| Prerequisites | Typically a high school diploma or equivalent for an associate's and bachelor's |
| Continuing Education | Some degrees are supplemented with internships, training or certificate programs |
| Online Availability | Full and partial programs are available online |
| Degree Fields | Varies depending on goals and desired career path |
Associate's Degrees
An associate's degree is awarded by community or junior colleges, but 4-year colleges and universities may also offer the degree. The completion of a minimum 60 credit hours, which is typically two years of study, is required. Associate's degrees are mainly classified as Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees, though other types are available.
Bachelor's Degrees
The bachelor's degree is the most commonly awarded of all academic degrees. This 4-year undergraduate degree requires completion of at least 120 semester hours. A bachelor's degree is needed for many occupations, and it's also a prerequisite for graduate school. The two most common bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS).
Master's Degrees
Some professionals such as social workers, and some teachers, are required to hold a master's degree. Master's degrees are categorized as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS), though some are specialized, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Master's degree programs usually entail 2-4 years of study.
Doctoral Degrees
The highest of academic degrees is the doctoral degree. In many cases, a doctoral degree is the requirement of a specific career. The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are the most common doctoral degrees. A Ph.D. can be earned in many disciplines, and it is often required for a teaching position at a 4-year college or university.
