What Are the 4 Types of Degrees?

Having the right college degree is an important part of building your career. It can significantly increase your earning potential and your understanding of academic subjects. However, not all careers require a doctorate and there are many different degrees levels that can help you achieve your goals.

When talking about a “college degree,” most people are talking about a bachelor’s degree, the most common undergraduate route. Bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to complete and they include both general education classes and specialized courses in your field of study. These degrees can open doors to almost any career and make you a more competitive job candidate.

A master’s degree is the next level of educational attainment. These degrees can take between two and seven years to complete and they usually combine classwork with research in your chosen field of study. They’re a good choice for students who want to advance into administrative or managerial roles in their fields.

An associate degree is the first step to a bachelor’s degree and is often offered by community colleges. These two-year degrees are called either an Associate of Arts (A.A) or an Associate of Science (A.S), though sometimes they’re named according to their specific area of study (Associate of Engineering, for example). Most associate degrees prepare students to work in a particular field and are often used as a stepping stone into a bachelor’s degree program.

While an associate degree can open up entry-level jobs, a bachelor’s degree is the best path to a well-rounded education and career success. A bachelor’s degree is offered by most major colleges and universities and it takes about four years to complete. It’s also the most popular undergraduate degree, and it can open up a wide range of employment opportunities.

There are a number of different kinds of bachelor’s degrees, but the most common is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). These programs tend to be more liberal in nature and focus on a student’s exploration of their chosen field of study. A Bachelor of Science degree is less liberal and it often focuses on the sciences or math. A Bachelor of Fine Arts is a more specialized degree for those who wish to study the arts.

The highest type of degree is a doctorate, which can take between four and six years to complete. Doctorates are known as the pinnacle of academic achievement and they’re a must-have for anyone who wants to become a leader in their field. Generally, doctorates are earned for conducting research or working in academia, but you can also earn an applied doctorate that focuses on developing practical skills and knowledge for use in your chosen profession. You can even earn an honorary doctorate, which is rarely granted and typically reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to their fields.