply to your associate degree program [8].

• Take summer classes to advance through the program more quickly. 

Benefits of an associate degree

If you’re unsure of the value of an associate degree, consider British Columbia’s 2023 Labour Market Outlook, which found that 75 per cent of job openings between 2023 and 2033 will require a postsecondary education [9]. The demand for associate degrees is steadily growing, according to data from Statistics Canada. The number of associate degree graduates continues to grow yearly [10]. 

Here are other reasons students pursue an associate degree: 

• Flexibility: An associate degree gives you flexibility in several ways. First, the time required is less than that of a bachelor’s degree (two years vs. three to four years).

• Financial savings: Associate degree programs require fewer credit hours to complete, thus costing less than three- to four-year degrees, diplomas or other advanced degrees. This may allow you to save money and start working sooner. For example, a two-year Associate of Arts degree from the University Canada West costs approximately $19,340 (as of November 2024) for Canadian residents, but a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications is more than $38,000 [11].

• Easier transition to bachelor’s degree: BC Student Outcomes reports that 83 per cent of surveyed respondents that pursued more education received the transfer credits, allowing them to advance to further studies [12]. 

• Increased job prospects: The average employment rate for people with a high school diploma in BC was  around 50.1 per cent in BC in February 2024 , according to Statistics Canada. The same statistic rises to 62.5 per cent in those with an associate degree or equivalent [13].

Alternatives to an associate degree

Earning an associate degree isn’t your only path. Many students take a gap year to work, travel, or discover their passions. Others explore job-training opportunities that enable them to learn while gaining work experience. Other options include taking online courses or pursuing a certificate. 

Online courses

Taking online courses can help sharpen your skills or further explore your interests. This option often gives you greater flexibility with your time while exposing you to a wide range of subjects. For example, you might learn about machine learning now and then take an introductory course in psychology next. 

Certificates

A certificate on your resume validates that you've completed courses in specific subjects. With these programs, you can develop technical skills associated with a particular subject. For example, earn a Google Project Management: Professional Certificate to build skills in organizational culture, change management, and project planning.