An associate degree is defined as an award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college work in a grouping of courses designed to lead the individual directly to employment in a specific career or to transfer to an upper-level baccalaureate program.  This specifically refers to the associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied arts, associate of applied science, associate of arts in teaching, and associate of occupational studies degrees.  The term "applied" in an associate degree name indicates a program in which the content is primarily technical.  (Source:  Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Glossary of Terms)

A student may be reported as having an associate degree at any point while in 11th or 12th grade, or by August 31, immediately following graduation.