Understanding The Differences Among College Degree Programs

If you have not attended college before, it can be a little confusing discerning the differences among the various types of degree programs. Essentially, there are four basic types of degree programs available to students, and they are the Associates Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree and Doctorate Degree. Having an understanding of what each of these degree programs entails in terms of study will help you to decide which sort of degree will best meet your needs and educational goals.



Associates Degree



This degree is earned at a community college, also known as a junior college. It is a two-year long program of study in a number of different study areas as would be found at a four-year college or university. The degree can usually be transferred to a four-year university or college if the student wants to continue his or her education and earn a Bachelor Degree. This allows you to pay reduced rates at the community college yet ear n credits that the college or university will accept, and after they are transferred you can begin your study at the four-year college with third-year standing.



Bachelor Degree



This course of study is a four-year long program. You can often transfer credits earned at other schools, including community colleges or other four-year colleges or universities, and have them apply to your degree program course of study.



Master Degree



This degree is a graduate degree, meaning it is study that you pursue after you have earned your Bachelors. This course of study normally takes two years beyond the four-year Bachelors, and it is comprised of classes as well as a research paper known as a thesis, although this can vary from program to program.



Doctorate Degree



This is also a graduate degree that takes an additional two years beyond the Masters to earn. If some one has earned this degree, they may sign their name with the initials “Ph.D” after; this stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is not the same as a medical degree, by the way. As with the Masters, the doctorate usually requires the student to take classes and write a dissertation, but requirements vary among programs. This may also be known as a “terminal” degree, because you basically cannot earn another degree beyond this level.



Some students earn multiple degrees, such as two bachelors or two masters or doctorates; this is challenging but possible.



You can learn specifics about different college programs and degrees by visiting college listing websites online. After researching what is required, you can decide which schools and which programs will be the best fit for you.