Types of Different Degree Levels

Hundreds of different degree programs are available for students who wish to continue education after high school. Universities and community colleges award degrees at varying levels, such as associate and doctorate degrees, with varying time requirements. When comparing different degrees, students can consider which program best fits their career goals and field requirements.

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What are the Different Degree Levels?

There are four major categories of degrees - associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate. Earning one of these degrees can take from 2-8 years, depending on level of degree and field of study. The advanced degree programs may require students to complete one or more lower-level degree program prior to enrollment.

Associate Degrees

Associate-level programs offer different degrees for a variety of careers. These 2-year degrees provide the necessary training to prepare students for entry-level positions in fields like nursing, graphic design and other vocational fields. Associate degrees are most commonly available from community colleges and technical schools.

Different degrees available at the associate-level include Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Completing an associate degree program qualifies graduates to enter the workforce or continue their education in a 4-year university program.

Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree program that usually takes four years to complete. Enrolling in a bachelor's degree program requires that students choose a major area of study, such as finance, history, communications or biology. Graduates from a bachelor's degree program are qualified to work in entry- or management-level positions, depending on the field.

Different degrees available in a bachelor's program include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). A bachelor's degree is also required for admittance into a master's program.

Master's Degrees

Master's degree programs are graduate programs that let students specialize in an area of study and typically take 1-2 years to complete. Along with an undergraduate degree, enrolling in a master's program usually requires passing an entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many master's degree programs require a dissertation or research project for graduation.

Different degree programs available at the master's-level include Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Earning a master's degree qualifies graduates to work in advanced or executive-level positions. It is also required for entrance into some doctoral programs.

Doctorate Degrees

Doctoral degree programs are the professional-level of academic study programs. Admittance into a doctorate degree program usually requires a master's degree. The most common degree awarded at this level is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Completing the Ph.D. usually takes from 2-3 years, involving the completion of a dissertation and a major research project. Ph.D. graduates are qualified to work as experts in areas of business or research or as professors at the university level. Other common doctorate degrees include a Juris Doctor (J.D.) for law school graduates, Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) for medical school graduates and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) for graduates of dental school.

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