adjective
associate
Denoting a college degree usually earned in two years.
She earns an associate degree at the local community college.
Etymology
Latin associare means “to join with.” Associate became a title for a member or affiliated person and was adopted as an academic rank, giving its name to the corresponding college degree.
More examples
- The program leads to an associate degree in nursing.
- He transferred to a university after completing his associate degree.
- An associate degree typically requires less study than a bachelor's degree.
Similar words
- two-year
- Describes the usual duration without naming the credential itself.