Understanding College Degrees

Many students enter an AA program, which is also often called a “Transfer Degree,” with the intention of transferring to a four-year university to continue earning credits toward a bachelor's degree. AA degree students earn the first half of the credits toward a bachelor’s degree at a community college and then earn the second half of the credits at a four-year college or university. These degree programs usually require mostly academic coursework. They focus on academic subjects such as English, Math, Biology, History, Economics, Political Science, etc.

Professional-Technical (AS)

An AS often is also called a “Professional-Technical” or “Terminal” degree. It is designed to prepare students for the workforce. An AS degree requires more technical and less liberal arts coursework. Usually trades such as nursing, computer networking, auto technology, paralegal, and culinary arts are under the umbrella of an AS degree.

A bachelor's degree is earned by completing a degree program at a four-year college or university. Two of the most popular bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). Unlike anassociate's degree, both of these bachelor's degrees are intended to prepare you for the workforce. Typically, science and technical degree programs -- like biology, computer science, mathematics, nursing and engineering -- are under the BS umbrella. Liberal arts fields -- like communication, humanities, English, languages, art, dance and music -- fall under the BA umbrella. One type of bachelor's degree is not necessarily more valuable than the other, but certain degree programs like engineering or nursing usually result in higher-paying positions. Other types of bachelor's degrees include the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Technology, but these types are not as common.

A master's degree is an advanced degree that can be earned by completing a graduate program. Many master's programs last two years.You must have a bachelor's degree before entering a master's program. There are many different types of master's degrees. They include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Under the umbrella of MA and MS, you will find programs in education, arts, languages and sciences. In addition, you will find other master's degree types such as the Master of Science in Business Economics (MSBE) and Master of Education (MEd). The subject of a student’s master’s degree does not have to be the same as the subject of his/her bachelor’s degree, although there typically is a relationship between the two.

You must first earn a bachelor's degree before entering a doctoral program. Doctoral programs can last anywhere from two to eight years. Many doctoral programs prepare students to for a Doctorate of Philosophy, which is denoted as PhD. The term "philosophy" doesn't necessarily indicate the modern meaning of the word but instead refers to its Greek root, which is "love of wisdom." Those that complete a PhD, such as in Psychology, Sociology or Mathematics, are considered to have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge in that particular field and will often teach other students. Other doctoral programs include Juris Doctor (JD), which is required for lawyers, and Doctor of Medicine (MD).