There are numerous types of college degrees available in the United States. Most accredited four-year universities have followed a uniform system since the 1800s, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. A two-year associate’s degree is typically offered by community or junior colleges. All of these degrees have different focuses and programs, and different universities have different educational requirements and requirements, though they are similar across the country.
College degrees are fairly common at junior colleges, which are typically smaller colleges serving a small number of communities. The associate’s degree, which represents pre-professional areas of study, is awarded after two full years of study, or around 60 credit hours. They’re available as either transfer or career degrees. Associate’s degrees are usually completed with common elective courses, and the credits may or may not transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The bachelor’s degree is the first type of college degree offered by universities. This degree takes four years to complete, though it can be completed in three, five, or even more. It usually takes 120 credit hours to complete and is recognized as an undergraduate academic degree. Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are the most common bachelor’s degrees earned in the United States (BS). A certain number of elective courses, a declared major, and a number of higher level courses in the area of concentration are usually required. Many of the degrees awarded in Europe and Asia are equivalent to these.
A master’s degree is typically more difficult for a student to obtain. After completing a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree is obtained after an additional one or two years of study. As a result of the many specialized courses and often professional work in a field that this degree entails, someone with one may earn significantly more money in certain professions. It can be earned as an MA or an MS, just like a bachelor’s degree.
The doctorate is the next academic degree level. This degree requires an additional one or two years of study, bringing the total time spent in school to 12 years. Some professions, such as lawyers, professors, and therapists, may require a doctorate, which usually entails more fieldwork. Doctorate degrees in the United States also necessitate the completion of a dissertation before being awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.), or one of many other types of doctorates.