There are several different types of degrees that can be obtained through higher education. The most common types of degrees include associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. However, there are also some other less common types of degrees as well.
Associate’s Degrees
An associate’s degree is typically a two-year degree that is earned at a community college, junior college, vocational school, or some universities. Associate’s degrees are considered undergraduate degrees and are lower than a bachelor’s degree. There are two main types of associate’s degrees:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
An AA degree focuses on humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts. An AS degree focuses on math, science, and technical skills. Both degrees are designed to prepare students to transfer to a 4-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. However, some associate’s degrees, like those in nursing and other technical fields, are designed for direct entry into the workforce.
Common Associate’s Degrees
- Associate of Arts (AA) – Liberal Arts
- Associate of Science (AS) – Math, Science
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Technical, Vocational
- Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) – Visual Arts, Fashion
- Associate of Engineering (AE) – Engineering
Associate’s degrees provide foundational knowledge and skills for careers or further study. Approximately 850,000 associate’s degrees are awarded annually in the United States.
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree, also called an undergraduate degree, is typically a four-year degree earned at a college or university after completing high school. Bachelor’s degrees build on the knowledge gained during an associate’s degree or early college credits.
There are three main types of bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
A BA degree focuses on the humanities, liberal arts, social sciences, and languages. A BS focuses on math, science, and technical skills. A BFA focuses on specialized visual or performing arts training.
Common Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Humanities, Liberal Arts
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Math, Science, Technical
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Visual Arts, Design, Theater
- Bachelor of Music (BM) – Music Performance
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE) – Engineering
Bachelor’s degrees provide in-depth study in a major area and are often required for professional careers and graduate school. Approximately 1.9 million bachelor’s degrees are awarded annually in the United States.
Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree is an advanced postgraduate degree pursued after earning a bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs generally take 1-2 years to complete full-time.
There are two main types of master’s degrees:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MS)
Similar to bachelor’s degrees, MAs focus on humanities, liberal arts, and social sciences, while MS degrees focus on math, science, and technical disciplines.
Common Master’s Degrees
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Master of Education (MEd)
- Master of Engineering (MEng)
Master’s degrees allow for advanced study in a field and are often required for management, research, and academic careers. Approximately 786,000 master’s degrees are awarded annually in the United States.
Doctoral Degrees
A doctoral degree, or doctorate, is the highest level of academic degree. Doctorates are research-focused degrees that generally take 3-7 years of full-time study after a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
There are two main types of doctoral degrees:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Professional doctorate
The PhD is the traditional academic research doctorate earned across all fields. Professional doctorates are practice-focused degrees in fields like law, medicine, public health, education, and engineering.
Common Doctoral Degrees
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctoral degrees recognize the highest level of academic achievement. They train experts to conduct original research and apply knowledge to professional practice. Approximately 178,000 doctoral degrees are awarded annually in the United States.
Other Degree Types
In addition to the major degree types above, there are some other less common degrees awarded in certain fields of study:
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) – Visual Design, Fashion
- Associate of General Studies (AGS) – Interdisciplinary Programs
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) – Applied Arts, Sciences
- Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) – Technical Trades
- Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) – Interdisciplinary Programs
These degrees tend to be more specialized or interdisciplinary in focus compared to traditional liberal arts or technical degrees. They allow flexibility in combining studies across different subjects or technical fields.
Degree Levels
Degrees can be categorized into different levels based on the years of study and academic achievement required. The main degree levels in order are:
- Associate’s degree – 2 years
- Bachelor’s degree – 4 years
- Master’s degree – 1-2 years after bachelor’s degree
- Doctoral degree – 3+ years after bachelor’s or master’s degree
Higher degree levels correspond to more advanced study, specialization, and expertise. Each degree builds on the previous one, allowing students to progressively gain more knowledge and skills.
Degree Type | Degree Level | Years to Complete |
---|---|---|
Associate’s | Undergraduate | 2 years |
Bachelor’s | Undergraduate | 4 years |
Master’s | Graduate | 1-2 years |
Doctoral | Graduate | 3+ years |
Degree Majors
Most degrees are available in a variety of majors or subjects. The major is the specific field of study and expertise. Common major categories include:
- Arts – Visual Arts, Music, Theater
- Humanities – Literature, History, Philosophy
- Social Sciences – Psychology, Sociology, Political Science
- Natural Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Formal Sciences – Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics
- Professions – Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing
Students choose a major that aligns with their interests and career goals. Majors establish specialized knowledge in a subject area while degrees signify level of achievement.
Degree Specializations
Within a degree major, students often have the option to specialize further. Some common specializations include:
- Business – Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Accounting
- Education – Early Childhood, Secondary, Special Education
- Engineering – Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, Computer
- Nursing – Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Anesthetist
- Psychology – Clinical, Forensic, Organizational, Counseling
Specializations allow students to focus on a narrow subset of a field. They can indicate expertise needed for certain careers or advanced study.
Degree Certificates
Some colleges offer shorter certificate programs in addition to full degree programs. Certificates recognize completion of a specific curriculum in under two years. Common certificate types include:
- Undergraduate Certificate – After high school diploma
- Graduate Certificate – After bachelor’s degree
- Postgraduate Certificate – After master’s degree
- Postbaccalaureate Certificate – After bachelor’s degree
Certificates provide career-oriented skills and training for fields like healthcare, business, technology and trades. They take less time than a full degree.
Degree Attainment in the U.S.
In 2019, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the following statistics on degree attainment for Americans 25 and older:
- 9% had an associate’s degree
- 21% had a bachelor’s degree
- 8% had a master’s degree
- 2% had a doctoral or professional degree
In total, 42.6% of American adults had some level of college degree. While bachelor’s degrees remain most common, more students are pursuing graduate and professional degrees for advanced careers.
Conclusion
There are a wide variety of degree types that can be earned at different levels of higher education. The most common are associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. However, there are also many variations and specializations within these degree categories.
The degrees earned, level of study, and majors and specializations pursued depend on a student’s interests and future career ambitions. Each successive degree builds on previous learning to provide progressively deeper knowledge and expertise. Understanding the different degree options can help students make informed choices about their education.
Associate’s degrees may provide some careers skills, while bachelor’s are often needed for full professional roles. Master’s and doctoral degrees allow for more advanced study and specialization at the graduate level. Overall, degree programs equip students with the diverse range of knowledge and capabilities needed to succeed across many occupations and fields.
In today’s economy, postsecondary degrees and credentials are important steps on educational pathways leading to in-demand jobs and careers. A variety of flexible and targeted degrees and credentials are available to meet students’ needs at all levels of higher learning.