Certificates, Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees Explained
Degree names can be confusing, and the differences affect how long you’ll study, what you’ll pay and which doors open afterward.
Here’s how the main U.S. credentials fit together. The credits and times below are typical for full-time students; part-time study, transfer credit and credit for prior learning can change them a lot.
The ladder at a glance
| Credential | Typical credits | Typical full-time length | Usually leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate certificate | Varies widely | A few months to a year | A specific job skill or license |
| Associate degree | About 60 | About two years | Work, or transfer into a bachelor’s |
| Bachelor’s degree | About 120 | About four years | Professional work, graduate school |
| Master’s degree | Often 30 to 60 | One to two years | Advanced or specialized roles |
| Doctoral degree | Varies | Three to seven or more years | Research, teaching, licensed professions |
Two kinds of associate degree
- Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are built mainly from general education courses designed to transfer into a bachelor’s program.
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees prepare you for a specific occupation. Many of their technical courses may not transfer, so if a bachelor’s is your goal, ask about transfer agreements first. See transferring college credits.
Two kinds of doctorate
- Research doctorates, like the PhD, focus on original research and usually end with a dissertation.
- Professional doctorates, such as the MD (medicine), JD (law), PharmD (pharmacy) and DNP (nursing practice), prepare you for professional practice, and many lead to a license.
Stackable credentials
Many colleges now design programs that stack: a certificate whose courses count toward an associate degree, which feeds into a bachelor’s. Stackable paths let you earn something useful at each stage, which matters if life interrupts your studies. If you’ve been interrupted already, see finishing a degree you started.
Adviser’s tip: Before choosing a level, look at job postings in your target field. If most require a license or a particular degree, that answers the question, and for licensed fields, check whether the program meets your state’s requirements.
In brief
- An associate degree is typically about 60 credits and a bachelor’s about 120.
- Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are designed to transfer; applied associate degrees focus on jobs.
- Master’s degrees usually take one to two years after a bachelor’s.
- Research doctorates like the PhD differ from professional doctorates like the MD or JD.
Readers ask
What is a credit hour?
Under the federal definition, a credit hour generally represents one hour of classroom instruction and about two hours of work outside class each week over a semester, or the equivalent.
Can I get a master’s without a bachelor’s degree?
Generally not. Most master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree, though a few accelerated programs let undergraduates begin graduate courses early.
Are certificates worth it?
Some are excellent and lead directly to jobs; others have weak outcomes. Check graduates’ earnings and whether the certificate is required or recognized in your field.
Admission rules, accreditation status and licensing requirements change. This guide is general information for students in the U.S.; confirm the details with the school, its accreditor or your state licensing board before you enroll.