Bachelor's vs. Master's Degree: Key Differences and How to Choose
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
Bachelor's vs. Master's: The Short Answer
Bachelor's and master's degrees represent two different levels of college education, with differences in admission requirements, length and depth of study.
- Degree level: A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree, while a master's degree is a graduate degree pursued after earning a bachelor's degree.
- Time to complete: Bachelor's programs are generally designed to take about four years of full-time study, while master's programs often take about one to two years. Actual completion time can vary by program, course load, transfer credits and other factors.
- Admission requirements: Bachelor's programs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Master's programs generally require a previously earned bachelor's degree.
- Depth of study: Bachelor's programs are designed to provide a foundation in a chosen field along with broader undergraduate coursework. Master's programs help students work to build on prior education with more advanced, focused study.
Key Differences
Degree Level: Undergraduate vs. Graduate
Higher education refers to education beyond the secondary level and includes undergraduate and graduate study.1 Undergraduate programs include associate and bachelor's degree programs, while graduate programs include master's and doctoral degree programs.
American InterContinental University offers bachelor's degree programs in the following areas of study:
- Accounting (B.Acc.)
- Business Administration (B.B.A.)
- Criminal Justice (B.S.C.J.)
- Healthcare Management (B.H.C.M.)
- Information Technology (B.S.I.T.)
American InterContinental University offers online master's degree programs in the following areas of study:
- Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Education (M.Ed.)
- Healthcare Management (M.H.C.M.)
- Information Technology (M.S.I.T.)
Admission Requirements
Bachelor's degree requirements for admission vary from school to school. Minimum grade point averages can vary and standardized test scores may or may not need to be submitted, while a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
Generally, a bachelor's degree is required for enrollment in a master's program. However, your undergraduate major does not necessarily need to be in the same or similar field as the master's you plan to pursue. Master of Business Administration programs are one example where an undergraduate business degree may not be required. You should always familiarize yourself with a school's admissions criteria so that you aren't surprised by any prerequisites.
Depth vs. Breadth of Study
A bachelor's degree is generally designed to provide a broader undergraduate foundation, while a master's degree typically provides more advanced and focused graduate study.
The exact curriculum varies by institution and field, but bachelor's programs typically combine study in a major with broader undergraduate (general education) requirements, while master's programs concentrate more heavily on graduate-level study within the selected discipline.
Potential Career Paths
People choose to pursue graduate study for many reasons. Some may want to develop additional knowledge or expertise in their current field, while others may want to build new skills or enter fields where graduate education is commonly required.
If you're weighing a bachelor's vs. master's degree, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Finder is a useful tool for identifying the typical entry-level education associated with various occupations.
Bachelor's degrees are commonly associated with entry into a particular field, while some specialized occupations may require or call for graduate education. A master's may also provide advanced study relevant to someone pursuing greater specialization or certain leadership-oriented paths, but degree level alone does not guarantee employment, promotion or advancement.
Earning Potential
The increased earning potential associated with higher educational attainment might be a motivating factor for some people. Generally, BLS data indicates higher median weekly earnings at higher levels of educational attainment.2
Keep in mind, though, that wages vary widely by occupation, industry and experience. They can also vary by where you live. That is why you should not base your decision to pursue a degree on the master's vs. bachelor's potential earnings alone.
Cost and Return on Investment
If you already have a bachelor's, then you may want to weigh the time and financial commitments that graduate school might require of you.
When considering the cost and ROI of a master's, compare the cost of the program and the time required to complete it with the education requirements, opportunities and potential earnings associated with your specific goals.
A Business Example: BBA vs. MBA
The BBA vs MBA comparison illustrates the broader difference between undergraduate and graduate study. AIU's Bachelor of Business Administration is an undergraduate program designed to build a foundation in business fundamentals while allowing students to study a selected area of focus.
AIU's Master of Business Administration is a graduate program focused on advanced business study and decision-making.
You can also explore AIU's broader selection of business degree programs.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
If you know you want to earn a post-secondary degree but don't already possess a bachelor's degree, a bachelor's will generally come before a master's. If you've never attended college before, have some college experience, hold only a high school diploma or equivalent, or your highest degree is an associate degree, then a bachelor's degree program may be the next degree level to consider.
Take the time you need to make the right decision for you. And when you're ready, explore AIU's bachelor's degree and master's degree programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor's is an undergraduate degree that provides a broad foundation and typically takes about four years of full-time study. A master's is a graduate degree that provides more advanced, focused study, typically takes about one to two years of full-time study and generally requires a bachelor's degree for admission.
It depends on your field and goals. A master's involves an additional investment of time and money, so consider the educational requirements for your desired path, potential benefits and costs before deciding whether it makes sense for you.
On average, BLS data show higher median weekly earnings for workers with a master's degree than for those whose highest educational attainment is a bachelor's degree. In 2025, those figures were $1,876 and $1,578, respectively. Individual earnings vary by occupation, experience, industry and location.2
A bachelor's typically takes about four years of full-time study, while a master's usually takes about one to two years. Course load, transfer credit, breaks and other circumstances can change these timelines.
A BBA is an undergraduate business degree. At AIU, the BBA builds a foundation in business fundamentals while allowing study in a selected area of focus. The MBA is a graduate business degree focused on more advanced business study and decision-making.
You generally need to earn a bachelor's degree before entering a master's program. A bachelor's can provide the undergraduate foundation for entering a field, while a master's may be considered later when your goals call for graduate-level specialization or additional study. Admission requirements vary by institution and program.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
REQ2262575 09/2026
1 Merriam-Webster Dictionary. “Higher Education.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/higher%20education Visited August 19, 2026.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Education Pays.” https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (visited October 15, 2026). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
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