An associate degree takes the least amount of time to earn than all of the other degree types. These degrees typically take about two years to complete. Most of the courses in these programs cater to the student's chosen field. Graduating with an associate degree in a field prepares students to work an entry-level job in the specified field. Advancement opportunities are generally offered to these graduates as their skills and experience allow. Associate degrees are most typically offered in vocational and technical areas of study and are offered at technical schools and community colleges, as well as some larger institutions.
Most students who attend a major university or college are working toward a bachelor's degree. Obtaining a bachelor's degree takes about four years of coursework. A bachelor's degree program features both general education classes, as well as classes relating to the chosen course of study. These degrees can be sought in most fields and offer students the opportunity to either move on to the workforce after graduation or continue on to a higher degree level. Bachelor's degrees are generally split into different categories depending on the area of study. These categories include business administration, arts and science.
Once a student has acquired her bachelor's degree, she may want to move on to a master's degree. This may require a change in schools because not all colleges offer graduate programs. A master's degree takes about two years of studies beyond the bachelor's degree to complete. Students take courses that are created to expand upon their knowledge in their chosen field and help them to get a better job in their field. Some students pursue a master's degree after they have been in the workforce for some time to help them earn a promotion.
A doctorate, or doctor of philosophy degree, goes beyond a master's degree and requires an additional three to five years of coursework. Acceptance to these programs is more difficult as a student must show proficiency in his field. Most students work on their doctorate while they are working. Typically students who pursue a doctorate wish to be experts in their field of study. Some of them go on to be teachers and professors, while others want to rise to the top of their field in the workforce.