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Certificate / Diploma
College certificate or diploma coursework focuses almost entirely on a specific topic and are offered in many trades, professional fields, and academic areas. These programs typically require fewer credits and take less time to complete. In some cases, the credits earned may be applied or transferred to degree programs if you later decide to continue your education.
These two-year programs offer different degrees for a variety of careers and may provide the necessary training to prepare students for entry-level positions. Associate degree programs are most commonly available from community colleges and technical schools.
Transferable associate degree programs cover the general education requirements needed to continue a student's education at a 4-year university.
A bachelor's degree program is an undergraduate program that usually takes three or four years to complete. Enrolling in a bachelor's degree program requires that students choose a major area of study. A bachelor's degree is also usually required for admittance into a graduate program.
A graduate certificate is a short course of study that is designed to meet the supplemental needs of students who have achieved a bachelor's or master's degree. They are a form of specialized training at the university level. Graduate certificates generally focus on a particular industry or job title.
Master's degree programs are graduate programs that let students specialize in an area of study. They typically take one-to-two years to complete. Along with an undergraduate degree, enrolling in a master's degree program usually requires a minimum GPA and an acceptance score on a graduate entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many master's degree programs require a thesis or capstone project for graduation.
The highest college degrees are doctoral degree programs, also known as Ph.D. programs. Because they are the most advanced type of degree program available, admittance into a doctoral degree program may require individuals to hold a master's degree. Completing a Ph.D. program usually takes several years, and often involves the completion of a dissertation and a major research project.