Key Takeaways
- While there are many different kinds of college degrees in the big world of academia, you can categorize them into four different types: associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.
- Associate’s degrees are two-year degrees that serve two purposes: to prepare students to transfer to a four-year school or to equip them to enter the workforce.
- Bachelor’s degrees typically require four years of school and offer an in-depth study of a particular field.
- Master’s degrees are earned in graduate school and are for those who want to advance their knowledge in a specific area of study.
- Doctorate or professional degrees are the highest level of academic achievement that one can earn, typically required for careers such as doctors and lawyers.
Maybe you already have an idea of what you want to go to school for—great! Do you know what kind of degree you’ll need for it? When we say degree, this really equates to how long you’ll be spending your time in school. We’re here to go through the four types of college degrees and see what differentiates these accomplishments from one another.
Before we dive in, note that this is not an exhaustive list of every single major and degree available (we’d be here a while!) but rather a summary of the most common ones.
What Is a College Degree?
When you graduate college and walk across the stage, you’re handed a diploma—your official proof that you’ve completed your degree. But it’s more than just a piece of paper. It represents all your dedication and hard work to get to where you are now. Most importantly, it’s proof for employers that you are eligible and capable of succeeding in a certain job.
The Benefits of Earning a College Degree
- Higher Earning Potential: Depending on the type of degree you have, you may be eligible for higher pay and promotions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, those with a master’s or higher degree earned 20% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
- Job Opportunities: As you’re browsing job positions, you’ll likely notice a section called “Eligibility Requirements,” and that usually requires obtaining a degree. Bachelor’s degrees are most commonly asked for.
- Increased Confidence: You accomplished a huge feat! Finishing college and earning your degree can give you a big boost in confidence—you did reach one of your goals after all.
- Specialized Skills: A degree proves that you have expertise in a certain field. Let’s say you earn a degree in engineering. This is going to tell your future employer that you have the necessary skill sets they are looking for.
The Four Types of Degrees
The most common types of degrees are associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Associate’s Degrees
Associate’s degrees are two-year schooling programs with two main purposes. The first is to prepare students with general education courses who want to transfer to a four-year college without paying university tuition prices. The second is to help students enter the workforce faster. Associate’s degrees are usually offered by community colleges and tend to require 60 credits.
Types of Associate Degrees
- Associate of Arts (A.A.): An A.A. offers a base education in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. It includes general courses like history, mathematics, and English literature. While it can lead to certain careers, it is ideal for anyone wanting to transfer to a four-year university.
- Associate of Science (A.S.): This is an academic foundation for science and technical fields, such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics. It’s typically a transferable degree rather than one that outright prepares you for an immediate career.
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): This degree is generally for students who wish to enter the workforce as soon as possible. They have specializations or areas of focus to give students a more in-depth education in their chosen field. Specializations may include nursing, culinary arts, or cosmetology.
Common Jobs with an Associate’s Degree
A.A.
A.S.
A.A.S.
Bachelor’s Degrees
You can earn a bachelor’s degree from four-year colleges and universities. This is the most common type of degree and refers to the completion of your undergraduate studies. These degrees offer a more intensive and in-depth understanding of a field than an associate’s degree and provide a well-rounded education. Most bachelor’s degrees require four years of school and at least 120 credits.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): This is an undergraduate degree in either liberal arts or sciences—or both. Common majors include English, psychology, history, and communications.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.): A B.S. is usually awarded in specialized scientific fields and to students who studied economics or natural sciences. Majors can include biology, computer science, mathematics, and economics.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.): This degree is pursued by students who desire a professional education in either the visual or performing arts. Majors often include graphic design, theater, dance, and film production.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.): This is a professional degree awarded to students who study a highly specialized field. Majors can include information technology, healthcare management, or industrial technology.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) / Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.): This is usually a three-year program instead of four, preparing students for careers in business, entrepreneurship, and management. Common majors include finance, marketing, human resources, and international business.
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.): This degree can take anywhere from three to five years to earn and focus on technical and applied engineering principles. Majors often include aerospace engineering, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering.
Common Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree
B.A.
B.S.
B.F.A.
B.A.S.
B.S.B.A./B.B.A.
B.E.
Master’s Degrees
Students who specialize in a certain area of study earn graduate degrees, usually known as master’s degrees. You cannot earn a master’s degree unless you have already earned a bachelor’s. Graduate schools are more difficult to get into than undergraduate schools. They often require students to take an entrance exam (GRE), earn around 30 to 50 credits, and work on a thesis paper or capstone project during the program.
Types of Master’s Degrees
- Master of Arts (M.A.): This degree is focused on subjects like communication, English, history, humanities, and social sciences. Some schools may also include mathematics and natural sciences in this program. Students choose to pursue this degree to advance their job potential in education, writing, research, or public relations.
- Master of Science (M.S.): Students who earn this graduate degree typically want to further their knowledge in science, engineering, or medicine.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA is a professional graduate degree awarded to students who study business management and the science behind it. This is an excellent option for anyone looking at higher roles in the business world or seeking a leadership position.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA): An MFA is a creative degree earned by graduates studying the arts. MFA programs include specializations in creative writing, photography, poetry, theater, and performing arts.
Common Jobs with a Master’s Degree
M.A.
M.S.
MBA
MFA
Doctoral Degrees or Professional Degrees
Doctoral or professional degrees are the highest and most prestigious form of degrees. These types of college degrees prepare students to be the top experts in their field and oftentimes take several years to a decade to accomplish. Students are typically required to write an intensive dissertation or complete a research project and earn around 60 credits. Individuals earning a doctorate must have published academic research.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): This highly acclaimed, terminal degree covers several different areas of study. Once earned, the recipient may use the title “Doctor” with their name and add “Ph.D.” after. Holders of a Ph.D. often work in research, academia, or specialized industries.
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.): This medical degree is required for those who wish to practice medicine. Those who earn this esteemed degree add “M.D.” after their name.
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) / Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD): This degree is awarded to students who wish to practice dentistry. In addition to earning a doctoral degree, students must also pass a licensing examination.
- Doctor of Law / Juris Doctor (J.D.): This professional degree is awarded to those who sufficiently pass the bar examination and are therefore considered lawyers.
- Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.): Individuals in this field will learn about chiropractic medicine, disorders of the spine, and the musculoskeletal system. The program can take around three to four years.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy / Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT): This degree can be considered either a professional or doctoral degree. Students earning this degree advance their knowledge in movement science, rehabilitation techniques, and patient care. Studies can take between three and four years.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): Veterinarians have to go through extensive training to earn their DVM. Schools that offer this degree are very difficult to get into, and completion of the program can take around four years.
Common Jobs With Doctoral Degrees or Professional Degrees
Ph.D.
M.D.
D.D.S. or D.M.D.
J.D.
D.C.
D.P.T.
D.V.M.
Bonus: What Is a Joint Degree?
Some schools allow you to take joint college degrees or joint programs while earning your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate. These are also called double majors. Colleges and universities tend to have different criteria for their joint degrees, so students interested in earning two degrees or a double major should talk to their academic advisor about the program and expected workload.
How Do I Know Which Degree Is Right for Me?
Ultimately, this will come down to what you want to do for your future career! While there are plenty of specialized degrees out there for you to choose from, most degrees fall into these four main categories. If you’re interested in earning a specialized degree in your intended field, make sure to talk to your school’s academic department or your advisor for advice.
Interested in exploring majors, degrees, and careers in your field of interest? Use our College Major Search Tool to see the requirements for different programs you might be interested in. You can view additional information on the field, available jobs upon completion of programs, top schools for that major, and more!
What’s even better? You can research careers, like the ones listed above, to uncover details such as median salaries, top majors for your intended line of work, required education and types of college degrees, and expected job growth.
