It’s time to decide precisely what kind of degree to pursue after deciding to pursue a college education. There are many different types of college degrees, and each has benefits and drawbacks. There isnt just one “right” type of college degree. What a college degree can do for you determines how valuable it is. Your responsibility is to decide which certificate or degree from college will help you the most in achieving your personal, academic, and career goals. For instance, if you want to be a doctor, getting a bachelor’s in history probably won’t be as helpful as getting a biology undergraduate degree that will help you pass the MCAT. However, if history is your passion, perhaps majoring in biology while minoring in history is the right mix for you. A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) would seem to be the obvious choice if you wanted to pursue a career in business, but surprisingly, many successful businessmen and entrepreneurs never obtained an MBA. There are many educational paths and choices to consider. The information provided below will outline and discuss the various college degrees, assisting you in starting to consider your options.
Earning a college degree isnt always the answer. When choosing to pursue higher education, sometimes it makes much more sense to get a professional certificate, especially if it’s an economic decision. In highly technical fields, where employers are more interested in your skill set than your college degree, career success can often be attained just as easily with a professional certification as it can with a traditional college degree. Earning a professional certification is also a lot less expensive.
Professional certification programs, in contrast to undergraduate degree programs, which frequently place a strong emphasis on liberal arts education, almost exclusively place an emphasis on skill development. However, some certification programs lack the breadth and depth of knowledge that a college degree offers because of their narrow focus. However, different educational paths simply provide different benefits, so one is not necessarily superior to the other. A college degree rather than a professional certification makes more sense if you want to become an electrical engineer. A professional certification is all you need to become an electrician.
Typically, a professional certification is much less expensive than a college degree. A college degree typically costs two to three times as much as a professional certification ($5,000 to $15,000), which can cost anywhere between those two amounts. A professional certification might make a lot more sense financially. When you consider that many professional certifications available today can be completed in just a year or two and can help you prepare for a career just as effectively as a more expensive “traditional” four-year college degree, the economics of obtaining one become even more clear.
For employment in many trades, certification or “licensing” is necessary. In some vocational occupations, professional certification and licensing are synonymous. State laws govern the requirements for certification and licensing. In many states, professional certification is a prerequisite for licensing. In others, its part of the licensing process itself. You should be clear about your career goals and thoroughly research all educational, certification, and/or licensing requirements before choosing a professional certification or college degree.
Undergraduate degrees are also referred to as post-secondary degrees. In other words, they are diplomas obtained following the completion of a secondary education (i.e. prior to earning a graduate degree (e.g., high school diploma or GED). A general education, elective, and core (major) component are typically included in undergraduate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in particular. Writing, mathematics, history, and science are among the many higher education subjects and skills that are covered in the general education curriculum. The major courses needed to become proficient in a particular field of study are included in the core curriculum. While aligned with a student’s major, elective courses are selected independently by each student. Regardless of their major, undergraduate students attending the same college are typically required to complete the same general education courses. Major courses are determined by individual departments and academic colleges. Each student selects their elective courses with the help of their academic advisor and major department.
The United States recognizes two types of undergraduate degrees: associate and bachelor Associate degrees are offered primarily through community colleges. However, a few four-year colleges and vocational schools also offer associate degrees. Two years of full-time study are typically needed to obtain an associate degree. Associate degrees are intended to help students get ready for the workforce or meet the requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer degrees (also referred to as academic degrees) are associate degrees created to prepare students to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. Sometimes called occupational degrees, associate degrees are intended to prepare students to pursue career opportunities after graduation. Major colleges and universities provide bachelor degrees that last four years. Bachelor’s degrees can focus on a career or help students get ready for graduate school.
One of two factors frequently motivates students to pursue an associate degree: First, to prepare for a career. The second is to get ready to enroll in a four-year university where they can obtain a bachelor’s degree. A transfer degree is an associate degree that is used as a stepping stone into a bachelor’s degree program.
Not all associate degrees are transferable, and not all associate degree-granting colleges offer transfer degrees. The key to a transfer degree is that it transfers. Typically, only transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities (which includes the majority of major colleges and universities in the United States) are accepted. This means that in order for the credits obtained through an associate degree to be transferable, they must have been obtained at a community college that has received regional accreditation. You should ensure that you obtain your associate degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution if there is even a remote possibility that you will pursue a bachelor’s degree after finishing your associate degree.
The credits earned through an associate degree will typically satisfy many of the general education requirements of a 4-year bachelor’s degree when conferred by a regionally accredited community college. Make sure the community college you choose to earn your transfer degree from is regionally accredited and that you confirm that the credits you earn for your associate degree will transfer to the 4-year college you want to attend after you graduate.
Associate degrees are two-year undergraduate degrees granted by a few four-year colleges and universities, as well as community colleges and vocational schools. Several colleges provide accelerated associate degree programs that can be finished faster. Earning an associate’s degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree has a number of advantages. The lower cost of credits is one of the biggest advantages. In order to lower their overall cost of earning a bachelor’s degree, many students will finish an associate degree and then apply their credits toward completing a bachelor’s degree. The credits ought to transfer to a four-year college or university as long as the associate degree is granted by a community college that is regionally accredited.
Students who want to swiftly prepare for entry-level career positions should consider earning an associate degree. In vocational schools and technical training facilities, associate degrees are frequently highly skill-oriented. These courses are completely devoted to assisting students in gaining the expertise and abilities required to be eligible for entry-level positions after graduation. Sometimes referred to as occupational degrees, associate degrees with a focus on career preparation are offered to students.
The Associate of Arts (Associate of Arts) degree is one of the most popular associate degrees. A. ), Associate of Science (A. S. ) and Associate of Applied Science (A. A. S. ). The A. A. is an associate degree that many community colleges have designated as a transfer degree. A. A. degrees provide general education to students in order to prepare them for bachelor’s degree programs. However, the A. A. may also be an occupational degree depending on the school. The Associate of Science (A. S. ), like the A. A. , may also serve as a transfer degree. Many students will earn their A. S. and then transfer to a four-year institution to finish your bachelor’s degree However, unlike the A. S. that often offers a liberal arts based education, the A. S. focuses on the sciences. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is the third popular type of associate degree. A. S. ). The A. A. S. is intended to assist students in getting ready for a particular trade or occupation, and is almost always referred to as an occupational degree. Other types of associate degrees include:
When someone claims to be going to “college,” they are almost always referring to a four-year bachelor’s degree. In all four-year colleges and universities in the US, the bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree. It is the undergraduate degree of choice for employers looking for college graduates to fill entry-level positions, and it is also the most widely used undergraduate degree.
The three parts of a traditional bachelor’s degree are general education, core courses, and elective courses. All college and university students typically follow the same general education curriculum, which frequently has a liberal arts focus. Core classes are major-specific and created to help students master a particular subject or discipline. With the help of an academic advisor, each student chooses their own elective courses, or “electives,” which are typically focused on their major. Many of the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree are waived for students who have earned an associate degree at a community college with regional accreditation.
There are several types of bachelors degrees. The two most common are the Bachelor of Arts (B. A. ) and Bachelor of Science (B. S. The liberal arts are typically heavily weighted in the Bachelor of Arts. The Bachelor of Science program places more of an emphasis on technical and applied sciences. However, the B. A. and B. S. From one higher education institution to the next, designations may differ. Where most schools award engineering degrees as a B. S. some schools grant B-level engineering degrees. A. Some schools offer a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. A Bachelor of Science in Economics is a degree that some other schools also award. Other bachelors degree awarded by U. S. colleges and universities include:
An advanced degree known as a “graduate degree” is one that is focused on a particular academic or professional discipline (i.e. , Law, Medicine, Business, etc. The majority of graduate degree programs generally require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, frequently in a related field of study. Historically, graduate degrees were academic in nature, and research oriented. Nowadays, the majority of graduate degrees are professional in nature and focus on applied sciences. The focus of many graduate degrees alternates between academia and industry. A graduate degree can be earned in as little as two years or as much as eight.
Graduate degrees offer a much more intense disciplinary focus than undergraduate degrees, which also include a general education component. Additionally, graduate students are held to much higher standards than undergraduate students are. Graduate students are expected to produce academic work of a much higher caliber and conduct independent research. Graduate programs are more competitive than undergraduate programs. Graduate programs themselves are very competitive, in addition to the competition for admission.
Following the completion of a bachelor’s degree, students frequently pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree typically takes two years to complete, whereas a bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, despite the fact that it is more demanding. A master’s degree does not have a general education requirement and focuses on a particular field of study or discipline. The majority of master’s degrees are professional in nature, helping students gain advanced skills that will benefit them in the workplace. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with master’s degrees.
In the United States, there are more than a hundred different kinds of master’s degrees. The Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M. A. ), Master of Science (M. S. ) and Master of Fine Arts (M. F. A. ). The M. A. is a liberal arts degree with a concentration in one of the social sciences, history, philosophy, or the humanities. The M. S. degree, as its name implies, focuses on the sciences, particularly in fields like engineering. The M. F. A. degree focuses on the visual and performing arts. Other popular masters degrees include:
A master’s degree and a doctoral degree are both graduate degrees. But unlike most master’s degrees, which can be earned in two years, a doctoral degree can be earned in anywhere from two to six years. The prerequisite for most doctoral programs is a masters degree. As long as they meet other admission requirements, some doctoral programs will also accept students with a bachelor’s degree. When a doctoral degree is the highest degree that can be obtained in a particular field of study, it is referred to as a “terminal degree.” The majority of doctoral programs are demanding, rigorous, and demand full-time dedication. Historically, doctoral degrees have been academic and research focused. Today, the majority of doctoral programs concentrate on assisting students in developing advanced skill sets and knowledge to get them ready for a particular job or specialty.
Another common graduate degree is the professional degree. A professional degree is a graduate degree required to obtain a license to practice in a particular field. The most typical examples of professional degrees are the ones needed to practice law and become a medical doctor, respectively. Professional degrees are also available in a number of other disciplines, such as business, psychology, finance, and engineering. The typical entry requirement for most professional degree programs is a bachelor’s degree. A few professional degree programs require a masters degree. Professional degrees are also known as “First Professional Degrees”.
Following the completion of a master’s degree, professionals pursue a specialist degree. Specialist degrees serve two purposes. They enable professionals to increase their knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Additionally, they offer professionals the industry-level certification necessary for state licensing. A principal in the public school system is frequently required to obtain an Ed S. degree in order to practice. An Ed. S. degree is an example of a specialist degree. Categories:
Different Types Of Degrees Explained: (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, and Professional)
What are the different levels of college degrees?
Colleges offer various degrees suitable for different career paths. Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are the four main categories of degrees available to postsecondary students. Here’s a detailed examination of each of these levels of college education:
Associate degree
Heres a quick look at what an associate degree entails:
Associates degrees are available for a variety of fields and career paths, and they prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of industries. This kind of degree is frequently available at community colleges, junior colleges, or technical schools.
You can choose to continue your education in addition to using your associate’s degree to work. If you’re interested in continuing your education at a four-year university, there are numerous schools that offer transferable associate degree programs that can assist you in fulfilling the general education requirements. Here are some of the different types of associate degrees:
Bachelors degree
Heres a quick summary of what a bachelors degree entails:
An undergraduate degree known as a bachelor’s typically requires four years to complete. A major field of study is chosen when pursuing a bachelor’s degree; examples include English, history, chemistry, or computer science. Many graduates choose to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate with a bachelor’s degree because this type of degree provides you with sufficient education for the majority of career fields.
After completing the program, you’ll be qualified to work in a variety of industries at the entry-level or management levels. Often, obtaining a master’s degree requires that you first hold a bachelor’s degree. Keep in mind that based on the programs they offer, various colleges offer various types of bachelor’s degrees. Here are some different types of bachelors degrees:
Masters degree
Heres a quick summary of what a masters degree entails:
Programs for master’s degrees, like those for bachelor’s degrees, concentrate on a particular field of study. You frequently need to complete an undergraduate program, have a minimum grade point average, and obtain a passing score on a graduate entrance exam in order to be accepted into a master’s degree program. Additionally, some programs call for you to finish a thesis or capstone project before you can graduate. Depending on your program and the institution, you must complete a certain type of thesis or capstone project.
With a master’s degree, you can work in a variety of industries at the advanced or executive level. Gaining admission to some doctoral programs is also made possible by having this kind of college degree. Here are some of the various types of masters degrees:
Doctorate degree
Heres a quick look at what a doctorate degree entails:
Also known as Ph. D. The highest level of education you can obtain is through doctoral degree programs. Therefore, they offer the highest level of a college degree. Some doctoral programs may only require a bachelor’s degree, while others may require a master’s.
You might also need to submit your results from standardized tests and letters of recommendation. Additionally, a dissertation and research project may be required of you. You might need to complete clinical hours toward the end of the program if you work in the medical field.
Despite the fact that a doctoral program requires several years to complete, having one enables you to work as an expert in many fields of study. Here are some of the various types of doctorate degrees:
In addition to these four main areas, many accredited public and private colleges also offer online degree programs. Online degrees are available at all degree levels. With the help of these distance learning opportunities, you can better manage your time and learn about a wide range of subject areas.
How to decide on a degree level
You can choose your education with greater knowledge now that you are aware of the various college degree levels. Follow these instructions to choose a degree level:
1. Identify your interests
Take into account the type of career you are interested in before choosing a degree level. Your chosen career path has a significant impact on the degree you should select. For instance, if you want to work in sales, you must have at least an associate’s degree or a high school diploma. Higher education is needed for some professions, like medicine. It’s simpler to focus on a specific degree once you’ve decided on a career path and identified your interests.
2. Consider various job requirements
Some companies require job applicants to have a certain degree. To help you choose a degree level, research the position you want and look for common job requirements. Make sure you have the same or a higher level degree than others in your field if you want to compete with other job applicants.
3. Consider your future
Take into account your career goals before choosing a degree level. Although you can enter the workforce with or without an associate’s degree, you will have access to more advanced opportunities if you continue your education.
For instance, even though you may be in an entry-level position now, you might want to pursue an executive-level position in the future. If so, you might need to pursue an advanced degree to further your education.
4. Consider the costs
Your education will cost more as you continue it. Think about your spending plan and whether the cost of the degree is worth the potential debt.
It’s important to keep in mind that, depending on your career choice, advanced degrees may be valuable even though they take longer to obtain and cost you more money. Think about your potential salary, for instance, and whether it will be sufficient to cover the cost of your education. Consider other options and whether you can get a lesser degree and still succeed in your field if you don’t think the debt is worth the degree.
FAQ
What are the 5 degrees in college?
College Degrees in Order The Ultimate Overview. The prerequisites, lengths, and requirements for associate, bachelor, master’s, and doctoral degrees vary. The four categories of college degrees are associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral.
What are the 3 types of college degrees?
Bachelor’s degree – Includes Bachelor of Arts (B. A. ), Bachelor of Science (B. S. ) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B. F. A. ) Doctorate degree – Includes Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D. ) Professional degree – Includes Doctor of Medicine (M. D. ) and Juris Doctor (J. D. ).
What are the 4 levels of education?
The pattern of education in the United States is comparable to that of many other systems. Following primary school (known as elementary school in the US), middle school, secondary school (also known as high school in the US), and finally postsecondary (tertiary) education, is early childhood education.
What is 1st degree in college?
A person who has finished undergraduate courses can earn an academic degree known as an undergraduate degree, also known as a first degree or just a degree. It is typically provided at a higher education facility in the United States, like a college or university.
