Overview of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees—definitions, common titles, typical length/credits, example jobs, and .edu sources. [Updated]
Associate Degree (≈2 years; ~60 semester credits)
Definition: Two-year undergraduate degree offering general education and/or applied career preparation.
Popular titles: AA, AS, AAS
Example jobs: Dental hygienist, radiologic technologist, paralegal, network support specialist
Sources:
University of Washington ·
Portland Community College
Bachelor’s Degree (≈4 years; ~120 semester credits)
Definition: Four-year undergraduate degree combining general education and a major field of study.
Popular titles: BA, BS, BFA, BBA, BSN
Example jobs: K–12 teacher* , accountant, software developer, civil/mechanical engineer, RN (BSN)
Sources:
Arizona State University ·
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master’s Degree (≈1–3 years; ~30–60 credits)
Definition: Graduate degree focused on advanced specialization via coursework and/or thesis/project.
Popular titles: MA, MS, MEd, MBA, MPH, MSW, MPA, MEng
Example jobs: Speech-language pathologist, school counselor/assistant principal, data scientist (often preferred), epidemiologist
Sources:
Northeastern University ·
Ohio State University
Doctoral Degree (≈4–7+ years; field-dependent)
Definition: Highest academic degree; advanced coursework plus original research (dissertation) or advanced practice project.
Popular titles: PhD, EdD, PsyD, DNP
Example jobs: University professor/researcher, superintendent, clinical psychologist, advanced nursing leadership
Professional Degrees (Licensure-Track; length varies by field)
Definition: Graduate/professional credentials that prepare graduates for licensed practice in specific fields.
Popular titles: JD, MD/DO, PharmD, DDS/DMD, DPT, DVM, PA (master’s)
Typical lengths (examples): JD ≈3 yrs; MD 4 yrs + residency; DPT ≈3 yrs; PharmD ≈4 yrs
Example jobs: Attorney, physician, pharmacist, dentist, physical therapist, veterinarian, physician assistant
Sources:
Harvard Law School (JD) ·
Stanford Medicine (MD) ·
UCSF (PharmD) ·
USC (DPT)
*Most states require a bachelor’s plus an approved teacher-prep program and state licensure for K–12 teaching.
