Degree, Diploma, Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate?

Bachelor is usually a four-year degree – Undergraduate degree

Masters is usually 2-4 years ‘over’ a bachelors – Graduate degree

Doctorate is usually 2-4 years ‘over’ a Masters – post-graduate

Degree is, well, the definition of the degree, diploma is literally the document, and certificate is usually a proof of completion of course(s) that do not lead to what is considered a college degree, which usually means that you either don’t have to attend a college to attain it, or you spend less than the required amount of time/credits earned to earn an Associates.

Still confused? Welcome to the World of Higher Learning.

In college you receive a Bachelors of Arts or Sciences Degree

A Masters is received for completing study above the college level (typically a two year program)

A Doctorate is received for completing study about the Masters level

A Certificate is a term used for students who take courses to become proficient in a typical area of study. For example some people who want to make a career change or just brush up on their skills may gain a certificate in accounting or computers.

Diploma= What you get when you graduate high school

Certificate = Less than a degree

Associate= two year term in college

Bachelor = 4 year term in college

Masters= 5-6 year term in college

Doctorate= 3 years past postsecondary education

Certificate = $

Associates = $$

Bachelors = $$$

Masters = $$$$

Doctorate = $$$$$