1. Master's: A Master's degree is a postgraduate degree.
2. Specialist: A specialist degree varies in its standing depending on the field and institution. Sometimes it's considered above a Master's, sometimes equivalent to a Master's, and sometimes below a doctorate. It needs more context to place precisely.
3. PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): A PhD is a doctoral degree and the highest level of academic degree.
4. Associate: An associate's degree is below a bachelor's degree and therefore well below a master's or doctorate.
Therefore, if we assume the "specialist" degree is a postgraduate degree above the master's level, the complete order would be: Associate, Master's, Specialist, PhD. If the specialist degree is equivalent or below the master's, the order would be: Associate, Specialist/Master's (depending on context), PhD.