Types Of College Degrees
Posted: Monday, March 13, 2006
by Alison Cole
College degrees have become one of the yardsticks by which people are judged at their jobs and in the society. When a person decides to further his education and grow in his career, a college degree can help. There are different types of degrees for different kinds of study.
When a student is looking to be trained for a specific job like a beautician, chef, welder or plumber, or develop a certain skill, certificate courses are an immediate option. Community colleges and technical/vocational colleges offer certificate courses. Some four-year colleges also offer certificate courses as well.
Bachelor’s degrees are also referred to as undergraduate degrees. These degrees are usually four-year programs. Students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree have to also study general education courses, including english, math, science and social sciences. These students will chose a topic to focus on beyond all others, though, called a “major’. There are different types of Bachelor’s degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S). The former are usually earned in the humanities and social science fields and the latter are awarded to those studying in scientific and technical fields. Some colleges offer additional degrees, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.). A bachelor’s degree is a stepping-stone to those working towards a Master’s degree or a Doctorate.
Master’s degrees are obtained at a graduate school and most programs take two years to complete. A Master’s degree helps advance one’s career because it implies a mastery of a subject or area of study. Those entering graduate programs are expected to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and complete specific undergraduate courses. Some of the most common Master’s degrees are: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Master of Education (M.Ed.).
A Master’s degree is typically followed by a Doctoral degree. Attaining a Doctoral degree generally takes anywhere from three to five years or longer. Examples of popular Doctoral degrees are the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Graduate degrees in the fields of law, business and medicine are often referred to as professional degrees. The Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctor of Medicine (MD), are awarded upon the completion of Law, Business and Medical school respectively. Advanced degrees in other areas, such as journalism and architecture, are also referred to as professional degrees.
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More commentssorry, alison, i thought it said your name was alice cole i hope your not mad :-) *emily*
This was very well placed and the information served the cause. I am glad I have a place that I can refer others to get the information. Trying to Explain it to somone is one thing having them read and retain the actual words to each is more rewarding. (good job)
Thank you for making this website!I really needed these answers so I can work on what I want to do as a career. And you explained things to where I can understand it.Thanks again!
I really liked this article because you put everything so simply. I am looking to go back to school, but was so confused by everything I read. This really cleared up a few things for me. Thank you Alison!
Thanks for the article! Are there any masters for math?
Thank you for explaining this so simply! As a sophomore in high school, it really helped my understanding of the different degrees that can be received in college, and it really helped me in my search for a career that interests me.
Thanks for the great eye opening on what different types of degrees are available. Really gave me a better understanding of what i want out of college. Thank you, Klayton
Thanks. Very informative.
it's very informative
So then does this mean that I can get a Masters degree in creative writing/Law enfourcement and a Doctoral degree veterinary stuff?
Because I'm a junior in high school, I know what I want to do but I'm not completely sure how college stuff works
I know, not a smart cookie
Anyone have any advice?
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