Associate

• Most associate's degrees can be earned in two years at a junior or vocational college. The most popular types of associate degrees are an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science (AS). Many students enter an AA program with the intention of transferring to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree. These degree programs often require more training in liberal arts. Many students who earn an AS will also transfer to a four-year school as well, but an AS is designed to prepare you for the workforce. An AS degree requires more technical and less liberal arts coursework. Usually trades like nursing, computer networking and engineering are under the umbrella of an AS degree. Other associate's degrees include the Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Applied Science.
  
  

Bachelor

• A Bachelor's degree is earned by completing a degree program at a four-year college or university. Two of the most popular bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS). Unlike the Associate's degree, both of these Bachelor's degrees are intended to prepare you for the workforce. Typically, science and technical degree programs -- like biology, computer science, mathematics, nursing and engineering -- are under the BS umbrella. Liberal arts fields -- like communication, humanities, English, languages, art, dance and music -- fall under the BA umbrella. One type of Bachelor's degree is not necessarily more valuable than the other, but certain degree programs like engineering or nursing may result in higher paying positions. Other types of Bachelor's degrees include the Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Technology, but these types are not as common.
  
  

Master

• A Master's degree is an advanced degree that can be earned by completing a graduate program. Many Master's programs last two years, and you must have a Bachelor's degree before entering a Master's program. There are many different types of Master's degrees, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). Under the umbrella of MA and MS, you will find programs in education, arts, languages and sciences. In addition, you will find other Master's degree types such as the Master of Science in Business Economics (MSBE) and Master of Education (MEd).
  
  

Doctorate

• You must first earn a Bachelor's degree before entering a doctoral programs. Doctoral programs can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years. Many doctoral programs prepare students to for a Doctorate of Philosophy, which is denoted as PhD. The term "philosophy" doesn't necessarily indicate the modern meaning of the word but instead refers to its Greek root, which is "love of wisdom." Those that complete a PhD, such as in Psychology, Sociology or Mathematics, are considered to have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge in that particular field and will often teach other students. Other doctoral programs include Juris Doctor (JD), which is required for lawyers, and Doctor of Medicine (MD).