Last Updated on October 1, 2026
Quick answer: The main types of college degrees are the associate degree (about two years), the bachelor’s degree (about four years), the master’s degree (usually one to two years beyond a bachelor’s), and the doctoral degree (several more years of advanced study and research). Professional degrees such as the MD and JD prepare you for licensed careers.
Types of College Degrees Explained
Choosing among the types of college degrees is one of the most important decisions you will make in your academic and professional career. 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 degree is a credential typically earned after the completion 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 usually require the least time of any college degree, typically about two years of full-time study. 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. [1]
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. Our guide to the Common App for transfer students explains how that process works.
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). If you are weighing a BA against a BS in a related field, our comparison of a B.S. in Business vs. a B.A. in Economics shows how that choice plays out.
A bachelor’s degree opens the door to a wide range of careers and is the standard requirement for most graduate and professional programs. 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 pursue multiple degrees at once. For example, the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program lets students earn a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and a BA or BS from Brown University over five years. [2]
Graduate Degrees: Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional
Once you complete a bachelor’s degree, you can continue into graduate study. Graduate degrees are more specialized than undergraduate degrees, and each one is built for a different goal. A master’s degree deepens your knowledge in a field, a doctoral degree prepares you to create new knowledge through research, and a professional degree prepares you for licensure in a specific career such as medicine or law. Here is how each graduate option works.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is the first level of graduate degree, obtained after a bachelor’s. Master’s programs typically take one to two years of full-time study beyond the bachelor’s degree, though some take longer. [1]
Master’s degree holders are highly sought after in the workforce. These professionals offer specialized knowledge in their field and, in turn, qualify for more advanced roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a master’s degree also have a lower unemployment rate than those with a bachelor’s degree. [3] 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 U.S. Census Bureau, the number of doctoral degree holders more than doubled between 2000 and 2018 to 4.5 million, yet they remain a small share of U.S. adults. [4] 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 credentials needed to become licensed to work in a particular profession or practice. These programs, such as the MD, JD, and DDS, typically require at least six years of full-time college-level study in total. [1]
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 vary in the time they take to complete and in the requirements for each profession, and these details can change depending on the country. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that professional degree holders have one of the lowest unemployment rates of any education level, second only to doctoral degree holders. [5]
Other Types of College Degrees
Beyond the four main levels, you will hear two other terms often: terminal degrees and honorary degrees. Neither one is a separate level of study, but both are useful to understand as you compare the types of college degrees and plan your path.
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 received honorary doctorates in recognition of his legendary contributions to boxing.
How to Choose Among the Types of College Degrees
Knowing the types of college degrees is the first step. The next step is deciding which path fits your goals. Start with the career or field that interests you and work backward. Some careers require only a bachelor’s degree, while others, such as medicine, law, and university teaching, require a graduate or professional degree. Looking at the required credential early helps you plan your coursework and timeline.
As you weigh your options, ask yourself a few questions:
- What credential does the career I am considering require?
- Would I benefit from starting with an associate degree and transferring, or from enrolling directly in a four-year program?
- Am I interested in research, which points toward a doctoral degree, or in hands-on professional practice?
- Does a dual-degree or combined program fit my interests across more than one field?
Your choice of major matters too. If you are still exploring, our guide on how to choose a major on the Common App walks you through the Future Plans section, and our overview of the best degrees to get highlights fields with growing career options.
Remember that your first degree is rarely your last decision. Many students begin with a bachelor’s degree, gain work experience, and then return for a master’s or professional degree once their goals are clearer. What matters most is choosing a program that fits your interests today while keeping future paths open.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
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 process, 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.
Get a clear, honest read on which path actually fits your goals, and the specific next steps to build a competitive application. Click here to book your complimentary consultation.