* Certificate: A short-term program focused on specific skills or knowledge, often less than a year. These are not always considered formal degrees.
* Associate's Degree (A.A., A.S.): A two-year degree typically from a community college or junior college. It prepares students for entry-level jobs or transfer to a four-year college.
* Bachelor's Degree (B.A., B.S.): A four-year degree from a college or university. This is the most common undergraduate degree. B.A. often denotes a liberal arts focus, while B.S. often signifies a more science- or technical-focused curriculum.
* Master's Degree (M.A., M.S., M.Ed., MBA, etc.): A graduate degree requiring one to two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. There are many specialized master's degrees.
* Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.M.A., etc.): The highest academic degree, typically requiring several years of advanced study and research beyond a master's degree, culminating in a significant dissertation. Ph.D. is the most common doctoral degree in academic fields. Other doctoral degrees focus on professional practice (Ed.D. in education, D.M.A. in music, etc.).
* Professional Degrees (M.D., J.D., D.D.S., etc.): These degrees are earned through specialized professional schools and are not considered graduate degrees in the same way as a Master's or Ph.D., though they often require several years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Examples include medical doctor (M.D.), Juris Doctor (J.D. - law), and Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.).
It's important to note that this is a general outline. There are variations and exceptions, including post-doctoral studies and other specialized certifications.