text: what is associate degree? can i apply ms after i get associate degree?   an associates degree usually takes 1-2 years to obtain.  often it's two years.  a master's degree takes an additional 2 years beyond a bachelor's degree (which takes 4 years to obtain).  basically you could get your master's after you obtain an associates...but that would probably require 4 extra years.  usually the order is associates (2 years), bachelors (another 2 years beyond the associates), and a masters degree (another 2 years beyond the bachelors degree)  it usually takes about 5-6 years to get a masters.  an ms is specifically a master's of science degree.  best of luck if you pursue either of those!  i have a bachelor's which took me 4 years to get.  i'd like to go for my master's which will be another 2 years.  :)  but you can do it!  best of luck! :d