A Guide to Different Types of College Degrees
Students pursuing higher education have a world of options to choose from, from credentials such as badges and certificates to a range of college degree levels.To get more news about
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Regardless of the path students choose, experts see a need for professional career training.
"I believe we're in a time where some sort of educational foundation is necessary," says Kia Hardy, dean of advising and campus dean at Tidewater Community College's Virginia Beach, Virginia, location.
While not every job requires a degree, a college diploma is a must-have for others. Some professions demand further academic pursuits, requiring multiple degrees in the field. Alternatively, college certificate programs also offer students a chance to learn a skill set. And some certificates are designed to be built upon, with those credits applicable to an eventual degree, Hardy notes.
"There are many different purposes behind a degree," says Frank J. Dooley, a professor and senior vice provost for teaching and learning at Purdue University—West Lafayette in Indiana, adding that for some adult learners it can be about gaining credentials "so they can move forward in their job."
Associate Degree
An associate degree is often an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.). A degree earned in a professional program is often called an Associate of Applied Science, or A.A.S., though sometimes the name reflects the specific field of study, such as an Associate of Engineering.
An associate degree is designed to take two years for a full-time student to complete, requiring 60 credit hours or more, depending on the program. Associate degrees are typically offered at community colleges and some universities. After completion, graduates often enter the workforce or pursue a bachelor's degree, Hardy says, noting that most community college degrees are designed to transfer to four-year schools."There are some students who were admitted to a four-year college or university, but because of the cost they may not be able to attend – it may not be possible for their family financially," says Hardy. Community college tuition generally costs less than at universities, which makes the transfer option appealing, she adds.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, 50% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 had an associate degree or higher in 2020. Those with an associate degree earn nearly an additional $200,000 over a 40-year career lifetime compared with those with some college education but no degree, per research from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
Broken down on a more granular level, American workers age 25 and over with an associate degree earned a median weekly income of $938 in 2020 compared with $781 for those with only a high school diploma and no college, per figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In addition to a credential such as an associate degree, there may also be licensing requirements to work in certain fields, which may mean additional exams for certification. Such requirements tend to vary by state and occupation rather than by education level.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, which adds up to an expected four years for a full-time student, though that length can vary by program. Bachelor's degrees can be earned at four-year institutions and a small number of community colleges that have added baccalaureate programs in recent years.
Master's Degree
A master's degree follows a bachelor's degree for many continuing their postsecondary education.
Credit hour requirements for a master's degree can vary based on the graduate school program. Typically it requires 30 or more credit hours, spread across an average of two years of full-time study, to complete a master's degree. A final project or graduate thesis also may be required.
Common degrees include the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
