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College degrees

Degrees build on each other. Most people start with an associate or bachelor's degree, and some continue to graduate school.

  1. Associate degree

    About 2 years full timeAbout 60 credit hoursCommon at community colleges

    Two main kinds: transfer degrees (AA, AS) that count toward a bachelor's, and career degrees (AAS) that prepare you for a job right away, such as dental hygiene, paralegal studies, or IT support.

  2. Bachelor's degree

    About 4 years full timeAbout 120 credit hoursBA, BS, BFA, BBA

    General education courses plus a major. The standard requirement for many professional jobs and the entry point for graduate school. Starting at a community college and transferring can lower the total cost.

  3. Master's degree

    1–2 years after a bachelor'sMA, MS, MBA, MEd, MSN

    Advanced study in one field. Often required for counseling, school administration, and advanced practice roles, and it can raise pay in many others. Many programs are offered part time or online for working adults.

  4. Doctoral and professional degrees

    3–8+ yearsPhD, EdD, MD, JD, PharmD, DPT

    Research doctorates (PhD, and the SJD in law) prepare you for research and university teaching. Professional doctorates (MD, JD, PharmD) are required to practice medicine, law, pharmacy, and similar licensed fields.

Tip: Before you enroll, check that the school is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Credits and financial aid depend on it.

No diploma or GED yet? Most degree programs require one. Here's how to get started