Arts, AA, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 60 | Estimated Time to Completion: 2-3 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Associate of Arts / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Interdisciplinary
Program Contact
- Dr. Kathryn L. Cerrone
-
Professor
330-972-8809
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers an Associate of Arts (AA) for working adults and other students seeking a flexible path to career advancement, degree completion, or continued education.
This 100% online program provides a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving while allowing you to explore a broad range of subjects across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Designed with flexibility in mind, many courses are offered in convenient eight-week sessions and are available during fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Whether you're returning to college, preparing for a bachelor's degree, or looking to strengthen your qualifications for career growth, the Associate of Arts helps you build momentum toward your goals. The degree can be completed in as few as two years and serves as a seamless pathway into many bachelor's degree programs at The University of Akron.
What You'll Learn
The Associate of Arts curriculum helps you build a broad base of knowledge while strengthening the skills needed for professional growth, continued education, and lifelong learning.
Skills Gained
Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
Written and verbal communication
Problem-solving and decision-making
Information literacy and research skills
Collaboration and teamwork
Adaptability and lifelong learning
Core Practice
Evaluate ideas, events, and social issues from multiple perspectives
Communicate effectively with diverse audiences
Analyze information and draw evidence-based conclusions
Apply critical thinking to academic and professional challenges
Build a foundation for future specialization and career growth
Key Topics
Communication and writing
Mathematics and quantitative reasoning
Humanities and the arts
Natural and social sciences
Civic engagement and global perspectives
Interdisciplinary learning
Career Outcomes
The Associate of Arts is designed to create opportunities. Whether you're looking to qualify for entry-level roles, advance in your current position, or continue toward a bachelor's degree, this program provides a strong foundation for future growth.
Job Titles
Administrative assistant
Customer service representative
Office coordinator
Sales associate
Community support specialist
Administrative services assistant
Operations support specialist
Program assistant
Where You’ll Work
Business and corporate organizations
Government agencies
Educational institutions
Community and nonprofit organizations
Health care organizations
Retail and service industries
Administrative and office settings
Career Advancement Pathways
Many students use the Associate of Arts as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree. The program provides a strong foundation for continued study in education, social sciences, the arts, business, public service, and other fields offered at The University of Akron.
Additional Program Information
Associate of Arts Curriculum
The 60-credit-hour curriculum combines general education coursework with flexible electives, allowing you to build foundational knowledge while exploring areas that align with your interests and goals.
General Education Foundation
Build the communication, analytical, and critical-thinking skills that support success in the workplace and future academic study. Coursework spans writing, communication, mathematics, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences to help you become a more effective learner, thinker, and professional.
→ View all general education requirements
Electives and Academic Exploration
One of the strongest features of the online AA degree is its flexibility. Elective coursework allows you to explore areas that align with your interests, career goals, or intended bachelor's degree pathway while creating a more personalized educational experience.
Flexible Learning
Built for Busy Schedules
Many courses are offered in convenient eight-week sessions throughout the year, making it easier to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Transfer Opportunities
Continue Your Education at UAkron
Use your Associate of Arts degree as a foundation for bachelor's programs in education, social sciences, the arts, and other fields.
Admissions Information
Review admissions requirements and funding options to determine the best path forward for your academic goals.
To apply to the online Associate of Arts degree, you’ll need to:
- Submit an undergraduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Meet general university admission standards
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To apply to the online Associate of Arts degree, you’ll need to:
- Submit an undergraduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Meet general university admission standards
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
Online Associate of Arts Faculty
Learn from the same expert faculty who teach on campus while enjoying the flexibility of online learning.
Online Associate of Arts FAQs
An Associate of Arts degree can help prepare you for entry-level positions across a variety of industries or serve as a pathway to a bachelor's degree. Graduates often pursue opportunities in business, customer service, administration, nonprofit organizations, and public service. The degree develops transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving that employers value.
Yes, an Associate of Arts degree can be a valuable investment for students seeking a flexible and affordable path to higher education. It provides foundational skills that support career growth, lifelong learning, and future degree completion. For working adults, the program offers a manageable way to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities. Many students use the degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree and additional career opportunities.
An Associate of Arts degree helps you develop skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers and industries. You'll strengthen your written and verbal communication abilities while building critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The program also encourages information literacy, collaboration, and effective decision-making. These transferable skills can support both professional growth and future academic success.
An online Associate of Arts degree is a strong option for working adults, first-time college students, and individuals returning to school after time away. It can be especially valuable for those who want to begin earning college credits before committing to a specific bachelor's degree path. Many students choose the program because it offers both flexibility and future opportunities.
Salary potential varies by industry, role, experience, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, customer service representatives earn a median annual salary of approximately $43,000, while administrative assistants earn approximately $47,000. Many graduates also pursue roles in sales, community services, and office administration, where earning potential can grow with experience and additional education. An Associate of Arts degree can also serve as a foundation for a bachelor's degree, potentially opening the door to additional career opportunities and higher earnings over time.
Earn Your Associate of Arts Degree Online
Whether you're starting college, returning to school, or exploring your next opportunity, the Associate of Arts can help you earn valuable college credits while preparing for career growth.