Different types of college degrees

Key Takeaways

• The types of college degrees are associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral or professional doctoral.
• Associate’s and bachelor’s are undergraduate degrees, while master’s and doctoral degrees are more advanced graduate programs.
• Earning a college degree can help you hone your skills, increase your earning potential, and open the door to more opportunities.

Most college and university programs award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or professional doctoral degrees. The best degree for you depends on your long-term career and education goals. In this complete guide, we cover the different types of college degrees in depth, highlight their benefits, and answer some frequently asked questions.

What is a college degree?

Schools grant college degrees to students once they complete a degree program. It’s more than a piece of paper – it’s proof you finished the program and have the knowledge you need to either advance your education or enter your desired industry. It also represents your dedication and hard work.

College degrees can take two to 10 or more years to earn, depending on the program.

What are the different types of college degrees?

There are four types of college degrees: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate or professional. Here’s a quick table highlighting the differences, and we dive into each more below.

*Estimated completion time is based on students who attend school full-time. It typically takes much longer to earn a degree if you’re attending part-time.

Associate’s degree

An associate’s degree is a two-year college degree that requires 60 credits. They’re typically offered by community colleges, which are often more affordable than other degree programs.

There are three main types of associate’s degrees to choose from, depending on your goals after graduation.

• Associate of Arts (A.A.): An A.A. offers a base education in the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. It’s ideal if you want to attend a 4-year institution later, but it can also lead to careers such as a Paralegal, Preschool Teacher, and Social Services Assistant
• Associate of Science (A.S.): Students pursuing their A.S. gain a foundation in science or another technical field. After, the student transfers to a 4-year institution or enters a career, depending on the school’s program. Engineering Technician is one example of an A.S. degree.
• Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.): An A.A.S is great for students who are entering a career that requires a degree and wish to start working as soon as possible. They teach students must-have skills that help them succeed in specific jobs, including Computer Network Specialist, Medical Assistant, and Automotive Technician.

Some community colleges use A.S. and A.A.S. interchangeably. For example, you might see Dental Hygienist or Respiratory Therapist A.S. degrees referred to as A.A.S. degrees at another school.

Other institutions offer both an A.S. and A.A.S. for the same subject. For instance, at one school you could choose from an Accounting A.S. if you plan to continue your education or an Accounting A.A.S to enter the workforce right after graduation.

Bachelor’s degree

Students earn bachelor’s degrees from 4-year programs at colleges, universities, and select community colleges. An undergraduate degree, students gain a more in-depth understanding of their desired subject with tailored programs known as majors. They require 120 credits, and upon graduation, you can enter the workforce or pursue a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree.

Most bachelor’s fall under these degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): A student with a B.A. degree studied either liberal arts or sciences—or both, such as English, Psychology, History, and Communications. You might work in Education, Journalism, or Public Relations.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.): A B.S. is awarded to students who studied specialized scientific fields, economics, or natural sciences. Example majors are Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Economics. Some Registered Nurses pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.): Students graduate with a B.F.A if they studied visual or performing arts, including Graphic Design, Theater, Dance, or Film Production, among others. Example careers include Graphic Designer, Art Director, and Animator.
• Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.): B.A.S. students studied a highly specialized field, such as Information Technology, Healthcare Management, or Industrial Technology. IT Project Manager, Healthcare Administrator, and Operations Manager are potential careers.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) / Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.): Students may complete B.S.B.A. and B.B.A. programs in as little as three years. They prepare you for careers as a Financial Analyst, Management Analyst, and Entrepreneur, among others. Common majors include Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and International Business.
• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.): A B.E. can take anywhere from three to five years to earn. With a focus on technical and applied engineering principles, many students choose to study majors that lead to careers as Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, and Aerospace engineers.

Master’s degree

A master’s degree is a graduate degree that usually takes 2 years to complete. Most master’s programs require 30 to 60 credits, but this varies depending on the school and area of study. To apply, you need a bachelor’s and a completed entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). At the end of the program, you’ll likely have to submit a thesis paper, attend an internship, or finish a capstone project.

Common types of master’s degrees include:

• Master of Arts (M.A.): An M.A is for subjects related to history, humanities, and social sciences, with some schools including math and natural sciences. It’s often required if you want to be a Public Relations Manager, Climate Change Policy Analyst, or Museum Curator.
• Master of Science (M.S.): Students studying science, engineering, and medicine are awarded an M.S. Example careers include Clinical Research Coordinator, Software Engineer, Environmental Engineer.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Marketing Director, Financial Manager, and Business Consultant are some job options for business management students who graduate with an MBA.
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Graduates studying creative writing, photography, poetry, theater, and other art forms are granted MFAs. Potential careers are Creative Writing Professor, Art Director, and Theatre Director.

Doctoral and professional degrees

Doctoral and professional degrees are the highest degrees available in the United States. Professional doctorates teach students practical skills for certain careers that require licenses, such as a lawyer or veterinarian, while other doctorates prepare students to be top experts in their field.

Some doctoral students have to write and defend a dissertation, complete a research project, and/or publish academic research. To enroll in a program, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and to pass an entrance exam. They can take anywhere from three to seven years or more to finish, depending on the program and potential specializations.

Some types of doctoral and professional degrees are:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): Those who have a Ph.D. are considered leading experts in their field, working in research, academia, or specialized industries. They can be called Doctor and add Ph.D after their name. Some potential careers include University Professor, Data Scientist, and Clinical Psychologist.
• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.): All medical doctors, including Pediatric Surgeons, Cardiologists, and Emergency Medicine Physicians, have an M.D.
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) / Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD): General Dentists, Orthodontists, and Oral Surgeons hold a DDS or DMD.
• Doctor of Law / Juris Doctor (J.D.): All Lawyers must have a J.D. and pass the bar exam in the state they wish to practice in. You can also become a Judge or Law Professor.
• Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.):C. students learn about chiropractic medicine, disorders of the spine, and the musculoskeletal system to become Chiropractors. The program can take around three to four years.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy / Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT): A DPT may be either a professional or doctoral degree. Students learn about movement science, rehabilitation techniques, and patient care over three to four years. Popular careers include Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Specialist, and Sports Medicine Physician.
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): Veterinarians, Animal Surgeons, and Zoo Veterinarians have to go through extensive training. DVM schools are highly competitive.

What are the benefits of a college degree?

Earning a degree could result in a number of benefits, such as:

Learning and honing your skills

This one might be a bit obvious, but the college experience teaches you soft and hard skills. You learn the material you need to succeed in your chosen field and you develop critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and other must-have skills. All of these lessons create a solid foundation for your future career or more advanced education.

Higher earning potential

A college degree could lead to higher wages. This table breaks down median usual weekly earnings in 2024 by education level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Of course, completing a college program doesn’t come with a guarantee of a specific minimum salary. Certain industries and positions have lower wages than others, even if they require a degree.

More job opportunities

Many careers require at least an associate’s degree, while others require a master’s or doctorate. For example, you can’t be a lawyer without a J.D. Earning your degree opens the door to more options, and you could be more likely to land that promotion.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also highlights data that higher degree levels have lower unemployment rates.

As with wages, some careers and industries have higher unemployment rates than others.

College degree FAQ

Here are the answers to some common questions we see about college degrees:

What is an undergraduate vs graduate degree?

An undergraduate degree is an associate’s or bachelor’s. A graduate degree is a master’s, doctorate, or professional degree.

How does a certificate differ from a college degree?

Some colleges offer certificates as well as degrees. Compared to a degree, a certificate program is shorter, less expensive, and always for a very specific career or foundational knowledge. A degree covers a more in-depth dive into the chosen area of study. Some careers only require a certificate, but you typically can’t use a certificate as a substitute for a degree.

How long does it take to earn a college degree?

Students who attend college full-time often earn an associate’s in two years, a bachelor’s in four years, and a master’s in two years. Doctoral programs range anywhere from three to seven years, but some take even longer.

If you’re attending school part-time, it will take longer to earn your degree.

What are dual degree programs?

Dual degree programs allow students to earn two degrees at the same time. For example, a student could earn two bachelor’s at the same time but it typically takes five to six years to earn both. Some schools offer accelerated bachelor’s-master’s where you can earn both degrees in five years rather than the normal six.

What is a double major?

Students who are pursuing a double major study two subjects at the same time. At the end of the double major program, they receive a single degree that represents both areas of study.

What is a terminal degree?

A terminal degree is the highest education level you can obtain for a particular area of study. For some subjects, the terminal degree is a doctorate. For others, it’s a master’s.

How do you know which degree is right for you?

Your career and education goals help you determine which is the right college degree for you. If you want a college education, you need to start with at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some careers require more advanced degrees, so you may have to plan to continue your education right after you earn your bachelor’s or at a later date after you have some work experience under your belt.

No matter your degree, you need to choose an area of study. Use our College Major Search Tool to start researching majors, top rated colleges, career options, and more.