There are many levels of college degrees.
University degrees run the gamut of undergraduate, graduate, post graduate, doctoral and professional degrees to attain various levels of education, careers and professional licenses such as doctor, lawyer or minister. The time to complete a course of study for the various degrees can range from two years to eight, 10 or more depending on the discipline and the college.
Associate's Degree
A high school graduate can attend a community college, technical college or four-year college that offers a two-year degree program to attain an associate's degree. It can be an Associate of Arts degree in social sciences and humanities, Associate of Science degree in science and technical fields, an Associate of Applied Science degree from a technical or vocational college or an Associate of Occupational Studies. The latter two degrees prepare the graduate to work in careers such as medical record technician, paralegal, computer networking and agriculture among others. The associate's degree is also a steppingstone to a four-year bachelor's degree program.
Bachelor's Degree
This is the traditional four-year undergraduate college degree also known as the baccalaureate degree. The graduate will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree if the major was humanities or social sciences. A student with a major in biology or mathematics will receive a Bachelor of Science degree after completing the course of study. Some colleges offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Bachelor of Business Administration as well as other specialized four-year programs. All undergraduates must take basic education courses in English, math, science and social studies to meet their degree requirements. The bachelor's degree prepares the graduate for a career or for advanced study for a master's, doctorate or a professional degree.
Master's Degree
A bachelor's degree holder can earn a Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Social Work or a Master of Architecture with one to two years of additional study. This is often referred to as "grad school," and specific undergraduate courses may be required to qualify for a master's program. A master's degree is mandatory for some occupations such as engineering, physical therapy and social work. A master's degree also prepares a graduate student to advance to the doctoral level of higher education. Some doctoral programs accept students with bachelor's degrees and do not require master's degrees to qualify.
Doctoral Degree
The highest degree that can be earned in graduate studies is the Doctor of Philosophy degree in fields including arts, business, education, ophthalmology and radiology. The doctoral degree can require three to five years to complete. Examples of doctoral degree designations are Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Science and Doctor of Public Health.
Professional Degree/License
Dentists, chiropractors, medical doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, divinity and ministry students must attend special schools such as medical school, law school and religion education institutions to attain professional licenses to practice in their professions. Some of the professional degrees are Juris Doctor for a law degree, Doctor of Medicine for a medical doctor, Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine for a dentist and Master of Divinity for a minister.
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