Associate Degree Programs Albany, NY

Get Started with your Associate Degree from Maria College

Whether you have a career in mind or not, you’ll find success at Maria. Our Associate Degrees are designed to give students a comprehensive education and hands-on experience – so they’re ready to succeed in their fields upon graduation.

Benefits of Earning an Associate Degree

 

Pursuing an associate degree is not just about academics—it’s about building a strong future. Students who complete their studies enjoy higher earning potential, greater job stability, and more flexibility in their career paths.

Key Benefits Include:

    • Affordability: Associate degree programs in Albany, NY often cost less than four-year programs, making them an excellent investment.
    • Flexibility: Programs are structured to fit the needs of traditional students and working adults.
    • Job Readiness: Many associate programs lead directly to high-demand careers.
    • Transfer Options: Graduates can easily continue into bachelor’s programs without losing progress.
  • Personal Growth: Students gain confidence, independence, and a clear sense of direction.

 

Why Choose Maria College for Your Associate Degree

Selecting a college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and Maria College offers an academic environment that is supportive, challenging, and career-focused. With small class sizes and faculty dedicated to student success, learners are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. Maria’s values-driven education provides more than technical training—it cultivates critical thinking, compassion, and confidence. Students who pursue associate degree programs in Albany, NY through Maria College discover a pathway that prepares them for both immediate employment and long-term academic advancement.

Academic Opportunities That Open Doors

An associate degree is more than a credential—it’s a stepping stone that can help you secure rewarding career opportunities or continue into bachelor’s programs. Maria College offers a variety of majors designed to fit a range of interests, from healthcare to liberal arts. The College’s curriculum emphasizes real-world application so that students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Graduates emerge prepared to serve their communities, advance in their careers, and contribute meaningfully in their chosen fields.

A Foundation for Further Study

For many students, earning an associate degree is the first step in a longer educational journey. Maria College makes transferring to a four-year institution straightforward, with courses designed to align with bachelor’s degree requirements. This seamless transition ensures that the time and effort you invest now will continue to benefit you later.

Maria offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing and Occupational Therapy Assistant, an Associate in Science (AS) in General Studies, and an Associate in Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts.

Support Beyond the Classroom

Maria College believes education extends beyond textbooks and lectures. Students benefit from career counseling, tutoring services, and mentorship opportunities that keep them on track academically and personally. Whether it’s guidance on study habits, help with financial aid, or advice on job applications, the College offers comprehensive resources designed to help students thrive.

Personalized Attention

Unlike large universities where students may feel like just another number, Maria College fosters close connections between students and faculty. Professors know their students by name, understand their goals, and are invested in their success. This supportive environment creates an atmosphere where students feel empowered to ask questions, seek help, and take academic risks.

Career-Focused Training

One of the most appealing aspects of Maria’s associate degree programs in Albany, NY is the emphasis on preparing students for real-world work. Employers seek graduates who can contribute from day one, and Maria College integrates clinical practice, internships, and practical coursework into the curriculum. This hands-on approach allows students to test their skills in professional settings before graduation.

Connections to Employers

The College maintains strong relationships with local healthcare providers, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. These partnerships often translate into internship opportunities and job placements for students. By networking with community leaders during their studies, graduates leave Maria College with both experience and professional connections.

A Diverse Student Experience

Maria College welcomes students from all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult seeking a career change, or someone returning to education after time away, you’ll find a supportive place here. The College’s inclusive environment helps students from Albany, NY and beyond feel part of a close-knit community dedicated to growth and learning.

Balancing Life and Education

Many students pursuing associate degree programs in Albany, NY also juggle work and family responsibilities. Maria College recognizes these challenges and offers flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, and weekend classes. This flexibility allows students to progress toward their goals without putting their personal or professional lives on hold.

Resources for Success

From academic advising to tutoring services, Maria College provides tools to help students succeed in balancing their commitments. The College’s supportive environment is designed to encourage persistence, even when obstacles arise. With determination and institutional support, students find that achieving an associate degree is possible, no matter their circumstances.

Preparing for the Future

Graduates of associate degree programs in Albany, NY often move directly into careers in the healthcare field, business, and education. Others choose to transfer to four-year institutions to pursue advanced study. Either path offers new opportunities and professional growth. Maria College equips graduates with both the knowledge and the confidence to move forward in whichever direction they choose.

Lifelong Value

Completing associate degree programs in Albany, NY from Maria College is more than a credential—it’s a lifelong asset. Alumni consistently point to the skills, connections, and experiences gained at Maria as instrumental in their careers and personal development. Whether entering the workforce immediately or continuing into advanced degrees, graduates carry forward the foundation built during their time at Maria College.

Flexible Learning Environment

Education should adapt to students’ lives, not the other way around. Maria College’s approach includes day, evening, weekend, and online options, which provide even greater flexibility. These formats allow students to study at their own pace while still benefiting from personal interaction with faculty and peers.

Looking Ahead

Maria College continually evaluates and updates its programs to reflect the changing needs of students and employers. This forward-thinking approach ensures that graduates of associate degree programs in Albany, NY remain competitive in the workforce. As industries evolve, Maria’s curriculum adapts, equipping students with the knowledge and set of skills that will serve them well into the future for success.

General Studies AS

Provides opportunities to explore career goals while developing essential skills.

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Liberal Arts AA

Lays a strong foundation for continued study toward a baccalaureate degree.

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Nursing AAS (RN)

Lays the academic and clinical foundation. Highest NYS NCLEX-RN pass rate for college-based RN programs (over 100 graduates/year).

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Occupational Therapy Assistant AAS

Nationally ranked program that will prepare you for a rewarding career in a high-growth field.

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Surgical Technology AAS

This new degree program continues Maria College’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education and service to the community.

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Radiologic Technology AAS

A program designed to address the increasing need for skilled imaging professionals in healthcare.

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Start your journey to a rewarding career or higher education

To receive an Associate Degree from Maria College, students need to complete a curriculum of 60 credits. Request more information about our Associate Degrees from our Admissions Office at (518) 861-2517 or admissions@mariacollege.edu.