Obtaining a degree in general depends on the number of years of your study. For example if you are currently enrolled now in college and you finished two years of undergraduate course you can now be granted an Associate Degree. Many regarded Associate Degree as undergraduate degree. Typically it is also consider that to earn this degree you must also completed the required credit hours. The usual credit hour that you must accomplish is 60 hours which you can finish by 4 semestral period
Furthermore an Associate degree programs consist of the general, major and elective education requirement. They concentrate on instilling the acceptable standard of academic discipline. Once you have accomplished them you will be given a certificate as recognition to your degree.
If you are interested to obtain Associate degree you may also check the Internet because nowadays online schooling is now acceptable in getting a degree. Enrolling in online school will help you to maximize your hours because attendance is not a requirement here. But of course like a regular university you are mandated to follow the programs and meet the deadlines for readings and submission of projects.