Online Associate Degree Programs | California Coast University

Earn Your Online Associate Degree Entirely on Your Schedule

You've got a job. A life. Obligations that don't pause for a class schedule. You shouldn't have to choose between earning your degree and everything else you're managing. At California Coast University (CCU), every associate degree is completed 100% online, fully self-paced, with no set class times, no group projects, and no campus visits. Start whenever you're ready — there are no semester deadlines standing in your way.

CCU offers six online Associate of Science degree programs across business, health care, criminal justice, psychology, and general studies — all built for working adults who need a real credential without the traditional college experience getting in the way.

CCU's Online Associate Degree Programs

Every associate degree at CCU consists of 20 total courses and 60 semester units, at $170 per unit. Programs are organized into core courses in your field of study, general education courses, and elective courses you choose to tailor your degree to your goals.

Associate of Science in Business Administration

The online Associate of Science in Business Administration provides a foundation in the theories, principles, and best practices that drive modern organizations. Coursework covers business fundamentals, management, economics, accounting, and communications — giving you the core business literacy that applies across industries and roles. This program is a strong starting point for working professionals looking to formalize their business knowledge, move into supervisory roles, or lay the groundwork for a bachelor's degree in business.

Associate of Science in Business Marketing

The online Associate of Science in Business Marketing is designed for students who want to understand how businesses identify, reach, and retain customers in a global economy. The program covers leading marketing theories, consumer behavior, advertising, and the principles driving marketing strategy across industries. Whether you're already working in a marketing-adjacent role or looking to move in that direction, this program builds the foundational knowledge that makes the transition possible.

Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

The online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice provides a foundational understanding of the theories, principles, and practices that shape the justice system — from policing and courts to corrections and forensic science. Core courses cover criminal investigation, juvenile justice, terrorism, forensic science, and procedures in the justice system, alongside ten general education courses and four electives. This program is well suited for professionals already working in law enforcement, security, or corrections, as well as students who want to enter the field or continue to a bachelor's degree.

Associate of Science in Health Care Administration

The online Associate of Science in Health Care Administration is designed for students who want to build a foundation in the management and administration of health care environments. Coursework covers the theories, principles, and best practices relevant to health care operations — providing a credential that supports entry-level roles in health care settings and a natural pathway toward the bachelor's degree. This program is a practical fit for those already working in health care who want to formalize their knowledge, as well as students entering the field for the first time.

Associate of Science in Psychology

The online Associate of Science in Psychology introduces students to the principles, theories, and research foundations of the field. The program covers human behavior, development, social psychology, and the frameworks that inform how we understand people — both in professional settings and everyday life. This is a strong starting point for students interested in mental health, social services, counseling, or human resources, and a natural step toward the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at CCU.

Associate of Science in General Studies

Not sure which direction to take? The online Associate of Science in General Studies is designed for students who want a broad-based general education to meet professional, academic, and personal goals — without locking into a single field. The program builds core competencies in communications, critical thinking, and foundational academic skills that transfer across career paths. This is a practical choice for students who want to earn a credential, explore their options, and keep the door open to a variety of bachelor's degree paths.

Built for Real Life: How CCU's Online Programs Work

CCU was built from the ground up for working adults and busy professionals. Here's what makes every online associate degree at CCU different:

Admissions Requirements

Getting started at CCU is straightforward. To be admitted to any online associate degree program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have successfully obtained a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent from a U.S. educational institution

There are no SAT scores, no entrance exams, and no letters of recommendation required. Prospective students whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree from an appropriately accredited institution where English is the principal language of instruction must demonstrate college-level proficiency in English through TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Tuition and Payment Plans

CCU is committed to keeping education affordable. Tuition for all online associate degree programs is $170 per unit. With 60 total units per program, your total investment is transparent and predictable from the moment you enroll.

To make tuition as accessible as possible, CCU offers three interest-free payment plans:

Your tuition rate is locked in at enrollment — as long as you remain in good academic and financial standing in the same program, your rate will not change. Students who do not remain in good standing are subject to new tuition rates upon reinstatement. A 10% discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (employment or status verification required, for students enrolling after 1/1/2026; retroactive discounts will not be applied and tuition discounts cannot be combined with other offers). Many CCU students receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Check with your HR department to find out if you qualify for educational assistance.

About California Coast University

Few institutions can claim what CCU can: more than 50 years of dedicated distance education, built from the ground up for students who don't fit the traditional campus mold. Founded in 1973, California Coast University was one of the earliest pioneers of flexible, distance-based learning in the country — long before online education became mainstream. That history isn't just a number. It represents decades of refining what works for working adults, military personnel, parents, and professionals who need real flexibility to earn a real credential.

CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

CCU's faculty bring demonstrated expertise and real-world experience to every program. Instructors are selected based on their ability to bring applied, practical knowledge directly into the subjects they teach — bridging the gap between theory and the realities of working in the field.

What CCU Graduates Say

"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."
— B. Odell, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I'm very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."
— K. Kast, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I found it to be extremely rewarding to finish my schooling and receive the degree. Very flexible to work around being a parent and working full time to complete the schooling necessary for the degree."
— D. Paschel, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

"In a world where a degree is practically required for any decently paying job, this program made obtaining a degree feel more accessible to someone like me."
— S. Fidel, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

What Can You Do With an Online Associate Degree?

An online associate degree is a versatile credential that can move your career forward in a number of ways — whether you're entering a new field, advancing in your current role, or building toward a bachelor's degree. For students who want to continue their education, CCU offers Bachelor of Science programs in Business Administration, Business Marketing, Health Care Administration, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and more. Earning your associate's degree at CCU is a natural first step toward any of these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions: Online Associate Degrees at CCU

What online associate degree programs does CCU offer?
CCU offers six online Associate of Science programs: Business Administration, Business Marketing, Criminal Justice, Health Care Administration, Psychology, and General Studies. All are 60 semester units, completed 100% online at your own pace.

What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent from a U.S. educational institution. There are no SAT scores, entrance exams, or letters of recommendation required.

How long does it take to complete an online associate degree?
The program is self-paced, so your timeline depends on how quickly you move through the coursework. The minimum time to complete the associate's degree is 9 months and the maximum is 5 years. Students must complete at least one course every 6 months to remain in good academic standing.

What does self-paced study actually look like day to day?
There are no live classes, no scheduled login times, and no deadlines tied to a calendar. You work through coursework independently — reading, completing assignments, and taking exams when you're ready. Each course requires a minimum of two weeks before the final exam can be requested. Final exams require a proctor selected by the student and approved by the University.

Can I start at any time of year?
Yes. CCU offers open enrollment — there are no semester deadlines or application windows. You can apply and begin your coursework at any point during the year. VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

How much does an online associate degree at CCU cost?
Tuition is $170 per unit. Associate degree programs consist of 60 total semester units. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans: Plan A is $500 down and $150/month; Plan B is $300 down and $175/month; or pay the full balance at enrollment. No interest is charged on the unpaid balance.

Can I transfer credits I've already earned?
Yes. CCU accepts transfer credit from U.S. Department of Education-recognized accredited institutions. Up to 30 applicable semester units can be applied toward your associate's degree, provided courses were completed with a grade of C (2.0 GPA) or higher and are applicable to CCU's degree plan.

Can I get credit for professional experience or training?
Yes. CCU offers elective credit for documented professional training completed through an employer, the military, a licensing program, or another verifiable source. Students have 45 days from enrollment to submit documentation for review.

Does CCU offer financial aid?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid programs. However, the university accepts VA Benefits, MyCAA benefits for eligible military spouses, and company-paid tuition vouchers. Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers — check with your HR department to find out what may be available to you.

Is CCU accredited?
Yes. California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

What is the academic calendar for California Coast University?
California Coast University utilizes rolling 16-week terms that begin approximately every three to four weeks, allowing for flexible, year-round enrollment rather than a traditional semester schedule. VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

Your Path Forward Starts Today

If you've been waiting for the right time to start your degree — this is it. CCU's online associate degree programs were built for people exactly like you: busy, motivated, and ready to finish what they started. Six programs to choose from. One flexible, affordable format. An accredited online degree you can earn without putting your life on hold.

VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

Questions? Call Admissions at 1-888-228-8648 or Students at 1-714-547-9625

California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).