Students who want to go to college do not have to go directly into a university. An alternative option is to first enroll in a community college and receive an associate's degree before transferring to a university. Associate's degrees are generally two-year programs. Specific associate degrees include the associate of arts (A.A.), associate of science (A.S.), associate of arts in teaching (A.A.T.), associate of engineering science (A.E.S.) and the associate of fine arts (A.F.A.). While associate'a degree programs will introduce students to basic principles in their specific field of study, they tend to place a heavier emphasis on general education principles. Students who are enrolled in an associate's degree program and plan to transfer to a university should speak with an adviser to make sure that their courses are transferable. Associate's degree students do not necessarily have to transfer to a university after receiving their degree. Many students go on to get good jobs with an associate's degree.
Students can enroll in an undergraduate degree program after transferring from a two-year program or after receiving their high school diploma or GED. While undergraduate degree programs are designed to be completed in four years, students who take classes part time or who work full time may take longer. There are several undergraduate degree options depending on the student's chosen major. These include the bachelor of arts (B.A.), bachelor of science (B.S.), bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) and the bachelor of business administration (B.B.A.). Undergraduate degree coursework usually focuses more on general education requirements for the first two years of study and focuses on the specific major for the remainder of the program. Employers usually require applicants to possess an undergraduate degree for entry-level and mid-level professional positions.
An increasing number of employers are beginning to require graduate degrees. This is especially true for advanced or supervisory positions. In many cases, obtaining an advanced degree can help some workers to get a promotion or a raise at their current job. Students must obtain an undergraduate degree prior to pursuing a graduate degree. Although most graduate degree programs are two years in duration, students often take longer. Specific graduate degrees include the master of arts (M.A.), master of science (M.S.), master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.), master of business administration (M.B.A.) and the master of arts in education (M.E.d.). Unlike undergraduate degree programs that incorporate general education coursework, graduate degree programs focus primarily on the specific field of study. Graduate degree programs also place a heavy emphasis on research. At the end of their program, most graduate degree students have the option to complete a thesis in place of taking a final exam. Completing a thesis involves conducting a major research project and defending the results before a thesis committee.
Some professions require applicants to hold a doctoral degree for more advanced positions. These include university professors, some positions in the psychology field and some advanced positions in research. Students looking to pursue a doctoral degree must first obtain a graduate degree in their field. Doctoral degrees include the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), doctor of social work (D.S.W.), doctor of education (Ed.D.) and doctor of business administration (D.B.A.). Doctoral degree programs are even more specialized and research-centered than graduate degree programs. Focusing on a specific area, doctoral degree candidates must conduct extensive research that makes a significant contribution to their field. Like graduate degree programs, doctoral degree programs culminate with the completion and defense of a major research project, or dissertation. Most doctoral degree programs are between two and six years in duration.
Students who desire to work in certain fields may be required to obtain a professional degree. Professional degrees are often considered to be the equivalent of a graduate degree or doctoral degree and require that students already possess an undergraduate degree. Professional degrees are common in the fields of medicine, dentistry and law, and are usually required for doctors, nurses and lawyers. Some common professional degrees include the doctor of medicine (M.D.), juris doctor (J.D.), doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.), doctor of optometry (O.D.), doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.). Unlike graduate degrees and research-based doctoral degrees, some professional degrees do not require the completion of a thesis or dissertation. However, depending on the profession, additional training, certification or licensure may be required even after receiving a professional degree.