An associate degree often is earned in only two years. It may be easier to understand the difference in degrees by considering the average number of required credits for completion (an associate degree requires roughly 60 credits).
A bachelor's degree usually is earned in four years, or upon completion of roughly 120 credits, whichever comes first. A college degree at the bachelor level can provide graduates with a competitive edge when seeking employment.
While the amount of time necessary to earn a master's degree varies depending upon the program of study, they often require at least six years of study. Most master's are earned through the preparation and successful presentation of a thesis as well as the completion of high-level credited courses. To compose a thesis, a master's degree candidate must conduct research that proves or disproves a specific point.
Doctoral degrees are even more difficult to measure in time, and they rarely require less than seven years of study. Students seeking a doctorate will attend high-level classes while writing their dissertation. Though similar to a thesis, a dissertation uses pre-existing works to analyze a predetermined hypothesis.