Rubin Caco

July 22, 2024

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Degrees Explained: A Guide to College Degrees

Pursuing higher education is one of the most important decisions an aspiring scholar will make within their academic and professional careers. There are countless schools, programs, and levels of education high school students can pursue. But what are the different degrees one can earn, what requirements do they have, and which degrees are suitable in which scenarios? 

After graduating from high school, students can pursue one or more of the following levels of education in a field of their choice: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree, as well as several other types of degrees. 

Associate Degree

An Associate’s Degree is a certificate typically earned after the competition of a two-year program at a college or university. This degree can be obtained from community colleges, technical schools, and some universities. Associate’s degrees can be offered in many fields, such as arts or sciences, which would hold the official titles of Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS). 

An associate’s degree is an “undergraduate” degree, meaning that it is a credential obtained after secondary education but not at the level of a program from a graduate school. 

Associate degrees often require the least time and monetary investment compared to other degrees. While it is one of the lowest academic credentials one can obtain after high school, an associate’s degree offers unique flexibility. Students with associate’s degrees can enter the workforce earlier than their peers, or they can opt to further their education for another two years and obtain a bachelor’s.

For students just finishing high school and who may not know what they want to do, they can pursue an associate degree while further planning their career and later choose to transfer into a four-year program for their bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s Degree

The Bachelor’s Degree is the second of the two undergraduate degrees. These credentials typically require the completion of a four-year program. The time scale can differ depending on how many credits a student takes per semester or the requirements of the specific program itself.

Common bachelor’s degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), along with variations such as Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). 

Although a bachelor’s is an undergraduate degree, it still offers a wealth of opportunities in the form of jobs and potential pay increases. A bachelor’s degree involves undergoing a more rigorous program, and thus, those with bachelor’s degrees carry more knowledge and experience. Some colleges even offer dual-degree programs where students can choose to pursue multiple degrees at once. 

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is the first level of graduate degree, obtained after a bachelor’s. Graduate programs often require years of study and between 30 and 60 additional credit hours on top of the requirements for the undergraduate degree. 

Master’s degree holders are highly sought after in the workforce. According to Nation University, in 2021, only 13% of the US workforce had a Master’s degree. These professionals offer specialized knowledge in their field and, in turn, command greater job opportunities and more competitive compensation. Many high-ranking jobs, such as teaching roles or senior management positions, also require master’s degrees. 

Doctoral Degree

The second of the graduate degrees and one of the highest certifications one can get for a traditional study is the doctoral degree. Doctorate degrees come in many varieties, from Doctor of Arts (DA) to Doctor of Education (EdD), and the requirements of these degrees can differ depending on the PhD program. 

For example, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) are degrees that emphasize original research and education, often requiring candidates to conduct research or write a dissertation. Doctor of Arts, however, focuses more on specialization and expertise in a specific field of study. Yet, despite the differences, these degrees are still considered equivalent in most contexts. 

Doctorate degrees are also among the rarest levels of education in the United States. According to the National University, about 2% of the US population has earned a doctorate degree. Earning a doctorate is among the longest and most demanding processes, with doctoral programs often taking 3 to 7 years of additional study. 

Professional Degree

Professional degrees are certifications needed to become licensed to work in a particular profession or practice.

One of the most well-known examples is the Doctor of Medicine (MD), which typically requires four years and a medical residency program to complete. Another example is an Attorney at Law, which requires the completion of a Juris Doctor (JD) before one can become a licensed lawyer. 

Professional degrees can vary in the time they take to complete, how much they cost, what the requirements are for the profession, and all this can change depending on the country. In 2022, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Professional degree holders had a median yearly income of $108,000 and an unemployment rate of 1.4%. 

Terminal Degree

The “terminal degree” is a term often used in the United States to refer to the highest form of educational certification one can possess in a certain field.  

Doctorate degrees, professional degrees, and some master’s degrees can be considered terminal degrees. The usage and meaning of terminal degrees vary depending on the program and country, but typically, the term refers to the highest, final, or “terminal” degree one can possess.

For many fields, a PhD is considered the terminal degree, though some fields terminate at a master’s degree, such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Yet, the highest level of education one can possess changes over time as the education system develops, with some schools in the US today offering a Doctor of Fine Arts.

Honorary Degree

Honorary degrees are a special case in which a university or college awards an individual with a degree—typically a doctorate—for outstanding achievement in their field. However, given the uncustomary nature of this award, holders of honorary degrees tend not to display any titles to respect doctoral students and others who’ve completed a traditional program.  

A famous example is Muhammad Ali, who was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Columbia, Princeton, and other universities for his legendary contributions to boxing.  

Find your Path with InGenius Prep

Choosing a career path and which degree to pursue is one of the most important decisions a student will make as they enter university. Fortunately, they do not need to make their choice alone. To learn more about the college application process and strategize your academic journey, InGenius Prep is here to help. Our team of Former Admissions Officers has guided thousands of students toward fulfilling academic and career paths. Our education experts are here to help your students take the next step in their education. 

Click here to schedule a free strategy meeting with one of our advisors today! 

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