Degree Definitions
Understanding different degree levels and options is often a first step to considering what you need and want to pursue. Below are some common degrees (and letter abbreviations) you might encounter. Different institutions may use different abbreviations and designations – find more definitions through Your Dictionary: Degree Abbreviations.
Associate degree (always has an A) – undergraduate degree, usually 2-year programs
Bachelor’s degree (always has a B) – undergraduate degree, usually 4-year programs
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – The distinction between the two is based on the number of science/math credits compared to humanities/language/social sciences credits. School of Human Ecology students earn a B.S. Rarely do employers prefer one over the other.
Master’s degree (always has an M) – graduate degree
Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) – depends on the field of study (whether more science/math/engineering or arts/humanities/social sciences.
*Master of Accountancy (M.Acc) – graduate level study of accounting.
*Master of Architecture (M.Arch) – graduate study of architecture.
*Master of Business Administration (MBA) – graduate study in certain areas of business.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – graduate study in certain fine arts.
*Master of Public Health (MPH) – graduate study in public health.
*Master of Social Work (MSW) – graduate study in social work.
Doctoral degrees (always has a D) – graduate degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – indicates advanced study and research in a field.
*Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) – study to become a medical doctor.
*Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) – advanced study in either physical therapy or occupational therapy.
*Juris Doctor (JD) – advanced study to become a lawyer.
*These are some examples of “professional degrees,” meaning the degrees are applied training required to be able to do certain professions and do not typically have a focus on doing research
If you are interested in research/academia as a career pathway and for graduate study, there are additional facets of those spaces to explore and understand.
Networking and building connections with faculty is very important, so:
- Start talking with your professors now about your goals and interests
- Check out the National Research Mentoring Network (it’s not just for biomedical students)
- Explore pipeline programs that support undergrads interested in research, for example: McNair Scholars
Additionally, connect with your career advisor and consider reading the book: A Field Guide to Grad School: Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum by Jessica McCrory Calarco