K12 Academics Resource Library

College Degrees Explained

Every kind of US college credential, level by level — associate, bachelor's, master's, research and professional doctorates, specialist degrees, certificates, residencies, dual degrees, and more. What each one is, how long it takes, what it costs, and how to find a program. Looking for a specific field or major? That's the subject side — use the colleges search to find schools offering it.

13degree types & credentials

New to choosing a school? Start with the type that fits your family, then use the K12 Academics directory to find real schools near you. Not sure where to begin? Try the School-Type Finder.

Undergraduate

3

Two- and four-year undergraduate degrees, plus the shorter awards beneath them.

Associate DegreesTwo-year degree; transfer or career (AA, AS, AAS) Bachelor's DegreesThe four-year degree (BA, BS, BFA, BBA…) Undergraduate Certificates & DiplomasShort, career-focused pre-degree awards

Graduate

4

Degrees and credentials beyond the bachelor's — master's through the research doctorate.

Master's DegreesAcademic or professional (MA, MS, MBA, MSW…) Doctoral (Research) DegreesHighest academic degree (PhD, EdD, DBA…) Specialist DegreesBetween master's and doctorate (EdS, SSP) Graduate & Post-Master's CertificatesFocused, stackable graduate credentials

Professional & Clinical

2

Degrees that lead to licensed practice, and the clinical training that follows.

Professional (Practice) DegreesLicensed careers (MD, JD, DDS, PharmD…) Residencies & FellowshipsPaid clinical training after a professional degree

Within & Across Degrees

2

How degrees are focused, specialized, and combined.

Minors, Concentrations & SpecializationsFocused study areas within a degree Dual, Joint & Combined DegreesTwo credentials together (JD/MBA, MD/PhD)

Non-Degree & Other

2

Skills-based credentials and honorary recognition.

Micro-credentials, Badges & Continuing EducationShort, skills-based, stackable credentials Honorary DegreesConferred to recognize achievement (honoris causa)
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