University Degrees: Choosing Your Path To Success

There are several types of degrees that students can obtain by going to university. The four main types of college degrees, in order from lowest ranking to highest, are associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees. Associate degrees are typically two-year degrees offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges, as well as some four-year universities. Bachelor's degrees are four-year programs that prepare students for various career paths and can be earned at colleges or universities. Master's degrees typically come after a bachelor's degree and allow students to specialize in a subject area. Doctorate degrees are the highest level of education and require significant expertise in a particular field.

Associate degrees

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that falls between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree. It is typically a two-year degree, although in some countries, such as Argentina, it can take up to three or four years to complete. Associate degrees are commonly offered in the US, but they are also available in some parts of Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and the Netherlands. In the US, associate degrees are available at community colleges, junior colleges, online universities, or some four-year institutions.

The two most common types of associate degrees are the Associate in/of Arts (AA) and the Associate in/of Science (AS). AA degrees are awarded in fields such as business, humanities, arts, and social sciences, while AS degrees are awarded in natural science, applied science, and formal science fields. There are also applied associate degrees, such as the Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS), which focus on technical and vocational skills and prepare students for specific occupations.

Students who earn an associate degree have a few options. They can choose to transfer to a bachelor's degree program, especially if they have completed an AA or AS degree. They may also choose to go directly into the workforce, as there are many skilled jobs that only require an associate-level qualification. Some careers that can be entered with an associate's degree include dental hygienist, web developer, nuclear technician, radiation therapist, and air traffic controller.

The tuition fees for associate degrees are generally lower than those for bachelor's degrees, and the overall cost is considerably less due to the shorter duration of the program. Associate degrees can be a great option for students who want to gain basic technical and academic knowledge and transferable skills before deciding on their future career path.

Bachelor's degrees

A bachelor's degree is a four-year undergraduate degree that can be earned at a college or university. It is a common first degree for students to obtain, following on from a high school diploma. Many careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles, particularly in business, tech, and education. Other fields that commonly require a bachelor's degree include finance, management, and nursing.

There are several types of bachelor's degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor's programs, which can be completed in 2-3 years, while others offer degree-completion programs that award credit for previous college coursework. It is also possible to earn a bachelor's degree online, which meets the same standards as an in-person degree.

In the US, the top three fields in which bachelor's degrees were conferred in 2021-22 were business (354,400 degrees), health professions (263,800 degrees), and social sciences and history (151,100 degrees). These fields accounted for 58% of all bachelor's degrees awarded in that period.

Following the completion of a bachelor's degree, some students may choose to pursue a master's degree or a joint degree, which combines a bachelor's and a graduate degree. Alternatively, students can go straight into a doctorate or professional program.

Master's degrees

A master's degree is a type of graduate degree that students can pursue after obtaining a bachelor's degree. It typically takes two years to complete, but some universities offer accelerated one-year programs or bachelor's-to-master's programs that allow students to earn both degrees in less time. Most master's programs require a minimum of 30 credits for completion.

The two most common types of master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees. However, there are other types of master's degrees available, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Some universities also offer dual degree programs, where students can simultaneously obtain a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. For example, the Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a joint program where students can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Harvard and a Master of Music (MM) or Master of Arts (MA) at Berklee.

While a master's degree can enhance your career prospects and earning potential, it is important to note that the specific benefits may vary depending on your industry and career goals. Additionally, the time and financial commitment required to obtain a master's degree should be carefully considered before enrolling in any program.

Dual degrees

Dual-degree programs are an excellent option for students who want to pursue two different academic disciplines and earn two separate degrees in a shorter amount of time than it would take to complete each degree individually. Unlike double majors, where you earn one degree with two specialties, dual-degree programs result in two distinct diplomas. This means that if you pursued a dual degree in, for example, computer science and history, you would receive two separate diplomas, whereas a double major in the same subjects would yield only one diploma.

Dual-degree programs offer a comprehensive, efficient, and economical way to gain expertise in two different subjects, preparing you for two distinct careers or a highly specialized role in a single career. They are typically available at the bachelor's level, and some schools offer predetermined dual-degree pathways, while others allow students to create their own programs. For instance, a 4+1 program can lead to both a bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years, instead of the traditional six.

Pursuing a dual degree can enhance your academic and career opportunities by broadening your skill set and diversifying your experiences. This can make you more competitive in the job market and help you stand out to potential employers due to your advanced skills and training. However, it is important to note that managing the requirements of two separate degrees can lead to increased stress and a higher workload. Additionally, you might not achieve the same depth of knowledge in two fields compared to focusing solely on one degree.

To enrol in a dual-degree program, students must first be admitted to one academic program and can then apply to the second degree program after their first semester. Both departments/programs must accept the student, and the appropriate academic deans and the Dean of the Graduate School (or designee) must approve the student's application. Students pursuing dual degrees must submit a Dual Enrollment Request Form, which requires a justification for pursuing two degrees simultaneously and a detailed timeline for completing both degrees.

Doctoral degrees

A doctorate degree, also known as a doctoral degree, is the highest degree a student can obtain. Doctoral degrees can take up to seven years of intense study to complete. The time taken to complete a doctoral degree varies depending on the field of study and whether the student is working full or part-time.

An example of a doctoral degree is the EdD in Educational Leadership offered by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). This degree prepares individuals for leadership roles in educational institutions.

Another example is the Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health dual degree program offered by the University of Southern California. This program allows students to obtain both a master's and a doctoral degree simultaneously.

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