The world of higher education is filled with degree titles and terminology that can be confusing. If you are interested in continuing your education but are lost in the jargon, today’s blog is for you. We’ll break down different degrees so that you can decide what is the best option for you.
Types of Undergraduate Degrees
The term “undergraduate” refers to degrees at the college or university level. As an undergraduate, you can pursue an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Below is a comparison of these two types of undergraduate degrees. For a more detailed discussion of associate versus bachelor degrees, Best Colleges has a helpful page on the topic.
Associate Degrees
Associate degrees typically take two years to complete and generally require at least 60 credit hours. Depending upon your choice of study, you will graduate from an associate program with an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), or associate of applied science (AAS). In an AA program, you will study art and humanities, while courses in an AS will be more science, math, or business-oriented. An AAS offers specialized training to help people find work in fields like respiratory therapy, accounting, dental hygiene, etc.
Pros: Associate degrees are appealing because they are often cheaper and require less time than other degrees. You can often complete an associate degree at a community college, which has more reasonable tuition than state or private colleges.
Cons: The downside of an associate degree is that your job options may be limited. Many people with associate degrees go on to work in successful, high-paying jobs, but there may be fewer job options overall for associate degree holders.
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is the other type of undergraduate degree. A bachelor’s program typically takes four years to complete and requires at least 120 credit hours. There are three types of bachelor’s programs: a bachelor of arts (BA), a bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and a bachelor of science (BS). BA and BFA programs will focus on humanities, social sciences, or the arts, while a BS focuses on science, math, business, etc. While BA and BFA degrees are similar, a BFA program will offer more courses concentrating on your major, while a BA program offers a more generalized education.
Pros: A bachelor’s degree gives you more options than an associate degree. With a BA or BS, you will have more employment options, and you can apply for graduate programs if you choose. Plus, if you already hold an associate degree, you may be able to use those credit hours to count toward your bachelor’s degree.
A bachelor’s degree also challenges you to learn about a variety of topics. Most programs have general education requirements. This might mean you are required to take a biology or language course, even if your major is communications.
Many programs also allow you to choose elective classes. Electives are courses that you can take about any topic that interests you, such as art history or metalwork. In this way, a bachelor’s degree helps you get a more comprehensive education and gives you space to learn about more varied topics.
Cons: A bachelor’s degree is more of a financial and time commitment than an associate degree. State schools often have lower tuition than private colleges or universities, but the cost of a 4-year degree is significant. Thankfully, there are many financial aid options to help students through college.
Types of Graduate Programs
Once you achieve your undergraduate degree, you may continue your education through a graduate program. There are two types of graduate degrees: master’s programs and PhD programs.
To apply for a graduate program, you must have a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree will not qualify you for a graduate program.
Master’s Degrees
The first type of graduate degree is a master’s degree. A master’s degree could be a master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), master of fine arts (MFA), or master of business administration (MBA). MA, MS, and MBA programs are typically two years long, while an MFA may take two or three years to complete.
Whereas courses in a bachelor’s program often span multiple fields of study, a master’s program typically focuses all classes on one area of study. The focused structure of master’s programs prepares graduate students to be experts in their fields.
Pros: Because they are so field-specific, master’s programs are great opportunities for networking and building your skillset. In a master’s program, you will learn from experts in your field. If you build connections with your professors, they may help you make professional connections.
A master’s program will also give you dedicated time to grow your abilities in a field you are passionate about. Whether you pursue an MA in creative writing or an MS in speech pathology, a master’s program dedicates two full years to growing your skills in your chosen field.
Cons: Again, the cost of higher education prohibits many people from pursuing their master’s degree. To learn more about financial support for graduate students at Emerson, be sure to visit our Financial Aid website.
Ph.D. Programs
Ph.D. programs are the other type of graduate programs. Generally, you would enroll in a Ph.D. program after you earn a master’s degree. However, some schools allow you to enroll in a PhD program without first getting your master’s. Typically, a Ph.D. program takes three to four years to complete.
Unlike students in master’s programs, all Ph.D. students must complete a thesis. A Ph.D. program is largely centered around independent research, so completing a doctoral thesis is the main task of a Ph.D. program.
Pros: Generally, earning your Ph.D. gives you the potential to make more money over time. If you want to pursue a career in academia, a Ph.D. may be the path for you. With a Ph.D., you can teach undergraduate and graduate classes, and you may pursue tenure, which offers job protections.
Another advantage of a Ph.D. program is that most schools pay for your tuition and give you some financial support for living expenses. You may still need to work while pursuing your Ph.D., but typically the education expenses are paid for. This is because you are completing valuable research as a Ph.D. student, and the university you attend gets to attach its name to your research.
Cons: As with all higher education, earning a Ph.D. takes time, typically 3-4 years. Additionally, earning a Ph.D. is academically and sometimes emotionally challenging. It can be stressful to complete independent research at the doctoral level, but if you are passionate about your field, earning your Ph.D. may be well worth it.
FAQs about Graduate Programs
How are MA and MFA Programs Different?
It’s easy to confuse MA and MFA programs because they share some characteristics. For more clarification, check out our blog about the similarities and differences between MAs and MFAs.
Do You Have to Complete a Thesis for a Master’s Degree?
Some master’s programs may require students to complete a thesis, but it is not a universal requirement for all master’s programs. To learn more about what a master’s level thesis is, check out our blog “What is a Thesis?”
What is a Terminal Degree?
A terminal degree is the highest level of education you can obtain in a given field. Generally, a terminal degree in a given field will be some sort of graduate degree–either a master’s degree or Ph.D.
Sometimes, master’s degrees will be considered terminal degrees. For example, a Creative Writing MFA is a terminal degree for creative writers. In the business world, an MBA is typically considered a terminal degree.
Often, a Ph.D. will be the terminal degree for a given field. Ph.D.s are the terminal degrees for many careers in math and science. For example, a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology or biology would be the terminal degree for those fields. Ph.D.s are also considered terminal degrees in many humanities fields like English or philosophy.
People who complete a terminal degree in their field often have more job options and can usually negotiate for higher salaries.
Which Degree is Right for You?
Ultimately, the right degree for you depends upon your career goals. If you have a specific job in mind that an associate degree will help you achieve, then maybe an AS or AAS is the route for you. If you’re hoping to teach as a professor for the rest of your career, you’ll likely want to complete a Ph.D. For some careers, like speech pathology or clinical psychology, you need at least a master’s degree to gain licensure. The level of education you should pursue all depends upon your personal goals.
Hopefully, today’s blog helps you clarify which higher education degree is best for you. For more information about Emerson’s graduate programs, visit our website or schedule a call with a graduate admissions counselor.
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