General Information

Associate degrees are typically earned at community colleges and take about two years to complete. They provide a foundation in general education and specialized subjects, preparing students for entry-level jobs or transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

Associate of Arts (A.A.) degrees focus on humanities, social sciences, and communication, while Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees emphasize technical, math, and science-related fields. Some career-oriented associate degrees, like those in nursing or IT, can lead directly to employment without requiring further education.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered at four-year universities, including public institutions like UCs and CSUs, private universities, and liberal arts colleges. These programs take approximately four years to complete and include both general education and major-specific coursework. 

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree focuses on subjects like history, psychology, and literature, while a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) emphasizes STEM, business, and technical fields. A bachelor’s degree is often required for professional careers and is the most common undergraduate credential.

Master’s degrees are earned at graduate schools and research universities after completing a bachelor’s degree. These programs typically take one to three years and provide advanced knowledge and specialization in fields like business, engineering, and social sciences. 

Some popular master’s programs include the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Many professionals pursue a master’s degree to advance their careers, increase earning potential, or transition into new fields.

Doctoral degrees are the highest academic qualifications and are awarded at research universities and graduate schools. These degrees usually take four to eight years and require extensive coursework, research, and a dissertation. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is common in academia and research-based fields, while professional doctorates like the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) focus on leadership in education. Doctoral degrees are essential for careers in university teaching, advanced research, and specialized industries.

Professional degrees are required for regulated professions like medicine, law, and dentistry and are earned at specialized institutions such as medical schools, law schools, and dental schools. These programs are intensive, often lasting between three to seven years, and include clinical training, internships, and licensing exams. A Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) is required for physicians, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) for lawyers, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) for dentists. These degrees are necessary for careers in high-stakes fields that require specialized knowledge and hands-on experience.

Certificates and diplomas are shorter programs offered at trade schools, technical colleges, and some community colleges. These programs focus on hands-on training for specific careers like healthcare, information technology, automotive repair, and cosmetology. Unlike degree programs, certificates and diplomas can be completed in a few months to two years, making them a faster and more affordable route to employment. Many industries, such as medical assisting and HVAC repair, require only a certificate for entry-level positions.