Associate Degree (Undergraduate Degree)
A two year degree which may complete a student's program of study or may be part of a path to a four year Bachelor's Degree. An Associate of Science or an Associate of Arts are two commonly awarded degrees.

Certificates
Certain associate degrees incorporate coursework for students to ear certificates. Other college courses prepare students to take tests to earn certificates in varios specialty fields.

Bachelor's Degree (Undergraduate Degree)
A four year degree in a specific subject area. A Bachelor's of Science and a Bachelor's of Arts are two commonly awarded degrees.

Master's Degree (Graduate Degree)
A degree obtained after the completion of additional coursework beyond a Bachelor's degree. Master's degree programs usually range from one (1) to two (2) years in length. Examples of Master's degrees awarded are Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Master of Business.

Doctoral Degree (Graduate Degree)
Three or more years of advanced additional study in a very specific subject area after the completion of a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Examples are a Doctor in the Philosophy of Art, etc. (Ph.D.). It can also be in the field of Education (Ed.D.) or in the field of Medicine (M.D.).