A certificate is an education degree type that is of a more simple form than a Bachelor's. A certificate can qualify someone as trained for a certain profession or complement a degree that the student already holds. For instance, would-be teachers often attain a teaching certificate to qualify them for positions in education, in addition to other degrees which they already possess. Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees take a longer period to obtain and involve a more complex educational process. A certificate may have a specific purpose, though it doesn't carry the educational weight of one of the other degrees.

Associate's Degree Programs

Associate's degrees are typically two-year programs often from community colleges or peripheral branches of four-year universities. Associate's degrees can be vocational or used as stepping stones into a bachelor's degree. Courses at institutions offering Associate's degrees are generally much less expensive per credit hour than their equivalents at central university campuses, and thus an Associate's may be a smart financial decision for someone who wishes to pursue a higher level of education later, but lacks the financial means to start right away. As these degrees are the first step in the chain of higher education, they usually require no previous education. In fact, community colleges often do not even require a GED. Entrance exams are generally used solely to determine an applicant's previous academic experience, and not as a criteria for admission.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

A bachelor's degree is the first level of post-secondary education. Bachelor degrees come in two varieties, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. A Bachelor of Science degree will have a strong focus on mathematics and the so-called hard sciences (e.g. physical and life). Bachelor of Arts degrees will have a strong focus on fine arts and humanities (e.g. dance, languages, art history). A student getting a bachelor's degree will choose a concentration or major which represents a broad topic area such as history, political science or physics. Students will spend four years completing significant coursework in their major but also courses to get a general understanding of a broad range of subjects, called general education requirements. Those who complete bachelor's degrees are eligible to begin professional careers, typically in a field related to their major, or they may go on to a Master's degree program. Candidates for bachelor degree programs must have a high school diploma or a GED (high school equivalent). Additionally, universities will have their own entry requirements such as specific scores on standardized entry exams (e.g. ACT or SAT) or a minimum high school GPA (grade point average).

Masters's Degree Programs

A master's degree is a high level of education that usually follows the attainment of a bachelor's degree. While a bachelor's degree averages four years of course work, a master's degree may only take a year or two following the attainment of the bachelor's degree. It is considered a specialization in the student's field of expertise. It may also qualify the student to continue to pursue a doctorate. A master's degree may add to the student's knowledge of his or her field, and it may also increase the student's potential salary. For instance, a teachers with a master's degree in education will usually be paid more than one without.

Doctorate's Degree Programs

A doctorate is the highest degree offered by the university system in the United States. A doctorate is typically completed in five to six years but can take longer. A primary feature of this type of degree is the undertaking of a significant research project, culminating in a dissertation. As a result, obtaining a doctorate can take longer than the average time frame. Individuals who get doctorate degrees have career opportunities in teaching and research (primarily academic) which are typically closed to people without doctorate degrees. Advanced positions in fields outside academia are also possible career choices for those with doctorates, however, these are usually open to those with Master's level education and experience. Candidates for doctoral programs are normally required to already have Master's degrees; however, some doctoral programs allow those with Bachelor degrees to apply. Finally, to apply for a doctoral program, a candidate must have a research area in mind, which is also of interest to the university department where the student applies.

Education Degree Programs

A degree in education opens up a wide variety of options to graduates, though most people who pursue such a degree are typically employed as teachers, often in public institutions. Other professional tracks available to those who select this degree option include private tutoring, the writing and evaluation of textbooks, as well as corporate level teaching. Early on, students pursuing this track will typically gain experience and payment as teacher's assistants where they will perform such tasks as grading, tutoring and managing data for professors. This is comparable to internships and short-term part-time positions that those pursuing other majors will often take before embarking on their primary career paths.

Career Degree Programs

A skilled trade is one requiring a highly specialized degree for a particular profession that opens up doors to a variety of jobs in the chosen field. Individuals earn degrees or certificates relevant to a specific skill so as to become electricians, plumbers, blacksmiths, and mechanics, among many other diverse options. Trade professions are always in high demand as the skills developed through certification in them is often very specific, while at the same time being of vital societal importance. Individuals pursuing a skilled trade often begin their career path with an apprenticeship where they're able to perfect their skills under the tutelage of other professionals with far greater experience in the particular trade.

Business Degree Programs

A Business degree provides an understanding of a lot of topics related to the management of company systems, policies and procedures. More specifically, this includes topics such as finance, marketing and the use of information systems. Students who earn degrees in Business may specialize in a variety of high demand careers including Hospitality Management, Accounting or Human Resources. A bachelor's degree in Business can lead to a career in management at a variety of enterprises from a hotel or restaurant to a fortune 500 company. Individuals who get a Bachelor's in Business worked towards earning their graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA) but other tracks are also an option for further education. These options include earning a master's in accounting or even Public Administration (MPA), the public sector equivalent of an MBA.

Healthcare Degree Programs

The healthcare field may be perfect for individuals who enjoy helping people and challenging themselves. Specializations include medical transcription, nursing, occupational therapy, and radiology technology, among others. A degree in healthcare can give individuals the knowledge to work in a variety of clinical and administrative positions, such as medical or dental assistants, nurses, counselors, insurance coders, or office administrators. While a formal education is optional for some fields, most employers prefer it. Most ultrasound technicians will have completed an accredited two to four-year program and certification exam. A counselor will have completed a master's degree in addition to supervised clinical experience, with an optional certification in the field. Registered nurses can find jobs after receiving a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree and obtaining a nursing license. Medical assistants must have completed an accredited program resulting in a degree or certificate.

Humanities Degree Programs

Studies in the humanities include all branches of education that study human nature and the human condition. As opposed to the science of biology, which studies the physical make up of living things, humanities include disciplines like philosophy, psychology, sociology, religion, music, art, history, language, literature, and law. Study of the humanities provides the student a broad and satisfying exploration of the reasons and means by which life is lived. The humanities can be contrasted to the hard physical sciences and mathematics. Humanities majors often go on to careers as professors, psychologists, sociologists, artists, clergy, and lawyers. There are bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in the humanities.

Science Degree Programs

With the importance of technology in today's culture, a background in science can help an individual follow a highly desired career path and drive change in today's society. From computer science to forensic sciences, career choices in this field offer opportunities to satisfy any interest and make an impact on today's world and future generations. With a degree in science, one can work in criminal justice, aviation, or quality control, to name a few. Biology researchers can help find cures for diseases, and environmental scientists can help change policy to eliminate toxins from our water supply. An individual can complete any level of degree to obtain a job in this field. Associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees are available from many colleges and universities, and can help an individual secure a job in this ever- evolving field.

Social Science Degree Programs

In higher education, social science refers to an area of study that focuses on people and their interactions with society. Common disciplines within the social sciences include psychology, sociology, economics, political science and anthropology. Most universities have a general education curriculum. This includes a requirement for a specific number of hours in this category. Some majors even require particular courses like introduction to psychology as part of their degree plan. There are several career paths that a student can take if he or she majors in a social science discipline. For example, a major in political science might involve public policy or lead to law school. A major in anthropology might lead to a career in archaeology or ethnology. Regardless of what major a student chooses, there are many opportunities to explore different aspects of humans in relation to society with this area of study. If a student wants to go further in the field, then he or she will most likely need to obtain a Master's Degree in this area as well.

Technology Degree Programs

With technology currently in the forefront, careers in the field are in high demand. Individuals with a background in computer and information technology must keep up with current trends to help businesses manage their information networks and processes to accomplish their goals. Seeking an education in technology, an individual can specialize in web design and development, game design, network management, computer programming and more. These specializations provide career opportunities as computer programmers, managers, statisticians, computer systems analysts, or other exciting positions within virtually any company. Different levels of experience and degrees can help individuals work in the variety of jobs available in this field. Professional certifications can help individuals find jobs, while master's degrees can be beneficial to workers seeking advanced opportunities.

Computer Degree Programs

With technology currently in the forefront, careers in the field are in high demand. Individuals with a background in computer and information technology must keep up with current trends to help businesses manage their information networks and processes to accomplish their goals. Seeking an education in technology, an individual can specialize in web design and development, game design, network management, computer programming and more. These specializations provide career opportunities as computer programmers, managers, statisticians, computer systems analysts, or other exciting positions within virtually any company. Different levels of experience and degrees can help individuals work in the variety of jobs available in this field. Professional certifications can help individuals find jobs, while master's degrees can be beneficial to workers seeking advanced opportunities.