Hey everyone, I'm a bit confused about the different types of college degrees that are out there. Can someone give me a brief rundown and list of the most common ones? Thanks!
Sure, I'd be happy to provide an overview of the most common types of college degrees. There are generally four main levels of college degrees, and they include:
1. Associate Degree: An associate degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete and is offered at community colleges, junior colleges, and some four-year institutions. Common associate degrees include the Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.). Many students pursue an associate degree with the intention of transferring their credits to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree.
2. Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that typically takes four years of full-time study to complete and is offered at colleges and universities. This is the most common degree level, and there are several types of bachelor's degrees, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), and Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.). Each degree type has different subject area focuses, but regardless of the specific degree, graduates with a bachelor's degree are prepared for entry-level positions in various industries.
3. Master's Degree: A master's degree is a graduate degree that typically takes one to three years of full-time study to complete, depending on the program and field of study. Many students pursue a master's degree to further specialize in their chosen field or to increase their income and career opportunities. Common master's degrees include the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.).
4. Doctoral Degree: A doctoral degree is the highest level of academic degree and typically takes three to six years of full-time study to complete, depending on the program and field of study. Doctoral degrees are usually pursued by individuals who wish to become experts in their field and often involve producing original research. The most common doctoral degree is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), but there are also other types such as Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), and Doctor of Law (J.D.).
These are the main types of college degrees, and many students start with an associate or bachelor's degree and then decide whether to pursue further education at the master's or doctoral level. Keep in mind that the requirements, length of study, and potential career outcomes can vary depending on the specific program and field of study.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.