Learn about two-year degree jobs currently in demand and the requirements for each.
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Veterinary techs, radiation therapists, and sonographers are among the top in-demand jobs that require a two-year degree. Explore key facts:
Veterinary technicians, a job that requires an associate degree, have a projected job outlook of 9 percent over the next decade, which is much faster than average [].
Popular majors for associate degrees typically include business, criminal justice, and information technology (IT).
You can earn your two-year degree by choosing a major, applying to schools, and completing the program requirements.
Two-year degrees, often referred to as associate degrees, take less time to complete than a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree and can still lead to high-paying, in-demand roles in the United States. Explore two-year degree jobs, what each role entails, and additional requirements and qualifications. Additionally, learn how to obtain a two-year degree from a college or university.
Many industries, including business, information technology, and health care, offer jobs that require two-year degrees to qualify for the position. To better understand all your options, explore five in-demand jobs that require a two-year degree in the US below.听
Median annual US Salary (BLS): $45,980 []
Job outlook (estimated growth from 2024 to 2034): 9 percent []
Recommended: Associate degree and Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in overseeing the medical care of animals and pets. In this role, you'll work directly with animals in a laboratory or animal hospital setting, taking their X-rays, running medical tests, and helping them prepare and recover from surgery.
To become a vet tech, you'll need a two-year associate degree, with some employers requiring candidates to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). You can take the exam through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).听
Median annual US Salary (BLS): $101,190 []
Job outlook (estimated growth from 2024 to 2034): 2 percent []
Requirements: Associate degree, radiation license, or certification
As a radiation therapist, you work with patients diagnosed with cancer who choose to undergo radiation treatment. Your responsibilities include helping patients prepare for radiation and managing and overseeing the radiation treatment.
To become a radiation therapist, you must have a two-year associate degree from an accredited institution or a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree. Many states require radiation therapists to possess state licensure or certification to qualify for a job. Radiation therapists must register with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and may also obtain certification from their program before becoming licensed by the state.
Median annual US salary: $61,550 []
Job outlook (estimated growth from 2024 to 2034): -3 percent []
Requirements: Associate degree
Network support specialists help users ensure that their computer network functions properly. As a network support specialist, you may help individuals or businesses with computer usage and technical problems.
Depending on the job, the requirements to become a computer support specialist may vary. Typically, employers require a two-year degree and computer software and programming knowledge. To expand your knowledge and enhance your skills, consider a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree in information technology (IT) or obtaining IT certifications.
Read more: What Does a Technical Support Specialist Do? Career Guide
Median annual US salary: $89,340 []
Job outlook (estimated growth from 2024 to 2034): 13 percent []
Requirements: Associate degree; one-year certificates are also often accepted
As a sonographer, you create and analyze the images that patients see on ultrasounds. These images give an inside view of the human body to detect tumors, cancers, diseases, and pregnancy.
Sonographers need an associate degree and knowledge of how to use medical equipment. Some states require licensure to become a sonographer, which is obtainable once you鈥檝e completed your degree and certification. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following organizations offer professional certifications for sonographers []:
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Certification Academy
Median annual US salary: $61,010 []
Job outlook (estimated growth from 2024 to 2034): 0 percent []
Requirements: Associate or 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree
As a paralegal, you assist lawyers on cases by organizing files and information, researching aspects of cases, and taking notes during trials and meetings.
To become a paralegal, you must obtain an associate degree in paralegal studies or a 产补肠丑别濒辞谤鈥檚 degree from an accredited institution. Employers may accept candidates who have completed a paralegal certificate program, depending on the role you apply for. You may opt to obtain a paralegal certificate from a college or university in addition to completing your two-year degree.
An air traffic controller is one of the highest-paying jobs you can get with a two-year degree. The BLS聽 reports that the median annual salary for this role is $144,580 or $69.51 per hour [闭.听
When choosing a major in college, consider which major best fits your career path. For a two-year degree, selecting a major that gives you many possible job prospects is important. Explore the following majors to receive your two-year degree:
With a major in business, you can explore careers in business management and administration or begin to think about starting your own business. An associate degree in business typically focuses on the basics of running and managing a business and analyzing marketing trends and finances.
To explore a career in computer programming, data analysis, or web development, consider majoring in information technology. A two-year degree in information technology can teach you about computer programs and how to develop them, and give you the skills you need to start your career.
Criminal justice majors may pursue a career in law or law enforcement. Their coursework typically covers the intricacies of the criminal justice system and how to apply that information to trials and investigations.
To obtain your two-year degree, find a college that offers your desired major. Requirements may vary depending on the program you attend, though two-year degrees usually require the completion of 60 credit hours to graduate.
Determine what your interests are and take time to decide what you want from your career. Once you decide on your career goals, you can begin researching majors to pursue as a degree program, or you may choose to get a degree in general studies.
Find a school that offers an associate degree in your intended major. Start the application process once you find an accredited institution that fits your needs. Apply to schools through online application forms or contact the school to determine what materials you need to apply.
Once you鈥檝e taken all the required classes, you may graduate and begin to look for jobs in your field. An associate degree in your intended career field, as well as any internships, years of experience, or certifications, may make your resume stand out to future employers.
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US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiation-therapists.htm.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.htm.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
CareerOneStop, 鈥, https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-certifications.aspx?keyword=Sonographer&ajax=0&direct=0.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/air-traffic-controllers.htm#tab-1.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. 鈥, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-5.鈥 Accessed October 27, 2025.
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.