college degree · college diploma ·Mar 17, 2022

What Is the Difference Between Different Degrees?

Finishing a college degree is considered one of the greatest achievements a person can have in their life. After their secondary education, they usually go to college and enroll in a program in a particular field. After about four years, they finish the program and are given diplomas as proof of their academic achievement. This is called a bachelor’s degree, but for many, that’s not the end of it.

You might have heard or have an idea of other degrees you can get after your tertiary education. These are master’s and doctoral degrees, which are part of the higher education system. How are they different from bachelor’s degrees and are they the best choices for you? Keep reading!

Bachelor’s Degree

First, you need to understand the purpose of a bachelor’s degree. This is considered your “first” degree (unless you choose to get an Associate’s) and serves as a foundation for your specialization. It’s also called a baccalaureate degree and is usually categorized as either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Typically, it takes four years to complete. However, some colleges allow you to finish it in a shorter or longer amount of time depending on your specific situation.

After you graduate from this degree program, you should have well-rounded knowledge that allows you to pursue a specific career field. Many companies will have this as a minimum requirement for their job positions.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is your second degree, and it’s something undertaken to further specialize your knowledge in a field. This will be more research-heavy and require much more effort on your end. Like a bachelor’s degree, a graduate degree is typically classified as either Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.), depending on the field.

There are a few reasons why you might want to pursue a master’s degree after your bachelor’s. For example, some jobs require it for certain high-level positions. It’s also used to prepare those who want to begin Doctoral-level education. In most cases, it takes two years of additional studies to get your master’s degree.

Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree is your third degree. It’s the highest one you can get, and it typically takes around four to six years to complete. Once you finish it, you will typically earn the title Doctor of Philosophy or Ph.D. for your particular field. It’s an immense achievement that only a few people are able to reach.

Before considering this, you need to understand that doctoral degrees require a significant amount of original research. Your main goal is to add new knowledge to your field of specialization, which can later be used for other studies. In addition, you’ll also be involved in academic work, such as teaching a class or serving as an expert in your field.

Show Off Your Achievements

No matter what degree you choose, finishing it is still a major milestone in your life. As proof of your achievement, you’d be given a diploma by your school. You can put it on display to show off your success, but place it first in a diploma cover from Same Day Diplomas. It helps protect the document from physical damage so it will last a lifetime.

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