Types of Degrees in College: Insights and Advice

Deciding on the right college degree can feel like a big challenge. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is the best fit for you and your future? Whether you’re just starting out in college or considering an advanced degree, understanding the types of degrees in college can make the process a lot clearer.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the main types of degrees you’ll encounter in college, giving you the insights and advice you need to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

• What Are the Different Types of Degrees in College?
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• Professional Degree
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Different Types of Degrees in College?

When it comes to choosing a college degree, it’s important to understand the different types available. Each degree offers unique opportunities and prepares you for different career paths:

In the following sections, we’ll break down the main types of degrees in college and explain what each one means for your academic and professional journey.

Associate Degree

An associate degree is one of the types of degrees in college that typically takes two years to complete. It’s commonly offered by community colleges, technical schools, and some four-year universities.

On average, you can earn this degree after completing around 60 credit hours, and while some colleges offer on-campus housing, many community colleges and technical schools have limited or no residential options.

In 2021, nearly 49% of Americans aged 25-29 held an associate degree or higher, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Moreover, a 2022 NCES report revealed that the median annual earnings for workers with an associate degree in 2020 were $44,100. This is $15,500 less than those with a bachelor’s degree, but $4,200 more than individuals with some college education but no degree, and $7,500 higher than those with only a high school diploma.

Some students complete their associate’s degree and enter the workforce, while others transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Types of associate degrees

• Associate of Arts (AA). Typically focuses on fields such as English, history, social sciences, and the arts. It provides a solid foundation for students planning to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
• Associate of Science (AS). Generally centers around subjects like science, mathematics, and technology, and is also designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
• Associate of Applied Arts (AAA). Caters to students pursuing careers in creative industries, including graphic design, animation, and music production, providing specialized knowledge and skills for these fields.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Aims at equipping students with practical, hands-on skills for careers in fields like healthcare, technology, business, and engineering, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce.

What can you do with an associate’s degree?

An associate degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various fields, from hands-on medical roles to creative positions in the arts. It offers a practical and cost-effective way to gain valuable skills and experience, allowing you to enter the workforce without the time and financial commitment of a four-year degree.

However, one potential drawback is that some associate degrees focus on very specific skill sets, which may require additional training or education if you decide to switch careers or advance further in your field.

Common jobs you can pursue with an associate degree include:

• Registered nurse
• Web designer
• Pastry chef
• Medical sonographer
• Dental hygienist
• Graphic designer

Bachelor’s Degree

Among the different types of degrees in college, the bachelor’s degree is the most common path for undergraduate students at four-year colleges and universities.

Typically requiring four to five years of study, a bachelor’s degree allows you to focus on a specific academic discipline and prepares you for professional careers that often require this level of education.

Earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to many job opportunities and boosts your earning potential. An NCES report found that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earned 59% more than those whose highest level of education was a high school diploma, with median earnings of $41,800.

Some institutions offer a combination of liberal arts and professional studies through a unique program called a 3-2 program. In this dual-degree structure, you complete three years of liberal arts courses followed by two years of technical or professional studies. At the end, you earn two bachelor’s degrees—usually a BA and a BS.

For instance, Columbia University offers a 3-2 Combined Plan program where students can complete both degrees in five years.

If you’re aiming to become a teacher, many colleges allow you to combine bachelor’s degree study with state certification requirements. These programs typically include professional education courses, such as student teaching, to help you meet state guidelines.

While most bachelor’s degrees are completed in about four years, the length may vary depending on the program. Typically, these degrees require around 120 credit hours, though the exact number can differ. Bachelor’s degrees are most often offered at four-year institutions, which are traditionally residential, but many colleges also provide online or commuting options for flexibility.

According to NCES, 39% of Americans aged 25-29 had earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2021. A report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce also shows that in 2019, the lifetime median earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree were nearly $2.8 million.

Types of bachelor degrees

There are over 80 types of recognized bachelor’s degrees, but the two most common are the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Here are the key differences between a B.A. and a B.S. degree:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). This degree typically focuses on the arts and humanities, covering subjects such as writing, art, history, philosophy, religion, and more.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.). This degree emphasizes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, as well as fields like business and health professions. It offers a broad selection of majors within these disciplines.

Once you earn your bachelor’s degree, you may decide to pursue a graduate degree to refine your expertise and further your career. Depending on your professional goals, you might need a graduate or professional degree to advance in your chosen field.

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree provides you with four years of academic preparation to enter the job market. Throughout your degree program, you’ll likely engage in major-specific coursework, participate in a summer internship, and build valuable relationships with mentors.

While many job positions may require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification, not all career fields follow this rule. It’s important to take the time to research the careers that interest you and determine the educational requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask your mentors about their own career paths and seek advice from professionals in your chosen field.

Some jobs you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree include:

• Marketing assistant
• Project manager
• Software developer
• Elementary teacher
• Accountant
• UI/UX designer

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is one of the advanced types of degrees in college that many students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, jumping directly into a master’s program isn’t necessarily ideal after graduation.

Before you decide to pursue a master’s degree, it’s important to first ask yourself what steps are needed to achieve your career goals and why you want to earn that specific degree. If an advanced degree is required for your desired career, consider exploring accelerated programs, like UChicago’s 4+1 program. These allow you to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years, instead of the usual six.

Master’s degree programs typically take around two years to complete and require at least 30 credit hours, depending on the graduate school. Many programs also require a final project or thesis to graduate.

Master’s programs are focused on specialized topics, allowing you to develop deeper expertise in a specific area. Unlike undergraduate degrees, master’s programs don’t include general knowledge courses but instead concentrate solely on your chosen field.

These degrees are typically offered at both state and private universities, as well as some colleges. Depending on the field, professions such as teaching, social work, business, art, writing, theatre, and engineering may require a master’s degree for career advancement or higher-level positions.

Types of master’s degrees

• Master of Arts (M.A.). This degree is typically awarded for advanced studies in the humanities, social sciences, or fine arts, offering a deep dive into subjects like literature, history, and cultural studies.
• Master of Science (M.S.). Awarded for studies in fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, or technology, this degree emphasizes research, experimentation, and technical expertise in scientific disciplines.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.). Designed for educators, this degree helps you enhance your knowledge and skills in areas like teaching, curriculum development, educational leadership, and counseling, aiming to improve your impact in the classroom or educational administration.
• Master of Laws (LL.M.). Intended for lawyers seeking specialization, the LL.M. allows professionals to deepen their understanding in a specific area of law or gain a broader, international perspective on legal matters.
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Similar to an M.A., the MFA focuses on specialized coursework in artistic fields such as visual arts, performing arts, creative writing, or design. Many MFAs are considered terminal degrees, meaning they represent the highest level of education you can achieve in these creative disciplines.

What can you do with a master’s degree?

A master’s degree can significantly expand your career opportunities and earning potential, offering pathways to specialized roles in various fields. With an advanced qualification, you can advance in your current career, stepping into higher-level positions and taking on more responsibility.

It also provides the flexibility to switch to a new field entirely, allowing you to pursue a career in areas like marketing, data science, or healthcare management. Specializing in a niche area of expertise, such as data science or education, sets you apart from others in your field.

Additionally, individuals with a master’s degree typically earn more than those with just a bachelor’s, increasing their earning potential. A master’s degree also opens doors to leadership and managerial roles, where you can oversee teams, manage projects, and influence decision-making.

Some careers you can consider include:

• Education administrator
• Clinical psychologist
• Data scientist
• Public health specialist

Doctorate Degree

Earning a doctorate degree, one of the highest types of degrees in college, is a significant commitment that requires several years of rigorous study. It typically takes anywhere from three to seven years—or even longer—to complete.

Doctoral programs are research-focused, often involving the development of new theories or advancing existing knowledge in your field. Most doctoral candidates must conduct extensive research and write a dissertation.

Doctoral degrees are ideal for individuals who want to pursue academic or research careers, but they’re also valuable in fields such as medicine, education, law, and psychology, where advanced expertise is required.

Types of doctorate degrees

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Recognized as the highest academic degree, the Ph.D. emphasizes original research and theoretical exploration in a wide range of disciplines—from sciences and humanities to social sciences and engineering.
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). Designed for experienced educators and leaders, the Ed.D. focuses on the practical application of research to improve educational systems, policy, and practice. It prepares professionals for roles in administration, leadership, and organizational change within educational institutions.

What can you do with a doctorate degree?

With a doctorate or Ph.D. degree, you open up a world of opportunities that allow you to lead, teach, and innovate in your field. If you’re passionate about research, this degree is your ticket to becoming a thought leader, where you can push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute original ideas.

With a Ph.D., you can also step into specialized roles in industries like medicine, law, engineering, or psychology. Plus, many leadership positions in both public and private sectors require the level of depth that comes with a doctorate.

Some careers you can look into are:

• Professor
• Principal
• Biologist
• Consultant
• Historian
• Therapist

Professional Degree

Professional degree programs are one of the important types of degrees in college for individuals looking to enter fields that require licensing to practice. These graduate-level programs are designed to provide both advanced education and the necessary credentials to work in a specific profession.

Depending on your chosen field, professional degrees typically take four to seven years to complete, with many programs incorporating the licensing process as part of the curriculum, allowing you to transition smoothly into your career.

Most professional degree programs in the U.S. require at least a master’s degree and are offered by accredited specialized professional schools. These schools may be affiliated with major universities or exist as independent institutions, depending on the program.

Types of professional degrees

• Medical degrees (M.D.). Medical schools require applicants to have an academic background in pre-med, biology, or a related field and to pass the MCAT. These programs usually last about five years, preparing you for clinical residency after graduation.
• Law degrees (J.D.). To enter law school, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. Law programs teach the history and practices of law and prepare students to take the bar exam, which is required for licensing as a lawyer in their state.

These professional degrees are crucial for entering fields like medicine, law, and others, where specialized training and credentials are essential to practice.

What can you do with a professional degree?

Professional degrees in the U.S. are designed to equip individuals with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary for specialized careers. These degrees typically require extensive training beyond a bachelor’s degree and prepare graduates for practice in specific fields.

Here are some common professional degree careers:

• Lawyer
• Physician or surgeon
• Dentist
• Pharmacist
• Veterinarian

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different types of degrees in college?

In the U.S., college degrees vary by level and purpose. An associate degree, typically completed in two years, is offered in areas like arts, science, and business. A bachelor’s degree, usually taking four years, includes the Bachelor of Arts (BA) for humanities and social sciences and the Bachelor of Science (BS) for STEM fields.

For further specialization, a master’s degree—such as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Business Administration (MBA)—takes one to two years. The highest level, a doctoral degree like a Ph.D., MD, or JD, requires three to seven years and focuses on research or professional practice for academic or high-level careers.

2. Can you get a bachelor’s degree at a community college?

In most cases, community colleges primarily offer associate degrees, which are typically completed in two years. However, some community colleges have partnerships with four-year universities or offer bachelor’s degree programs in specific fields.

For example, Atlantic Cape Community College in New Jersey offers “3+1” and “2+2” programs that create seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities like Rutgers, Stockton, and others.

3. What are other degree programs available to students?

Students looking for flexible education paths can choose between joint degree and certificate programs. Joint degree programs let you earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously by double-counting certain credits in related fields. Certificate programs, on the other hand, are short-term courses that build specialized skills for career advancement or transition, typically completed in a few months to a year.

Takeaways

• The different types of degrees in college that you can consider include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees.
• Understanding the different types of degrees in college is essential for making informed decisions about your education and career path.
• Whether you’re aiming for a quick entry into the workforce with an associate degree, pursuing specialized expertise through a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or looking to make a significant impact in your field with a doctorate or professional degree, each type offers unique opportunities.
• Considering the best type of degree for your future? Working with a college admissions consultant can help you navigate the various types of degrees in college, ensuring you choose the path that aligns with your goals.