Ultimate Guide to the Types of College Degrees
Discover all six types of college degrees in this comprehensive guide, covering everything from associate to doctorate levels for your academic journey.
Entering the world of college degrees can be daunting, but understanding the various types is crucial for making informed decisions about higher education. From associate degrees to doctorates, each level offers unique opportunities and pathways.
This article breaks down six types of college degrees including associate, master's, and more.
Each section provides detailed information and examples to help prospective students and educators understand the distinctions and opportunities each degree type offers.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is typically a two-year undergraduate program offered by community colleges, technical schools, and some universities.
It serves as an introduction to a specific field and is often pursued by students seeking entry-level employment or planning to transfer to a four-year institution for further education.
This degree balances general education courses with specialized training in a particular area.
Associate degrees are broadly classified into two categories: Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS), with variations like Associate of Applied Science (AAS) focusing on vocational skills.
Examples of associate degrees include:
- Associate of Arts in psychology
- Associate of Science in nursing
- Associate of Applied Science in information technology
- Associate of Applied Science in culinary arts
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is a four-year undergraduate program that provides a comprehensive education in a specific field of study.
Offered by colleges and universities, this degree is essential for many professional careers and is often a prerequisite for entry into graduate programs.
Bachelor's degrees typically require completion of general education courses, major-specific courses, and electives.
The most common types of bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), with variations like the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).
Examples include:
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Science in biology
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design
- Bachelor of Applied Science in engineering technology
Master's Degree
A master's degree is a postgraduate program that allows students to specialize further in their chosen field.
Typically requiring one to two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree, master's programs are available in a wide range of disciplines and often involve a combination of coursework and research.
These degrees can enhance career prospects, lead to higher salaries, and are sometimes required for certain professional positions.
Common types of master's degrees include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
Examples of master's degrees are:
- Master of Science in computer science
- Master of Arts in education
- Master of Business Administration in marketing
- Master of Fine Arts in creative writing
Doctorate Degree
A doctorate degree, or doctoral degree, represents the highest level of academic achievement.
This degree normally takes many years to complete, over and beyond a master's degree. It entails advanced coursework, rigorous exams, and original research that is turned into a final thesis.
Doctorates are essential for careers in academia and research, and they are respected in many professional fields.
The most common type of doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), but there are also professional doctorates like the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Education (EdD).
Examples of doctorate degrees include:
- Doctor of Philosophy in physics
- Doctor of Medicine
- Doctor of Education in leadership
- Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology
Professional Degree
A professional degree is a specialized higher education degree designed to prepare graduates for a particular profession. These programs, often requiring a bachelor's degree for admission, focus on practical skills and knowledge specific to a career field.
They typically involve hands-on training and internships, along with classroom learning. Professional degrees are essential for certain regulated professions where specific skills and legal accreditation are mandatory.
Graduates with these degrees are qualified to work in specialized areas and often command higher salaries due to their expertise.
Examples of professional degrees include:
- Juris Doctor (JD) for law
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) for medicine
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for pharmacy
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) for veterinary medicine
Joint Degree
Joint degrees, also known as dual degrees, offer a unique educational pathway that combines two distinct academic disciplines in a single program.
These programs are ideal for students with intersecting interests in different fields, allowing them to earn degrees in both areas, often in less time than pursuing them separately.
Joint degrees can be found at both undergraduate and graduate levels, providing a comprehensive education that covers multiple disciplines. This approach is particularly beneficial for careers that require a broad range of skills and knowledge.
An example of an institution offering joint degrees is Harvard University, which offers various combinations such as a JD/MBA (Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration).
These joint degrees can blend professional training with extensive research opportunities.
Pursue a College Degree Now
The time to acquire a college education is now. Whether you're looking for a particular job route, a wide knowledge base, or specialized talents, a degree can lead to new options, increased earning potential, and personal development.