Type Of College Degrees: Levels, Requirements, And Outcomes (2023)

Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees vary in terms of prerequisites, lengths, and requirements. College degrees generally fall into four categories: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Each college degree level varies in length, requirements, and outcomes. Each college degree aligns with students' different personal interests and professional goals.

Understanding college degree levels can help you decide which degree will meet your needs, while potentially saving you time and money.

Featured Online Degrees

College Degrees in Order: Levels of Education

Most undergraduate degrees span four years or less. Graduate programs can run from 12 months to 10 years. College degrees have unique prerequisites, curricula, requirements, and outcomes, all of which vary by level.


Associate Degree

Typical Length of Time to Complete
1-2 years

Typical Required Credits
60 credit hours

Typically offered by community and technical colleges, an associate degree includes roughly two years of coursework. Depending on the discipline, students may also complete practical requirements. Internships and practicums are common in healthcare and technology programs.

Applicants need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some schools may require individuals to submit test scores for admission.

(Video) Best Type Of College Degree Tier List ( Associate, Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Professional)

Many associate degrees prepare students to enter the workforce immediately upon completion. An associate degree also serves as the foundation for a bachelor's program.

An applied associate degree in accounting, education, or technical fields can lead to entry-level positions in finance, teaching, or information and computer technology. An associate of arts includes foundational coursework for a bachelor of arts, while an associate of science degree equips students with skills to pursue a bachelor of science degree.

Associate degrees fall into three categories:

Featured Online Associate Degrees


Bachelor's Degree

Typical Length of Time to Complete
Four years

Typical Required Credits
120 credit hours

Offered by private and public colleges and universities, bachelor's degrees include roughly 120 credit hours of coursework. To enroll in a bachelor's degree program, students need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Depending on the school, applicants may need to submit ACT or SAT scores. Individuals with an associate degree can also enter a bachelor's program, often transferring as many as 60 credit hours into the degree.

(Video) Different levels/types of college degrees.

The first two years of a bachelor's degree consist of general education requirements and introductory classes for a student's major. During the second two years, students take advanced courses in their major. Learners may complete a cumulative capstone project, paper, or practical requirement.

With a bachelor's degree, learners can enter careers in business, information and computer technology, education, and healthcare. Depending on the field, a bachelor's degree is sufficient for mid-level and managerial positions.

Several types of bachelor's degrees exist:

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
  • Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)

Featured Online Bachelor's Degrees


Master's Degree

Typical Length of Time to Complete
1-2 years

Typical Required Credits
30 credit hours

The variety of master's degrees attests to the unique requirements, outcomes, and opportunities associated with earning a master's degree. Master's programs blend coursework, projects, and research requirements. Programs typically end with a thesis, capstone project, or cumulative examination. Applicants to master's programs need at least a bachelor's degree. Some schools require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

(Video) Levels of Academic Degrees

Working professionals and individuals who want to move into managerial and administrative roles benefit from earning a master's degree. A master's degree also leads to doctoral work in a specific discipline. Students can apply for scholarships to help pay for their master's degree.

While master's programs typically last two years, students can complete accelerated degrees in as few as 12 months.

Featured Online Master's Degrees


Doctoral Degree

A doctorate is the highest level of formal education available. Doctoral programs include coursework, comprehensive exams, research requirements, and a dissertation. Doctoral programs require students to have a master's degree, although some doctorates incorporate a master's as part of the curriculum. Many doctoral programs set a specific schedule for completion, but some doctoral programs last for many years due to the subjective nature of research and completion of the dissertation.

In many fields, a Ph.D. meets the requirements to teach at institutions of higher education. With a doctorate, individuals working in business can excel to executive positions. Lawyers need a JD, physicians need an MD or a doctor of osteopathy (DO), and chiropractors must have a DCM to practice.

(Video) 8 Best College Degrees 2023 (College Majors Ranked!)

Below are some of the doctoral degrees that students can earn.

Featured Online Doctoral Degrees

Type Of College Degrees: Levels, Requirements, And Outcomes (1)

Melissa Sartore

Melissa Sartore holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her BA and MA in history are from Western Illinois University. A medievalist by training, she has published on outlawry in medieval England with additional publications on outlaws in popular culture and across geographic and historical boundaries.

Header Image Credit: FatCamera | Getty Images

FAQs

What are the different levels of college degrees? ›

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

What are the 3 degrees of college? ›

College Degrees Overview. Associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees vary in terms of prerequisites, lengths, and requirements. College degrees generally fall into four categories: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Each college degree level varies in length, requirements, and outcomes.

What are the two main types of college degrees? ›

Bachelor's degree – Includes Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Doctorate degree – Includes Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.)

What is the meaning of degree level? ›

Degree level means enrollment in a course or program which could result in the award of a: (a) Certificate, diploma or other program award at an institution; (b) Baccalaureate degree or lower including enrollment in a course by a nondegree-seeking postbaccalaureate student; (c) Graduate degree or graduate certification ...

What do the levels of college classes mean? ›

Lower-level courses are those at the 100-level and 200-level. Upper-level courses are those at the 300-level and 400-level. In addition, a 200-level course may be proposed to count as an upper-level course, particularly if it has a university-level prerequisite.

What is a Level 5 degree? ›

Level 5 qualifications are: diploma of higher education ( DipHE ) foundation degree. higher national diploma ( HND )

What are the top 10 degrees? ›

Top 10 College Majors
  1. Computer Science. ...
  2. Communications. ...
  3. Government/Political Science. ...
  4. Business. ...
  5. Economics. ...
  6. English Language and Literature. ...
  7. Psychology. ...
  8. Nursing.

What level is a bachelor degree? ›

Bachelor's degree – Level 6

A Bachelor's, or Honours, degree is the most common type of undergraduate degree. It's what most employers mean when they're looking for an 'undergraduate' or 'first' degree on a job posting.

What is the most common college degree? ›

Here are the 10 most popular college majors based on NCES data.
  1. Business. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $72,250. ...
  2. Health Professions. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $69,870. ...
  3. Social Sciences and History. ...
  4. Engineering. ...
  5. Biological and Biomedical Sciences. ...
  6. Psychology. ...
  7. Communication and Journalism. ...
  8. Visual and Performing Arts.

What is degree program in college? ›

A degree program is a defined, integrated course of study leading to an academic degree (i.e. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science). A degree program may or may not require the declaration of a specialization (i.e. major, minor, area of concentration).

What degree is 4 years of college? ›

Types of Bachelor Degrees

Designed to be completed in 4 years, bachelor's degree programs provide in-depth knowledge and skills across a wide variety of career paths to help you stand out in today's competitive job market. Bachelor's degrees are in high demand.

What is the difference between degree types? ›

Bachelor and associate degrees are undergraduate degrees—higher education you can begin directly out of high school. A master's degree is the first level of graduate study available after a bachelor's. Really know what you like and what you want your career to become? A master's degree may be right for you.

What are the 2 most common degrees? ›

The Most Popular College Majors
RankMajorNumber of Degrees Awarded
Rank 1Major Business and ManagementNumber of Degrees Awarded 289,384
Rank 2Major NursingNumber of Degrees Awarded 141,632
Rank 3Major PsychologyNumber of Degrees Awarded 127,066
Rank 4Major BiologyNumber of Degrees Awarded 120,375
40 more rows
Jun 18, 2019

What do you put for degree level? ›

Choose from the following academic levels:
  • High school or equivalent. You've earned a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  • Technical or occupational certificate. ...
  • Associate degree. ...
  • Some college coursework completed. ...
  • Bachelor's degree. ...
  • Master's degree. ...
  • Doctorate. ...
  • Professional.

What level qualifications is a degree? ›

Level 6 refers to qualifications gained at degree level, indicating the holder has graduated from a centre for further education. Examples of Level 6 qualifications include: Bachelor's degree (with or without honours) Graduate diploma.

What is a first level degree? ›

People who have gained a higher qualification after completing a basic university degree such as a BA or a BSc refer to that basic degree as their first degree.

What do you call the grade levels in college? ›

Student classification refers to the familiar names for the four undergraduate years: freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. Your classification is not determined by the number of years of college coursework you have taken but by the number of semester hours you have earned.

What is your highest level of education mean? ›

Definition. The extent of formal instruction a person has received (e.g., the highest grade in school completed or its equivalent or the highest degree received).

Are there A levels in college? ›

Types of course

Most colleges offer A levels as do sixth forms, but also have a huge number of other qualifications available in different subjects and at different levels.

What is a level 7 degree? ›

University students qualify with Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7) or Honours Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 8). Universities also offer Masters (NFQ Level 9) and Doctoral (NFQ Level 10) postgraduate degrees.

What is a level 6 bachelor degree? ›

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)

NVQs are awarded at seven different levels, equivalent to other academic qualifications. For instance: a Level 7 NVQ is equivalent to a Masters degree. a Level 6 NVQ is the same as a Bachelors degree.

What are Level 3 qualifications? ›

Level 3 qualifications are designed for further education students who are bridging the gap between GCSEs and university. In full-time education, the courses take two years to complete, so most often, students aged between 16 and 19 take Level 3 qualifications.

Which is the simplest degree? ›

The 16 Easiest College Majors – 2023 Rankings
  • Psychology.
  • Criminal Justice.
  • English.
  • Education.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Social Work.
  • Sociology.
  • Communications.
Nov 1, 2022

What is the best college degree? ›

30 Best College Majors for the Future Rankings
  • Petroleum Engineering.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Nuclear Engineering.
  • Physics.
  • Computer Science.
  • Chemistry.
  • Information Technology.
  • Communications.
Nov 1, 2022

Which degree is best for career? ›

RankDegree subjectAverage early career pay
1Petroleum Engineering$94,500
2Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS)$88,000
3Applied Economics and Management$58,900
4Operations Research$77,900
6 more rows

What are 4 different types of qualification? ›

Types of qualifications
  • Higher Certificates (HCert)
  • Diplomas (Dip)
  • Advanced Diplomas (AdvDip)
  • Bachelor's degrees (B degrees)

How many types of graduation degrees are there? ›

There are currently more than 80 recognised forms of bachelor's degrees, which is enough to make your head spin.

What is major in education examples? ›

Education majors can look into positions and graduate degrees involving:
  • library sciences.
  • instructional technology.
  • special education.
  • administration.
  • curriculum design.
  • counseling.
  • educational development.
  • managerial training.

What do you mean degree in education? ›

degree, also called academic degree, in education, any of several titles conferred by colleges and universities to indicate the completion of a course of study or the extent of academic achievement.

What is a 3 year degree called? ›

Associate's Degree - an award that normally requires at least 2 but less than 4 years of full-time equivalent college-level work.

What degree is 3 years of college? ›

The three-year Bachelor's degree option accelerates the traditional undergraduate process. With an academically rigorous schedule, students save time and reach the workforce earlier while still gaining the skills and experience their career paths demand.

What degree is 8 years of college? ›

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects.

Does your type of degree matter? ›

degree still matters. “A degree won't automatically make you an expert in your field or put you in a top position, but for sure it will get you noticed when you start and open doors that [wouldn't be open] if you didn't have a degree.

Does your degree classification matter? ›

University grades often matter most in jobs that are knowledge-specific, competitive, and offer a higher salary. One way to spot them is jobs requiring a 2:1 or a first in the relevant field. However, it does not mean that someone with a first-class degree will automatically get a job over someone with a 2:1.

What is the most popular associate's degree? ›

Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies

What is a good major for someone undecided? ›

Best Majors for the Undecided
  • Globalization and Society.
  • Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting.
  • Business Law and Ethics.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Corporate Finance.
  • Management and Organizational Behavior.
  • Principles of Marketing.
Apr 29, 2022

What is an 8 year degree called? ›

A doctorate degree typically takes anywhere from four to six years to complete. On average, a Ph. D. is earned within eight years. The length of time it takes to earn your doctorate is based on numerous factors.

What is a 4 year degree called? ›

Types of Bachelor Degrees

Designed to be completed in 4 years, bachelor's degree programs provide in-depth knowledge and skills across a wide variety of career paths to help you stand out in today's competitive job market. Bachelor's degrees are in high demand.

What degree is 6 years of college? ›

A Bachelor's degree is taking up to 6 years.

What is a 2 year degree called a 4 year degree? ›

This may vary slightly depending on the institution and location, but an associate's degree usually takes two years to complete full time. In the US this equates to 60 credit hours as opposed to the 120 hours required for a bachelor's degree – which takes about four years to complete full time.

What is 12 degree called? ›

Upon successful completion of these examinations, students are awarded the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC). This level of education is also called the FSc/FA/ICS.

What degree level is a bachelor's? ›

A Bachelor's, or Honours, degree is the most common type of undergraduate degree. It's what most employers mean when they're looking for an 'undergraduate' or 'first' degree on a job posting.

What is a 5 year degree called? ›

A traditional bachelor's degree program takes 4 to 5 years to complete. There are however many bachelor's degree programs that can now be completed in less time.

Why is it called a bachelor? ›

The term bachelor stems from the Latin word baccalārius, referring to people of low rank in the feudal hierarchy, but it was later used to refer to students who had passed the baccalaureate exam and were thus in the second stage of their studies.

What is a level 10 qualification? ›

Examples of qualifications at SCQF Level 10

Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Professional or Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 10, and a wide range of other courses available in the workplace and community (see SCQF Database).

What level is a master's degree? ›

A Master's degree is the most common type of postgraduate qualification, and involves a more in-depth level of study than a Bachelor's degree. They're designed to focus on a specific area of a wider subject – and they can either be taught or research based courses. It's classed as a level 7 qualification.

Is Level 5 a degree? ›

Level 5 is the equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor's Degree programme. It is also equivalent to a HND diploma. The Level 5 course also has 10 modules and 8 assignments, which also provide the student with 120 university credits upon completion.

What degree is only 2 years? ›

Each of these degrees come as a two year, or associate degree, though the exact type will differ according to the field of study. Some are Associate of Arts degrees while others are Associate of Science or other types of two year degrees.

What degrees are 2 years? ›

Associate degrees, which take two years to earn and are often referred to as two-year degrees, come in several types, including the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Science degree and the Associate of Applied Science degree.

What is the best degree to get in college? ›

30 Best College Majors for the Future Rankings
  • Petroleum Engineering.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Nuclear Engineering.
  • Physics.
  • Computer Science.
  • Chemistry.
  • Information Technology.
  • Communications.
Nov 1, 2022

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