What Are the Different Types of Degrees?

Associate Degree (typically about 2 years)

• Where: Community colleges, trade schools 
• Types: A.A. (arts), A.S. (science), A.A.S. (applied/vocational)
• Then what: Enter workforce OR transfer to a four year college or university to complete a bachelor's degree

Bachelor's Degree (typically about 4 years)

The most common degree. Required for most professional careers like business or  engineering.

Types:

• B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) - humanities, social sciences, arts
• B.S. (Bachelor of Science) - sciences, math, technical fields
• Others: B.F.A. (fine arts), B.B.A. (business)

What's in it:

• General education, sometimes called Core Curriculum (everyone takes these)
• Major courses (your specialization)
• Electives (your choices)

Note on Minors: While earning your bachelor's, you can also add a minor (a secondary area of study, usually about 5 to 7 classes in a concentrated field of study). It's optional and can be in any field. More on this in Part 4 of our Understanding Colleges Series!

Master's Degree (typically 1-3 years beyond bachelor's)

Advanced study in a specific field. Required for some careers (counselor, social worker).

Types:

• M.A./M.S. - academic fields
• M.B.A. - business
• M.Ed. - education
• M.S.W. - social work

Accelerated option: Many schools offer 4+1 or 3+2 programs to earn both bachelor's and master's in a total of 5-6 years.

Professional Degrees

This is specific training for licensed professions. Bachelor's degree must be completed first, and then you go on to Law School, Med School, Vet School, MBA, etc. 

• J.D. (law) - 3 years
• M.D. (medicine) - 4 years + residency
• Pharm.D. (pharmacy) - 4 years
• D.P.T. (physical therapy) - 3 years
• D.D.S./D.M.D. (dentistry) - 4 years
• D.V.M. (veterinary) - 4 years

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.)

This is the highest academic degree, typically obtained for research careers and university professors. Takes 4-8+ years beyond bachelor's.

Quick Timeline

High School → 4 years

Associates Degree → 2 more years

Bachelors Degree → 2 more years if earned Associate or 4-5 years from High School

Masters Degree → 2-4 more years

Professional/Doctoral  → 2-4 more years

Key point: You don't need to know your entire path now. Most students figure it out as they go!