In the United States, an associate degree is a two-year degree that is typically offered by community colleges and some technical schools. Associate degrees are available in a variety of fields, including arts, sciences, business, and technology.
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is a four-year degree that is typically offered by colleges and universities. Bachelor's degrees are available in a wide variety of fields, and they are generally considered to be the minimum educational requirement for many careers.
Master's degree
A master's degree is a two-year degree that is typically offered by graduate schools and some professional schools. Master's degrees are available in a variety of fields, and they are generally considered to be necessary for careers in research, teaching, and management.
Doctorate degree
A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic degree that is offered by colleges and universities. Doctorate degrees are typically required for careers in research and teaching.
Professional degree
A professional degree is a degree that is typically offered by professional schools. Professional degrees are generally required for careers in law, medicine, dentistry, and other regulated professions.
Other types of degrees
In addition to the degrees listed above, there are a number of other types of degrees that are offered by colleges and universities. These degrees include certificates, diplomas, and associate of arts degrees.