Types of Degrees

Certificates
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral degree
Professional degree

Certificates

If you’re looking to develop a certain skill or be trained for a specific job, you can typically earn a certificate in two years or less. Certificates can be earned at community colleges and technical and vocational colleges.  Some four-year colleges may offer them as well. Some jobs that may require a certificate are beauticians, chefs, welders and plumbers.

Associate’s degree

If you plan on entering a technical or vocational field, you may be interested in working toward an associate’s degree. Associate’s degrees can usually be earned in two years or less, and can be attained at all community colleges and some technical, vocational, and four-year colleges. If you complete a two-year program, you can earn an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.). A.A.s are usually earned in humanities and social science fields.  A.S.s are awarded to those studying in scientific and technical fields.  If you complete a two-year technical or vocational program, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.). You may also have the option to use the credits from your associate’s degree toward a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor's degree

If you attend a four-year college, you will probably be working toward a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s degrees are also referred to as undergraduate degrees. They require that you take a core of general education courses, including English, math, science and social sciences. In addition, you will focus on one main subject area as your “major.” There are different types of bachelor’s degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). B.A.s are usually earned in humanities and social science fields. B.S.s are awarded to those studying in scientific and technical fields. Some colleges offer additional degrees, such as the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.). A bachelor’s degree not only prepares you for a good career, but is also necessary if you plan to work toward an advanced degree, such as a master’s, doctorate or professional degree.

Master’s degree

Upon completion of your bachelor’s degree, you may choose to attend graduate school and pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree can help advance your career, and may be required for certain professionals, such as physical therapists, engineers and social workers. Getting into graduate school is competitive. It usually requires that you take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and complete specific undergraduate courses. If you think you may want to pursue a master’s degree, you’ll need to talk with your college advisor to make sure you take the right classes to prepare for graduate school. Most master’s degree programs take at least two years to complete. Just like the bachelor’s degree, there are different types of master’s degrees. Examples of some of the most common are Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Master of Education (M.Ed.).

Doctoral degree

The doctoral degree typically follows the master’s degree. However in some fields, you may be able to proceed directly to the doctorate without completing a master’s. Attaining a doctoral degree generally takes anywhere from three to five years, or possibly longer to complete. Most students in the humanities are awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and students in education are awarded the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).

Professional degree

Graduate degrees in the fields of law, business and medicine are often referred to as professional degrees. The Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Medicine (MD), are awarded upon the completion of Law, Business and Medical school respectively. Advanced degrees in other areas, such as journalism and architecture, may also be referred to as professional degrees.

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