Thinking of going to college can be exciting. There are a lot colleges to choose from and even more programs to pick from. There are degrees in various fields of study that you could pursue. Depending on the career path you choose you might want to continue your studies and get a postgraduate degree. Colleges and University have degree programs at different levels but what is the highest degree you can get in college?
Degree Programs in College
Colleges provide degree programs at different levels. There are four main types of degrees you can pursue in college. The lowest being an associate degree and the highest being a doctorate. These are the different types of colleges degrees:
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctorate Degree
What Are the Different College Degrees?
There are four main college degrees, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. These degrees are either undergraduate or graduate programs.
Undergraduate degrees are a level below graduate degree. You can pursue a graduate degree once you have been awarded a undergraduate degree. Associate and bachelor’s degrees fall under undergraduate programs. Master’s and doctorate degrees fall undergraduate programs. An associate degree is the most entry level degree that requires the least time to complete. A doctorate is the highest degree and requires more time and commitment to finish.
The degree you should study depends on the career and the job you want to pursue. It is generally beneficial to study further to get a better position and salary at work. However, there are some jobs and career paths that only require that you have an associate degree. Likewise, there are some jobs you cannot do without a graduate degree.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is an entry level undergraduate degree that is more advanced than a high school diploma and a level below a bachelor’s degree. Associate degree programs are offered in different institutions of higher education. You can study for an associate degree at a community college, junior college, technical college affiliate college of a university and a university. It normally takes 2 years to finish an associate degree.
Associate degrees can open doors to different types of careers. You can get an associate degree in different fields of study. These are the different associate degrees,
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Applied Arts and Science degree programs focus on giving students the practical skills they need to find jobs. Associate of Science and Associate of degrees focus on more theory of the field of study, this prepares students for studying for bachelor’s degrees.
These are some of the jobs you can get with associate degrees and their respective average salaries.
- Dental Hygienist -$77,891 per year
- Raspatory Therapist- $72,254 per year
- Air Traffic Controller – $45,470 per year
- Web Developer- $77,200 per year
- Preschool teacher- $31,930 per year
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree. Bachelor’s degrees are a level higher than associate degrees and a level lower than master’s degrees. You can study for a bachelor’s at a college or university. Some community colleges have bachelor’s degree programs but not all of them. You can apply to study for a bachelor’s degree after you get an associate degree or straight after high school. Bachelor’s degrees normally take four years to finish.
These are the various of bachelor’s degrees.
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A)
These are some of the jobs you can get with bachelor’s degrees and their respective average salaries.
- Registered nurse – $75,330 per year
- Chartered Accountant – $102,041per year
- Stockbroker- $73,887
- Mechanical Engineer- $72,486
- Web designer- $67,916.
- Crime scene investigator- $42,109
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is a graduate degree that is more advanced than a bachelor’s degree and below a doctorate. Master’s degree programs allow students to dive deeper into a specific subject. You can apply for a master’s program only when you have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Master’s degree programs are offered in universities and some colleges with graduate schools. It normally takes 2 years to finish studying for a master’s degree.
These are the different of master’s degrees.
- Master of Business administration (MBA)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Master of Research (MRes)
- Master by Research (MbyRes)
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Studies (MSt)
These are some of the jobs you can get with master’s degrees and their respective average salaries.
- Economist – $99,396 per year
- Clinical Psychologist – $117270 per year
- Criminologist- $117270 per year
- College Professor- $76,590 per year
- IT Manager- $129,334 per year
- Human Resources Senior Officer – $252,200 per year
Doctorate Degree
A doctorate is a graduate degree, and it is the highest degree you can get in college. A doctorate shows that you have mastered a specific field of study. You can only study for a doctorate once you have been awarded a master’s degree in a related field. Graduate schools from universities and some colleges have doctorate programs. You will need 4 years to finish a doctorate.
These are the two types of master’s degrees.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Applied Doctorate
These are some of the jobs you can get with doctorate degrees and their respective average salaries.
- Computer & Information Research Scientist – $118,370 per year
- Mathematician- $85,698 per year
- Systems engineer – $73,408 per year
- Philosopher – $71,050 per year
- Psychometrician – $87,126 per year
- College President- $155,616. Per year
Conclusion
There are multiple degrees offered in college for different fields of study. You need to know which degree you need to study, for the career you want to pursue. The associate degree is the most entry level degree and a doctorate is the highest degree. A doctorate is the most challenging and demanding degree of the four main degrees. Before you pursue a doctorate, check if the career that you want to go into requires one or not.
