Deciding to pursue higher education is a huge step, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. Complete a college degree, and you’ll open up a world of opportunities, including increased earning potential and career growth, not to mention the chance to further your own personal development.
Undoubtedly, taking your first steps into the world of higher education is incredibly exciting, but it can also leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. If you already have a career path in mind, you’ll need to understand the qualifications you’ll need to get ahead in your chosen path. For instance, is a bachelor’s degree enough, or do you need to go further for your desired job?
Or maybe you’re yet to decide on your future career. Well, you still need to get a handle on the different ranks of degrees or how different degree types can open different doors. Needless to say, with such complex information, it’s easy to lose track.
That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in. We’ll leave no stone unturned as we examine each of the degree levels available to you, from associate to doctoral studies. We’ll also consider some of the career paths that each degree level unlocks.
Table of Contents
Associate Degrees: The Foundation
Bachelor’s Degrees: The Cornerstone
- The Versatility of Bachelor’s Degrees
- Popular Bachelor’s Degree Types
- Careers Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degrees: Specialization and Advancement
- The Purpose of Master’s Degrees
- Common Master’s Degree Programs
- Careers Benefiting from a Master’s Degree
Doctoral Degrees: The Pinnacle of Academic Achievement
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- College degree types range from associate to doctoral levels. Different degree levels serve different specific purposes and present various career opportunities.
- Associate degrees provide foundational knowledge and introduce students to vocational skills essential for entry-level jobs. They also provide a great base for further academic pursuits, with the option to transfer credits to a four-year bachelor’s degree.
- Bachelor’s degrees provide a well-rounded foundational education with the most varied choice of courses and a combination of both general and specialized education. They are often a minimum requirement for many professional careers.
- Master’s degrees build on the balanced education of a bachelor’s degree by providing more specialized knowledge and expertise for advancement in specific fields.
- Doctoral degrees are the highest level of academic achievement. They are often a prerequisite for careers in research, academia, and specialized professions.
Associate Degrees: The Foundation
Looking at the different degree levels in order, our journey starts with the associate degree. This qualification occupies the space between high school diplomas and bachelor’s degrees and typically takes two years of full-time study to attain. As the first rung in the levels of degrees, associate degree programs are normally found at community and technical colleges.
Associate degrees aim to quickly prepare you for entry into the workplace. But you can also put the credits you earn towards a four-year program, like a bachelor’s degree. This can provide an ideal stepping stone towards further upgrading your education level.
As a two-year program, associate degrees are more affordable than other degree types and offer a higher level of flexibility. As a result, they are a more cost-effective way to pursue a higher education before quickly entering the workplace.
Types of Associate Degrees
As is the case with different degree levels, there are also different kinds of associate degrees to choose from. Depending on how you plan to use your associate degree, some may be better suited to your needs. The three main types of associate degrees are:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.)
- Associate of Science (A.S.)
- Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.)
A.A. and A.S. degrees are great choices if you plan to use your associate degree as a gateway to further study. With either of these degree types, you can easily transfer the credits you’ve earned and go on to a bachelor’s degree.
On the other hand, A.A.A. degrees are more vocational. They typically offer a more hands-on learning environment, helping you to master practical skills that you can use in the workplace. An A.A.A. degree isn’t the best choice if you plan to continue your studies with a bachelor’s degree, as most colleges offer fewer transfer credits for this kind of degree.
Career Paths with an Associate Degree
Associate degrees are designed to get you into the workplace quicker than other degree levels. They’re more suited to people looking for vocational, support, or allied health careers, such as paralegals, occupational therapy assistants, computer network support specialists, and dental hygienists.
While different degrees offer higher and more specialized levels of education, that doesn’t mean you can’t earn a great living with an associate degree. In fact, as an associate degree graduate, you’ll have access to a number of job roles with annual earnings of over $80,000, including diagnostic medical sonographer and web developer.
With their shorter study time and multiple functions, associate degrees are perhaps the most versatile form of higher education. Whether you want to put your degree towards a four-year program or you want to quickly enter the workplace and enhance your professional growth, an associate degree could be the perfect choice.
Q: Can I transfer credits from an associate degree to a bachelor’s program?
A: Yes, you can transfer the credits you earn from an associate degree towards a four-year program. However, the type of associate degree you study may affect how many transfer credits you receive, with fewer typically offered for A.A.S. degrees.
Q: How long does it take to earn an associate degree?
A: Associate degrees typically take two years to complete.
Bachelor's Degrees: The Cornerstone
Continuing through the ranks of degrees, let’s now consider bachelor’s degrees. Typically a four-year program, bachelor’s degrees are a versatile option that can prepare you for a wide range of possible career paths. In fact, bachelor’s degrees offer more fields of study than any other college degree level.
While both are more advanced than an associate degree, what sets master’s and bachelor’s degrees apart is their levels of specialization. A bachelor’s degree is a foundational qualification, giving you a broader knowledge of your chosen study field. On the other hand, a master’s degree helps you achieve more specialized expertise.
When opting for a bachelor’s degree, you’ll combine general education, such as English, math, and science, with specialized coursework for your elected major. Together, this approach provides a well-balanced educational experience. To round out your studies even further, you can also choose to include a minor or secondary specialization.
Popular Bachelor's Degree Types
As with the other academic degree levels, there are several different types of bachelor’s degrees that you can choose from, depending on your preferred career or study path. However, by far the most popular bachelor’s degree types are a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.).
A B.A. degree tends to be less specialized than a B.S., focusing on more general education. It typically covers subjects such as arts, humanities, and communications. Meanwhile, a B.S. degree will require more time to study technical fields, emphasizing math, science, and technology. Despite these differences, there is still some overlap between the degree types. A B.A. will still cover math and science, for instance; it just doesn’t emphasize those subjects as much as a B.S. degree might.
In addition to B.A. and B.S. degrees, there are plenty of specialized degree types that are more relevant to specific fields, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Architecture, (B.Arch.), and Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.).
Careers Requiring a Bachelor's Degree
Whether you want to get into business, teaching, engineering, or tech, a bachelor’s degree is a common minimum entry requirement for many professional careers and can be an excellent way to prepare for an entry-level position in a specialized industry. What’s more, jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree have the largest projected growth of all college degree levels, making these qualifications more valuable than ever.
Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree are incredibly varied, covering everything from software development to microbiology. As you might expect, the earning ceiling is also typically higher than that of associate degree jobs, with top-end earnings approaching (or even exceeding) six figures.
However, when selecting your degree, you’ll need to take care to pick the best study path and degree type for your plans. While generally classed as bachelor’s degree-level jobs, many careers require different degrees that are specific to that career, such as nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and engineering (Bachelor of Engineering).
Q: Is a bachelor’s degree required for most jobs?
A: A bachelor’s degree is a common minimum entry requirement for entering a specialized professional industry, such as engineering or software development.
Q: How long does it typically take to earn a bachelor’s degree?
A: A bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year program, although some institutions also offer accelerated programs, allowing you to complete your studies in 2-3 years.
Master's Degrees: Specialization and Advancement
As the next step in the ranks of degrees, master’s and bachelor’s degrees go hand in hand. After completing your bachelor’s and building your foundational knowledge, you might need to gain a deeper knowledge of your subject field, depending on your desired career path. And this is where a master’s degree is essential.
Essentially, a master’s degree takes what you’ve already learned to the next level. It focuses on specialization in your chosen field to help you gain advanced knowledge. This greater level of knowledge could be important for several reasons. You might be looking for greater advancement in your career or even hoping to move into a leadership role. Moreover, master’s degrees are the penultimate rank in degree levels, preparing you for the challenge of doctoral studies.
The typical master’s degree requires completion of 30 to 60 credits and will take two years to complete; however, with accelerated courses and more intensive subjects to consider, your degree may be anywhere from 1-3 years. Some universities also offer bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, helping you to earn both qualifications in less time.
Common Master's Degree Programs
As continuations of the most popular bachelor’s degrees, the most common master’s degrees are a Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.). As with their bachelor’s degree counterparts, these qualifications commonly cover studies in arts, humanities, social sciences, and business (M.A.), as well as math, natural sciences, medicine, and healthcare (M.S.).
Master’s degrees are also available in a large range of more specific topics that are well-suited to niche career paths. The popular Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Nurse Practitioner degrees are the highest-paying master’s degrees, while there are also specialized degrees such as Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.), Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), and Master of Laws (L.L.M.).
Careers Benefiting from a Master's Degree
Whatever industry you want to work in, a master’s degree may be a requirement for specialized and leadership positions, such as historian, occupational therapist, and social worker. But whichever position you aim for, this degree can offer you a significant advantage. Indeed, in 2021, 52.8 million people held a bachelor’s degree in the United States, while just 24.1 million had both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Whatever master’s degree type you study for, your earning potential will increase compared to bachelor’s degree-level jobs. Common high-earning roles include political scientist, physician assistant, economist, and nurse practitioner. Earnings for master’s-level jobs are typically above $100,000 per year, with some reaching close to $150,000.
Q: Is a master’s degree required for most jobs?
A: While a master’s degree isn’t a requirement for most jobs, it may be necessary if you’re aiming for a high-level or leadership role, particularly in a more specialized industry.
Q: Can I earn a master’s degree online?
A: Yes – many universities now offer 100% online master’s programs, allowing you to study while working a full-time job.
Doctoral Degrees: The Pinnacle of Academic Achievement
The highest in the ranks of degrees, doctoral degrees represent the absolute pinnacle of academic achievement. With a focus on the very highest levels of specialist knowledge, doctoral degrees help you build expertise through rigorous research and training.
The length of your doctoral degree can greatly vary depending on your field of study. While some can be achieved in as little as two years, it’s not uncommon for these degrees to require closer to ten years of study. A Ph.D., for instance, requires around 4-6 years of coursework.
However, besides the time commitment, doctoral degrees also impose a significant level of intellectual demand. In addition to coursework, you’ll need to attend seminars, complete detailed exams, conduct research, and ultimately complete a dissertation. The workload is in-depth and the time commitment intense, but a doctoral degree provides career opportunities like no other qualification—not to mention the justified sense of accomplishment of achieving the ultimate level of education.
Types of Doctoral Degrees
A doctoral degree is the highest university degree level, but as with all precious levels, there are still different types of doctoral degrees available to study.
The most widely recognized doctoral is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). This qualification typically takes between 4-6 years to achieve and is awarded in the study of many arts, humanities, and science fields. But again, there are also a number of more specialized doctoral degrees available that may better suit your career track. Popular options include Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). As the names suggest, many of these doctorates focus on very specific careers, and the degree will, in turn, prepare you for that professional role. A Ph.D., on the other hand, tends to put greater focus on independent research and the study of theory.
The Ph.D. Dissertation
At the center of Ph.D. degree type programs is the dissertation. A requirement of all Ph.D. students, dissertations are an extensive piece of independent research that represents the culmination of your doctoral degree and demands significant time and work.
A dissertation must be entirely original and offer a new contribution to your chosen field. This can be a new way of thinking about the topic at hand or even new findings. Research and analysis for your dissertation can take years, and they typically number between 400 and 500 pages. Then, after completing your dissertation, you’ll need to defend your work.
With such demanding workloads, dissertations perfectly embody the perseverance and intellectual challenges that doctoral degree students must face to successfully complete their studies.
Careers Requiring a Doctoral Degree
Doctoral degrees are the pinnacle of university degree levels, unlocking some of the most advanced and specialized careers available. These qualifications provide the highest level of specialized expertise and credibility, making them a requirement for a number of high-level specialized positions. Alongside executive leadership and research roles, specific positions that require doctorates include physician, lawyer, and professor.
As the doctoral degree opens doors at the highest level, it’s no surprise that this qualification also provides some of the biggest earning potentials. Several doctorate-level positions, such as pharmacist, astronomer, and dentist, offer salaries of $125,000- $150,000. Some go even higher, with physicians and surgeons earning upwards of $200,000. Moreover, unemployment levels are lower amongst people who have a doctoral degree, with higher weekly earnings compared to those with less education.
Q: How long does it typically take to earn a doctoral degree?
A: Doctoral degrees can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years to complete, but most take around 3 to 5 years. A Ph.D. will typically take between 4 and 6 years.
Q: Is a master’s degree required before pursuing a doctoral degree?
A: Most universities will require students to have completed a master’s degree before commencing doctoral studies.
Learnings Recap
If you’re searching for undergraduate and graduate degrees that can help you get ahead in your career, it’s essential to first understand the ranks of degrees to help you determine the best study path for you.
- Associate degrees are a flexible and affordable option for those seeking entry-level careers while also providing a stepping stone to further education.
- Bachelor’s degrees offer a well-rounded education that combines general studies with some specialization in a chosen topic. They are often a minimum requirement for many professional careers.
- Master’s degrees allow you to achieve greater specialization and advanced knowledge in specific fields. They can open the door to leadership roles and specialized positions.
- Doctoral degrees are the highest level of academic achievement. They encompass groundbreaking research and significant study, preparing students for highly specialized and expert roles in academia, research, and various professions.
Final Thoughts
With education more accessible than ever and more jobs now requiring degree-level education, higher education has never been more important. But beyond the obvious career benefits, completing a degree is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience that offers the potential for significant personal growth.
With different types of degrees available to suit the abilities and career needs of a wide range of people, from associate to doctorate, you can achieve various academic and professional goals and unlock endless possibilities. By understanding the different degree levels, you’ll have the best chance to quickly choose the optimum degree for you and start your journey into higher education.
When you’ve achieved your degree, don’t forget that ValidGrad.com can offer you peace of mind with copies of your diploma. Whether you need a copy for photo ops before receiving your real diploma, would like to use several copies in multiple offices, need to replace a damaged diploma, or simply want to keep your real diploma stored away safely, our diplomas offer the ideal solution to your diploma copy needs.