Chart Your Course

Degrees & Certification for Your Future

Understanding the different levels of degrees and certifications can help individuals make informed decisions about their education and career paths. Whether starting with an associate degree, advancing to a doctorate, or obtaining a certification, each credential serves as a steppingstone towards achieving professional goals and personal growth. 

Industry Certification

  •  Duration: Varies widely (from a few weeks to several months) 
  • Overview: A certification is a credential awarded by a professional organization or certifying body to individuals who have met predetermined qualifications and demonstrated specific skills or knowledge in a particular area. 
  • Purpose: Validates specialized skills and knowledge, often required for specific jobs or to enhance career prospects. 
  • Common Fields: Information Technology (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco), Healthcare (e.g., CPR, CNA), Project Management (e.g., PMP), Finance (e.g., CPA). 

Associate Degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.S.)

  • Duration: 2 years 
  • Overview: An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, and some four-year universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years. 
  • Purpose: Prepares students for entry-level jobs, further education (bachelor’s degree), or specific technical or vocational careers. 
  • Common Fields: Nursing, Information Technology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice.  

Bachelor’s Degree (B.A., B.S.)

  •  Duration: 4 years 
  • Overview: A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting about four years. 
  • Purpose: Provides a comprehensive education with a focus on a specific major or field of study, preparing students for a variety of professional careers or further education (master’s degree). 
  • Common Fields: Business, Engineering, Education, Psychology, Biology. 

Master’s Degree (M.A., M.S., M.B.A., M.Ed.)

  •  Duration: 1-2 years beyond a bachelor’s degree 
  • Overview: A master’s degree is a graduate-level degree that provides advanced knowledge and skills in a specific field of study or professional practice. 
  • Purpose: Enhances expertise and qualifications, often leading to advanced professional roles or preparation for doctoral studies. 
  • Common Fields: Business Administration (MBA), Education (M.Ed.), Science (M.S.), Arts (M.A.). 

Doctorate Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., J.D.)

  •  Duration: 3-7 years beyond a master’s degree 
  • Overview: A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic degree, signifying expertise in a specific field of study or profession. 
  • Purpose: Prepares individuals for advanced research, academic, clinical, or professional positions. 
  • Common Fields: Medicine (M.D.), Law (J.D.), Philosophy (Ph.D.), Education (Ed.D.).