Associate degrees are typically completed in two years. In certain cases, they are stand-alone degrees and they allow access to entry-level jobs. More commonly, associate degrees are obtained as training and preparation for a bachelor's degree. In most cases, associate degrees can be applied as credits when studying for a bachelor's degree.
Colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees. Many students begin pursuing Bachelor's degrees right after completing high school. It takes most students four years to obtain a bachelor's degree, although some may complete the coursework in less or greater amounts of time. Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science, are commonly awarded bachelor's degrees. Bachelor of Arts degrees include liberal arts degrees such as English, philosophy and sociology. Bachelor of Science degrees are typically awarded for engineering, science and mathematics. A standard undergraduate program consists of two years of general studies and two years of focused study in the selected degree area. After completing a degree some students enter the work force, while others elect to attend graduate school and pursue master's degrees, doctorates and professional degrees.
A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for entering a master's degree program. Master's degrees involve much more in-depth study and research than bachelor's degrees. Often, students pursue master's degrees in the same area of study that they pursued as an undergraduate, but it is usually not a requirement. It typically takes two years to earn a master's degree, and the culmination is a thesis paper or project in the area of study. A master's degree enables students to perform research and participate in higher career paths and, in some instances, teach at the undergraduate level. In some cases, a master's degree is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of education obtainable for a particular career path.
A doctoral degree, or Ph.D. is awarded after intensive study in a very specific area and can take anywhere from two to five years to complete. Typically, students are required to obtain a master's degree in a particular subject, prior to pursuing a doctorate. In some cases though, a student will be admitted to a doctorate program with only a bachelor's degree. In either case, the goal of a Ph.D. is to make a student an expert in a subject and to be able to defend this expertise through a dissertation prior to graduating. A doctorate is the highest level of college education obtainable.
Law degrees, medical degrees and dental degrees are considered professional degrees, obtained through attending a professional school. Many students attend professional schools after obtaining a bachelor's degree, but it's not uncommon for students to have earned master's degrees prior to attending. Certain professions require a professional degree for to practice a profession.
Certificate programs are not actually college degrees, but many colleges offer them. They are generally obtained as training for certain professions. Examples of certificate programs include pharmacy technician, dental assistant or automotive trades. There are also certificate programs that are available to these who have completed a bachelor's degree and seek additional training and skills. Examples are certificates for training in accounting, teaching and writing.