Associate's Degree
An associate’s degree is the first step in higher education, normally completed at a two-year college or university. A student typically studies full-time for about 2 years, or the equivalent of about 60 credits, to complete this degree. Depending on your area of study, many colleges offer an AA (Associate of Arts) or an AS (Associate of Science). Other forms of the degree vary depending on the school.
Career or professional versions of this degree include an AAS (Associate in Applied Science) covering subjects that include fine arts, fashion design, interior design and graphic design and an ABA (Associate in Business Administration) includes subjects such as accounting, business management, marketing, information technology and more.
Other types of associate degrees are those with specialties such as AST (Associate in Science in Technology) and ASB (Associates of Science in Business). An ASB (Associates of Science in Business) is science based. It is designed to provide a balanced liberal arts education and a scientific, technical, or professional entry level competence. An AST (Associate in Science in Technology) is basically the same, however you will find less of a liberal arts balance in favor of the course work particular to the specialty.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the most common type of postsecondary education; also referred to as an undergraduate program. This degree typically requires about 4 years of full-time studies, or about 120 credits. Degrees at this level are awarded as BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BS (Bachelor of Science). Special studies such as BBA (Bachelor of Business Administartion) or BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) often result in a bachelor’s degree with a different title.
Master's Degree
A master’s degree is the first level of advanced study. Also known as a graduate program, this degree usually requires one to two years of additional coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree. Typical master’s degrees include MA (Master of Arts), MS (Master of Science), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), MBA (Master of Business Administration), M.Ed (Master of Education), MIS (Master of Information Systems) and MHA (Master of Health Administration).
Doctorate Degree
A PhD (doctorate degree) is the highest level of advanced education. Doctorate degrees vary depending on the program; some require additional schooling beyond a master’s, while others programs incorporate the master into the program while completing four years of additional study. Doctorate programs require in-depth, original research focused on a subject matter culminating towards a final thesis or dissertation.
Certificate
A certificate (or professional certificate) is a focused or intensive study program earned in a specific field. Students can pursue a certificate in conjunction with a degree program (undergraduate or graduate) or within a continuing education program. Certificates generally require fewer classes than a degree; classes can be taken for credit or non-credit and enrollment is either full or part-time. With the number of study options (on campus and online, credit or non-credit) certificate programs are a quick and easy way to establish proficiency in a specific field.
