Log in to become a member of Alison Cole's Fan Club!
College degrees have become one of the yardsticks by which people are judged at their jobs and in the society. When a person decides to further his education and grow in his career, a college degree can help. There are different types of degrees for different kinds of study.
When a student is looking to be trained for a specific job like a beautician, chef, welder or plumber, or develop a certain skill, certificate courses are an immediate option. Community colleges and technical/vocational colleges offer certificate courses. Some four-year colleges also offer certificate courses as well.
For those planning on entering a technical or vocational field, an Associate degree is useful. Associate degrees are usually earned in two years or less and are available at community colleges, technical and vocational colleges. A two-year program in the humanities and social science fields leads to an Associate of Arts (A.A.). Those pursuing studies in science are awarded an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree. Completion of a two-year technical or vocational program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Students also have the option of accumulating credits and working towards a Bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s degrees are also referred to as undergraduate degrees. These degrees are usually four-year programs. Students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree have to also study general education courses, including english, math, science and social sciences. These students will chose a topic to focus on beyond all others, though, called a “major’. There are different types of Bachelor’s degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S). The former are usually earned in the humanities and social science fields and the latter are awarded to those studying in scientific and technical fields. Some colleges offer additional degrees, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.). A bachelor’s degree is a stepping-stone to those working towards a Master’s degree or a Doctorate.
Master’s degrees are obtained at a graduate school and most programs take two years to complete. A Master’s degree helps advance one’s career because it implies a mastery of a subject or area of study. Those entering graduate programs are expected to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and complete specific undergraduate courses. Some of the most common Master’s degrees are: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Master of Education (M.Ed.).
A Master’s degree is typically followed by a Doctoral degree. Attaining a Doctoral degree generally takes anywhere from three to five years or longer. Examples of popular Doctoral degrees are the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Graduate degrees in the fields of law, business and medicine are often referred to as professional degrees. The Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Medicine (MD), are awarded upon the completion of Law, Business and Medical school respectively. Advanced degrees in other areas, such as journalism and architecture, are also referred to as professional degrees.
» left by kate from pennsylvania (3 years 91 days ago.)
yes, it was very helpful and informative. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 222 days ago.)
This website is PHENOMENAL!!! Respond to this comment
» left by kyle burns from miami 305 (2 years 192 days ago.)
thanks for solving my confusion!!!!! Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa from California (2 years 174 days ago.)
At 43 years old and never had college as an option. I am now looking to help my children attain their goals by attending college. I never really understood the terms"undergraduate" and "Bachelors degrees ." This definately simplified the unknown. Now to find out how to get the financial aid needed to begin. Thanks, Lisa Respond to this comment
» left by Darnisha (2 years 116 days ago.)
This article was very helpful, I always wondered what those letters stood for.
Darnisha. Respond to this comment
» left by Angela from Atlanta, GA (2 years 60 days ago.)
This article was helpful to me in my college research. I'm doing a presentation on working adult going back to school and the different degrees they obtain. Thanks for the source!
Angela Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 59 days ago.)
Very helpful, thank you. Sometimes the most common questions can be the hardest to ferret out. Your site eleminated that problem nicely. Again, Thank you. Respond to this comment
» left by xx (2 years 2 days ago.)
I just graduated from highschool and i never knew what kind of diff. degrees we had!! this article was very helpful! Respond to this comment
» left by emily from new jersey (1 year 253 days ago.)
this article was soo helpful, i am in middle school and have to do a college project in an EXCEL program, thanks alice
*emily* Respond to this comment
» left by emily from new jersey (1 year 253 days ago.)
sorry, alison, i thought it said your name was alice cole i hope your not mad
:-) *emily* Respond to this comment
» left by San from Washington DC (312 days 12 hours ago.)
This was very well placed and the information served the cause. I am glad I have a place that I can refer others to get the information. Trying to Explain it to somone is one thing having them read and retain the actual words to each is more rewarding. (good job)
» left by JoAnn from Sedro Woolley, WA (70 days 14 hours ago.)
I really liked this article because you put everything so simply. I am looking to go back to school, but was so confused by everything I read. This really cleared up a few things for me. Thank you Alison!
Thank you for explaining this so simply! As a sophomore in high school, it really helped my understanding of the different degrees that can be received in college, and it really helped me in my search for a career that interests me.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
