Despite some initial hesitancy in the first half of the twentieth century to award associate degrees, since the end of World War II, the associate degree has become as widely accepted by two-year colleges as the baccalaureate degree is by four-year colleges. This is evidenced by the steady increase in the number of associate degrees awarded annually, the eagerness displayed by educators in the various disciplines to have degrees with their specialties attached, and the trend toward making a particular degree the criterion for transferability and occupational competency. The acceptance of the associate degree is also reflected in the various regulations governing the number, purposes, and standards for the degree. Furthermore, when allowances are made for the large number of part-time students attending two-year colleges and the high risk of the open door policy, the number of associate degree graduates is indeed significant. Thus, despite arguments for community-oriented, non-traditional education, the associate degree program remains a significant community college offering. This literature review provides a historical outline of the use of the associate degree since 1900, a discussion of the requirements for the most common associate degrees awarded, and statistical data on the number of degrees awarded between 1970 and 1976. A bibliography is included. (JP)