Ibrahim Gardner
There are a variety of degrees that students can obtain by attending university. The type of degree pursued depends on the student's interests, goals, and desired level of education. The four main types of degrees, in ascending order, are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees. Associate degrees are typically two-year programs offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and some universities, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce or further education. Bachelor's degrees are four-year programs offered by colleges and universities, providing a foundation for various career paths. Master's degrees focus on specialized skills and typically require two years of study beyond a bachelor's. Doctorate degrees represent the highest level of education and require extensive original research, taking four to six years to complete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of degree types | 4 |
| First degree beyond high school diploma | Associate degree |
| Associate degree duration | 2 years |
| Associate degree credits | 60 |
| Bachelor's degree duration | 4 years |
| Bachelor's degree credits | 120 |
| Master's degree duration | 2 years |
| Master's degree credits | Minimum of 30 |
| Highest level of education | Doctorate |
| Doctorate duration | 4-6 years |
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What You'll Learn
Undergraduate degrees
There are various types of bachelor's degrees, including BA, BS, and BFA. Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles, especially in business, tech, education, the public sector, and engineering. Certain careers, such as registered nurses, require a specific major like a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, in some fields, the specific major is less important than the quality of your skills.
Before pursuing a bachelor's degree, students can opt for an associate degree, which is typically a two-year program offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and some four-year universities. Associate degrees can prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or serve as a stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree. There are different types of associate degrees, including Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS), which cater to a range of fields.
Students can also explore pre-professional programs, which provide foundational knowledge for professional schools, such as law or medicine. Additionally, certificate programs offer short-term courses that develop practical skills valued in the job market. These programs can enhance career marketability and complement chosen majors.
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Postgraduate degrees
Master's Degree
A master's degree is a postgraduate qualification that typically builds on the knowledge gained during a bachelor's program. It usually takes two years to complete, although some accelerated programs can be completed in one year. Master's programs focus on specialized skills and advanced topics in a particular field. They can lead to higher-paying roles and management-level careers in various sectors, including healthcare, research, and social services.
Dual Master's Degree
Some universities offer dual master's degree programs, allowing students to earn two master's degrees simultaneously or in quick succession. For example, a student might receive a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in one field and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or another specialized master's degree in a complementary area.
Doctorate or PhD
A doctorate, sometimes referred to as a PhD, is the highest level of academic degree. It typically involves a combination of advanced coursework and original research in a specific field. The completion time for a doctorate can vary from four to eight years, depending on the discipline and the student's enrolment status. Doctoral programs often culminate in the submission and defence of a dissertation or thesis.
Pursuing a postgraduate degree can enhance specialized knowledge, develop advanced research skills, and open doors to more specialized career paths or academic careers. It is important to research the specific requirements and opportunities associated with each degree type and field of study.
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Associate degrees
An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that is typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. They are also offered at some four-year universities. Associate degrees are usually two-year programs, though they can sometimes take up to three years to complete. They are the first degree you can obtain beyond completing high school and are typically 60 credits long.
The two most common types of associate degrees are the Associate in/of Arts (AA) and Associate in/of Science (AS) degrees. AA degrees are awarded in fields such as liberal arts, humanities, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts, while AS degrees are awarded in natural science, applied science, and formal science fields. There are also other types of associate degrees, such as the Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
Students who complete an associate degree may choose to transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor's degree. This is known as the 2 + 2 format, where the associate degree counts as the first two years of the bachelor's degree. Alternatively, students who complete an associate degree may decide to go straight into the workforce.
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Dual degrees
A dual degree program allows students to pursue two degree programs simultaneously, resulting in two separate diplomas. This route can help students stand out to employers and explore different academic fields.
Dual degree programs can be undergraduate, master's, or doctorate degrees, or a combination of these. For example, a student might pursue a bachelor's and a master's degree, or two bachelor's degrees, or two graduate degrees. Some dual degree programs are predetermined by the college, while others allow students to design their own.
Dual degree programs are typically more demanding than single degree programs, requiring more credits, careful planning, and time management to balance coursework from two disciplines. They also usually take longer to complete, often five to six years, and can be more expensive due to additional costs for courses/credits, books, housing, etc.
Popular dual degree combinations include business and computer science, public health and social work, and education and psychology. For example, Columbia University offers a 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years. Students can also pursue a dual degree in medicine and business, business and the humanities, or a mixture of programs in the STEM fields.
Dual degree programs can be completed in-person or online, with online dual degree programs becoming more widely available, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Professional degrees
A professional degree is an academic or vocational degree that prepares students for a particular career and may continue their education. Professional degrees are often pursued after obtaining a bachelor's degree. They can be earned in a variety of disciplines, including:
Law
Pre-law programs provide the foundational knowledge necessary for success in law school. Students can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is a professional doctorate, to become lawyers or legal experts.
Medicine
Pre-med programs are popular among students aspiring to become doctors or healthcare professionals. Following their bachelor's degree, students often pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Engineering
Engineering is a field that typically requires a bachelor's degree as a minimum. Students can pursue specific engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering.
Education
Students aspiring to become teachers can combine their bachelor's degree studies with state certification requirements. Some teacher certification programs offer professional education courses and student teaching opportunities.
Business
Business is a diverse field that often requires a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles. Students can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to advance their careers and qualify for management positions.
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Frequently asked questions
An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be obtained from community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. Some four-year universities also offer this degree. Associate degrees are typically 60 credits long and provide an introduction to general education courses, electives, and topics in your chosen area of study.
A bachelor's degree is a four-year program offered by colleges and universities. Students take general education courses and specialized courses related to their chosen major. A bachelor's degree is often a prerequisite for many career paths and can be earned online or in person.
A master's degree is a graduate degree that typically takes two years beyond a bachelor's. It focuses on specialized skills and can help qualify for higher-paying, management-level roles.
A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is the highest level of education. It typically requires 4-6 years of postbaccalaureate coursework and extensive original research, such as a book-length dissertation. A doctorate represents expertise in a specific field and can be earned in various disciplines.
Minors and certificates are additional qualifications that complement a student's major. Minors are not required to graduate but allow students to explore diverse interests and enhance their professional skills. Certificates are short-term courses that develop practical skills valued in the job market.
