Types of College Degrees: Which Path Best Fits Your Academic Goals?

Choosing a degree program is an important part of shaping your educational journey. Colleges and universities offer a wide range of degree levels and disciplines designed to help support different goals, time commitments, and interests. Understanding these degree types can help you determine the best fit for your objectives.

Undergraduate Degrees

Undergraduate programs are the foundation of higher education. Many students begin their academic pathway by pursuing either an associate or a bachelor's degree, depending on their academic goals and timeframe for study.

Associate Degree

An associate degree typically involves about two years of full-time study and is offered by community colleges, technical schools, and online universities. Students may pursue this degree to develop foundational knowledge in their chosen field or to continue later into a bachelor's program. (Credit transferability depends on institutional policies.)

Common associate degrees may include:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Associate of Applied Business (AAB)
• Associate of Business Administration (ABA)

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically requires four years of full-time study. These programs often combine general education courses with major-specific studies to help build both broad and specialized knowledge. Students may choose from diverse fields such as Business Administration, Information Technology, Healthcare Management, or Criminal Justice.

Common bachelor's degrees may include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Graduate Degrees

Graduate programs build upon undergraduate study, offering advanced coursework and research opportunities in specialized areas designed to deepen subject expertise.

Master's Degree

A master's degree usually requires one to three years of study beyond the bachelor's level. These programs emphasize advanced understanding, analytical skills, and the application of knowledge. For instance, students may pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (M.Ed.), or Master of Information Technology (MIT) to expand their academic knowledge and professional competencies.

Common master's degrees may include:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Explore Your Options

Learn more about AIU's degree offerings in fields such as Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Healthcare Management, and Information Technology.

Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2174413 11/2025