FAQ

You may be wondering how long does it take to get an associate degree. A typical associate’s degree only takes about two years to obtain if you are a full-time student. For some people already in the workforce, trying to get an associate’s degree might take a little longer as a part-time student. Regardless, you’ll need a high school diploma to apply (or the equivalent).

You might also be wondering how many credits you’ll need to complete an associate’s degree. An associate’s degree usually takes a minimum of 60 college credit hours of coursework to complete. You take all of your core courses in areas like English and math. Then you move on to a more specific list of classes directly related to your associates degree.
 
If you are the type of student who is easily bored by the core classes that everyone has to take, you’ll get to the more interesting classes related to your career by your second year in your associate degree program.

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You might be wondering, “What is a bachelors degree?”  Bachelor’s degrees are the most common degrees sought by college-bound students. They are also known as a baccalaureate degree.  These undergraduate degrees are available in a variety of fields.  Bachelor’s degrees are typically earned in four years of full-time study.

Graduates who earn their baccalaureate degree can move directly into a career or attend graduate school and earn a master’s degree or doctorate. In either case, bachelor’s degrees are the key that unlocks the door to a world of career options and development.

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You may be asking yourself, “How many credits is a master’s degree?” If you are thinking of getting a Master’s degree, you’re not alone. Currently, over 800,000 students in the United States get a Master’s degree annually. That is nearly double the amount from 20 years ago.

A Master’s degree is a graduate education award just above a Bachelor’s degree. It is considered an advanced college degree and signifies that the recipient has achieved (mastered) a specific level of knowledge in their chosen field.

The “Magister” title dates back to Medieval Europe and even ancient Rome. It was conveyed upon graduates who had become teachers. Medieval universities later had Master’s degrees, but different institutions had very different takes on this. The accepted, modern Master’s degree — an advanced degree earned in a specific field — appeared in the 19th century. In the U.S., it began to take hold in the 1870s. However, the recognized value of a Master’s degree wouldn’t occur for several more decades.

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When you begin graduate school in any academic discipline, you should expect a different experience from your undergraduate years. Those enrolling in graduate degree programs will do best if they are motivated by professional and academic goals. If you have a few years of work experience under your belt, all the better.

Simply put, a doctorate degree is the highest level of degree you can earn in professional and academic fields.
Those entering doctoral programs have already earned a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field. In many cases, a master’s degree is also required to begin most doctoral programs.

As a Ph.D. or professional doctoral candidate, you will begin by taking courses and exams. After completing these, you will take advanced seminars and design dissertation research or begin a capstone project. Finally, you will complete the requirements by creating and defending your doctoral dissertation or presenting your capstone. 

A doctoral dissertation is a thesis that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to research and support a topic. The dissertation is usually the deciding factor in whether or not the candidate earns his or her doctorate degree. Failure to complete the dissertation is a major reason that candidates fail to complete their advanced degree.

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