How to Earn a Second Associate's Degree

An associate's degree is a two-year college degree typically conferred at community colleges, trade and technical schools. Typically requiring 60 credit hours to earn, associate's degrees are ideal for those who may not have the resources to pursue a bachelor's or four-year college degree. Associate's degrees also allow you to try out a discipline before deciding if you want to spend four years majoring in it. Instead, you may decide after earning your first associate's degree that you would like to earn another in a different subject.

Meet with an academic advisor at your current college, if you are already a student, or at the school you wish to attend. Discuss such options as courses of study and financial aid, particularly if you are finishing up one associate's degree and would like to earn another at the same school.

Speak to the department chair of the program in which you would like to earn your second associate's degree. Bring transcripts of your current and previous course work. You may find that general education classes such as math and English will transfer so you won't have to take them again, allowing you to earn your second associate's degree more quickly than your first.

Apply for the program in which you want to earn your second associate's degree. Provide all necessary forms, test scores, transcripts, references and other documentation required by the school.

Fill out all financial aid paperwork if you plan to seek loans, grants or scholarships. You may find that you qualify for less financial aid than you did before earning your first associate's degree, which is important if finances are a consideration. Discuss your options with a school financial aid officer.

Attend the classes you need to complete your second associate's. Study hard, pass the courses and turn in all required graduation paperwork.