Generally, a two-year program is available at community colleges and vocational schools. The associate degree can be awarded in arts or applied science in technical fields. This is an entry-level degree that is often desired by individuals seeking trade-related occupations. The AD is also the first undergraduate studies degree awarded to students pursing an academic career. If the school is a recognized accredited institute, credits are transferable to four-year universities and the student would enroll as a junior. For the academic year 2007 to 2008, there were 750,164 associate degrees granted, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Enrollment requirements differ depending on the college's admissions standards, Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) score and cumulative grade point average stipulated. The four-year bachelor's degree is awarded in a declared major after completion of academic requirements as detailed by a department. The bachelor of science degree can be granted in chemistry, nursing or social science studies. A bachelor of arts is conferred in humanities and liberal arts categories. This degree is required for acceptance into graduate school programs.
This is the graduate school level. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for admission. Depending on the emphasis, a master's degree will take approximately one to three years to complete. The master's degree is about specialization--for instance, business administration (MBA) or fine art (MFA) with an emphasis in art history. Satisfactory completion of a master's thesis project is required.
The Ph.D. is granted to a doctor of philosophy in a given subject. A peer-reviewed, publishable dissertation and defense of the project is the litmus test, the milestone that transforms the doctoral candidate into the scholar. The course of study can take approximately five years to complete.
Medical doctors, pharmacists, lawyers and dentists are examples of the professional degree. Four-year degrees are a prerequisite, as well as admissions or qualifying exams. The academic requirements necessary will vary. The Juris Doctor (JD) for law takes about three years, while the medical degree for pharmacists (DPM) takes four. These professions also have state licensing requirements or other exams to pass before you can legally practice.