There are many different types of degree programs available around the world, but the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are the most common. Every subject taught in universities is available within these levels of degrees. There are also technical and specialized degree programs, some of which are only available in specific countries. Depending on the level of education they are intended to promote, programs usually have different foci.
The most common undergraduate degrees are bachelor’s degrees, though associate’s degree programs are also available. Although students usually choose a specialization, these programs are typically broad. Bachelor of Arts (B.A. ), Bachelor of Science (B.S. ), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees are available at this level (B.F.A.). Each of these subcategories has its own set of requirements, most of which are related to the type of academic work that must be completed in order to earn a degree. This degree can take three or four years to complete, depending on the country.
The master’s degree program, which is often offered in a specific subject, is the next step. This may or may not be indicated in the degree’s actual name, depending on the degree system. Master’s degrees are often very specialized, allowing students to focus on a single subject. These are sometimes presented with honors.
A doctoral degree is a program that must be completed before a person can teach or perform other high-level tasks. It is usually a country’s highest level of education. This program focuses solely on a single field of study, such as anthropology or geology, and typically includes original research and teaching experience.
Other degree programs exist as well, though many have been standardized to facilitate student exchange and qualification assessment. Medical degrees, judicial degrees, and foundation degrees are all available. Many specialized degrees are related to specific occupations. Some systems, for example, divide degree programs into professional and technical tracks.
A person’s truncated or failed degree program may still result in a degree in some cases. There are honorary degrees and posthumous degrees, for example, which can be earned living a certain way. These degrees are intended to be complements rather than functional degrees.
The three-tier system, like the subjects taught in those programs, is widely used around the world. Nonetheless, the programs’ meanings do not always translate directly. A master’s degree in Scotland, for example, differs from a master’s degree in England. For potential international students, these differences can make the entire international degree program more complicated.