The length of time it takes to earn a professional degree varies depending on the field of study and the level of education required. Some professional degrees, such as a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD), require at least seven years of postsecondary education, including four years of undergraduate study and three years of graduate-level coursework. Other professional degrees, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), typically require two to three years of post-baccalaureate study.
In some cases, candidates for professional degrees may be required to complete additional coursework or gain practical experience before they are eligible to practice their profession. For example, law school graduates must pass the bar exam in order to become licensed attorneys, and medical school graduates must complete a residency program before they can practice medicine.