Understanding U.S. Higher Education: Academic Degrees

Summary

This lesson outlines the U.S. higher education degrees, distinguishing between undergraduate and graduate levels. It explains that undergraduate degrees include associate (two-year) and bachelor's (four-year), while graduate degrees are master's and doctoral. The script details the types of associate degrees, the distinction between Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, and the honors program. It also covers master's degrees, highlighting the research and professional paths, and doctoral degrees, including PhDs and professional doctorates, emphasizing their significance for advanced study and professional practice.

Takeaways

• 🎓 In the U.S., academic degrees are categorized into undergraduate and graduate levels.
• 🏫 Undergraduate degrees include associate and bachelor degrees, typically pursued after high school.
• 📚 Graduate degrees include master and doctoral degrees, pursued after completing a bachelor's degree.
• 👨‍🎓 Associate degrees are earned after two years of study, often at community or technical colleges.
• 📈 There are three types of associate degrees: AA, AS, and AAS, varying by field of study and career focus.
• 🎯 The AA and AS degrees are often geared towards transfer to a four-year school for a bachelor's degree.
• 🏛 Bachelor degrees are offered by colleges and universities and usually take four years to complete.
• 📘 Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc) are the two main types of bachelor degrees.
• 🏆 Honors Programs offer challenging courses and benefits for high-achieving students.
• 📚 Master's degrees are graduate degrees that take about two years to complete and are more specialized.
• 🔬 Research master's degrees (MA, MS) require a thesis, while professional master's degrees may substitute a project.
• 👨‍🔬 Doctoral degrees are the highest academic qualification and may require a master's degree for admission.
• 📖 PhDs are research-focused and lead to a dissertation, while professional doctorates are profession-oriented.

Q & A

What are the two main levels of academic degrees in the United States?

The two main levels of academic degrees in the United States are undergraduate and graduate levels.

What degrees are typically referred to as undergraduate degrees in the U.S.?

Associate and bachelor degrees are referred to as undergraduate degrees in the U.S.

What are the common types of associate degrees and what do they represent?

The common types of associate degrees are Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). AA and AS degrees are usually for students planning to transfer to a four-year school, while AAS degrees are for those wanting to enter the workforce immediately.

What is the primary difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree?

The primary difference is that BA requires coursework in history and liberal arts, while BS requires coursework in science, math, and engineering.

How many credit hours are typically required to complete a bachelor degree?

Approximately 120 credit hours are required to complete a bachelor degree.

What is an Honors Program in the context of U.S. higher education?

An Honors Program is a parallel academic track that offers challenging courses, special perks, and recognition upon graduation for students with very high grades.

What are the different levels of honors a student can achieve upon graduating from an Honors Program?

The levels of honors are Cum Laude (with honor or praise), Magna Cum Laude (with great honor or praise), Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor or praise), and very rarely, Maxima Cum Laude (with maximum honor or praise).

Why have master's degrees become more popular in the United States?

Master's degrees have become more popular because more jobs require them and having one usually results in better pay and more opportunities for career advancement.

What is the main difference between a research master's degree and a professional master's degree?

A research master's degree focuses on advanced study and research, often leading to a thesis, while a professional master's degree prepares graduates for employment in professional fields and may substitute a project for a final thesis.

What is the highest academic degree available in the United States, and what is it sometimes referred to as?

The highest academic degree available in the United States is a doctorate, which is sometimes referred to as a terminal degree.

What are the two main types of doctoral degrees and how do they differ?

The two main types of doctoral degrees are the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and professional doctorates. PhDs are research-oriented and require a dissertation, while professional doctorates focus on applied research beneficial to a specific profession and may not require a dissertation.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Overview of U.S. Higher Education Degrees

This paragraph introduces the U.S. higher education system, focusing on the differences between undergraduate and graduate programs. It explains that the U.S. system includes associate and bachelor's degrees at the undergraduate level, and master's and doctoral degrees at the graduate level. Undergraduate degrees are for students who have completed high school, while graduate degrees are for those who have completed a bachelor's degree. The paragraph also outlines the requirements for admission into master's and doctoral programs. It then details the types of associate degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS), explaining that AA and AS degrees are typically for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, while AAS degrees are for those entering the workforce immediately. The paragraph concludes by discussing the benefits of two-year schools for obtaining a bachelor's degree at a lower cost.

05:02

🏫 Bachelor and Master Degrees in Depth

This paragraph delves deeper into bachelor degrees, which are offered by colleges and universities and typically take four years to complete. It contrasts the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, with BA requiring coursework in history and liberal arts, while BS focuses on science, math, and engineering. Both require approximately 120 credit hours. The paragraph also mentions honors programs, which offer challenging courses and a senior research paper, leading to special notations on diplomas such as 'cum laude', 'magna cum laude', 'summa cum laude', and 'maxima cum laude'. It then discusses master's degrees, which are graduate degrees that take about two years to complete and are more specialized than bachelor degrees. Master's degrees are classified as research or professional, with research master's requiring a thesis and professional master's often substituting a project for a thesis. The paragraph highlights the increasing popularity of master's degrees due to job requirements and potential for better pay and career advancement.

10:02

👨‍🏫 Doctoral Degrees and Their Significance

The final paragraph discusses doctoral degrees, which are the highest academic degrees and are sometimes called terminal degrees. It notes that most doctoral programs require a master's degree for admission, but some admit students with only a bachelor's degree. Doctoral programs vary in length and requirements, with some requiring 60 credit hours and others up to 120. The paragraph differentiates between research doctorates, such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which involves several years of coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation, and professional doctorates, which are aligned with specific professions like medicine, law, and education. Professional doctorates focus on applied research and are beneficial for state-licensed professions. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the value of doctoral degrees for research positions and state-licensed professions.

Keywords

💡Undergraduate

An undergraduate is a student who is pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree, which are the first two levels of academic degrees in the United States. These degrees represent the next step after completing high school. In the script, undergraduate degrees are contrasted with graduate degrees, highlighting the progression from foundational to advanced studies.

💡Graduate

A graduate student is someone who is pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, which are higher levels of academic study. The script explains that graduate degrees build on the foundation of undergraduate education, requiring a bachelor's degree for admission and often leading to specialized knowledge and research.

💡Associate Degree

An associate degree is a two-year academic degree offered by community colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools. It is designed for students who wish to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. The script mentions three types of associate degrees: AA, AS, and AAS, each with different focuses.

💡Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that typically requires four years of full-time study to complete. It is offered by colleges and universities and comes in two main types: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). The script explains that BA degrees emphasize liberal arts subjects, while BS degrees focus on science, math, and engineering.

💡Honors Program

An Honors Program is a special academic track within a college or university that offers challenging coursework and additional benefits to high-achieving students. The script describes how students in an Honors Program may receive special recognition on their diplomas, such as 'Cum Laude' or 'Summa Cum Laude,' which signifies their high level of academic achievement.

💡Master's Degree

A master's degree is a graduate degree that follows the completion of a bachelor's degree. It is designed to deepen knowledge in a specific field and improve critical thinking skills. The script notes that master's degrees have become increasingly popular due to job market demands and the potential for higher pay and career advancement.

💡Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree, or doctorate, is the highest academic degree and is often referred to as a terminal degree. It involves advanced study and original research in a specific field. The script explains that doctoral programs may lead to careers in academia, research, or professional fields that require advanced expertise.

💡Research Master's

A research master's degree is a type of master's degree that focuses on research and coursework in a specific field. The script mentions that these degrees, such as the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS), often require a thesis and serve as preparation for doctoral study.

💡Professional Master's

A professional master's degree is designed to prepare graduates for employment in professional fields. The script gives examples such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Engineering (MEng), which may substitute a project for a thesis and are more applied in focus.

💡PhD

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a research doctorate that requires several years of study, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. The script explains that a PhD qualifies the holder to teach at a college or university or work in specialized positions related to their field.

💡Professional Doctorate

A professional doctorate is awarded in fields where advanced study is aligned with a specific profession. The script mentions examples such as Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Juris Doctor (JD), which focus on applied research and professional practice rather than academic research.

Highlights

The United States higher education system includes associate and bachelor degrees at the undergraduate level, and master and doctoral degrees at the graduate level.

Undergraduate degrees are for students who've completed high school, while graduate degrees are for those who have completed a bachelor's degree.

To be admitted into a master's program, a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA are typically required.

An associate degree is awarded after completing a two-year study program, often at community or technical colleges.

There are three main types of associate degrees: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

AA and AS degrees are usually for students planning to transfer to a four-year school, while AAS degrees are for those entering the workforce immediately.

Bachelor degrees are offered by colleges and universities and typically take four years to complete.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) are the two main types of bachelor degrees, with BA focusing on liberal arts and BS on science and math.

Honors Programs offer challenging courses and perks to high-achieving students, with special notations on their diplomas.

Master's degrees are graduate degrees that take about two years to complete and are more focused than bachelor degrees.

Master's degrees have become increasingly popular due to more jobs requiring them and the potential for better pay and career advancement.

Research master's degrees, such as MA and MS, require at least 30 credit hours and often a thesis, while professional master's degrees prepare graduates for specific professions.

Doctoral degrees, or terminal degrees, are the highest academic degrees and may require a master's degree for admission.

PhDs are research doctorates that require several years of coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation.

Professional doctorates, such as MD and JD, focus on applied research and are awarded in fields aligned with specific professions.

Doctoral degrees are beneficial for research positions and professions requiring state licensing.

Transcripts

hi there and welcome back to another

lesson in our understanding u.s. higher

education section if you're not familiar

with the different type of academic

degrees in the United States this lesson

is for you in it I'll explain the

difference between undergraduate and

graduate programs of study and tell you

all about different degree types let's

begin academic degree types vary

significantly around the world in the

United States we have a system that

includes associate and bachelor degrees

at the undergraduate level and master

and doctoral degrees at the graduate

level associate and bachelor degrees are

the next step for students who've

completed secondary or high school in

the u.s. we refer to them as

undergraduate degrees and students

pursuing them as undergraduates or just

undergrads

by contrast master and doctoral degrees

are graduate degrees and we refer to the

students taking them as graduate or grad

students you need to complete a

bachelor's degree program and have

strong grades usually at least a 3.0

grade point average to be admitted into

a master's program and in most cases

complete a master's degree before you'll

be admitted into a doctoral program

alright now let's have a quick look at

the different types of degrees an

associate degree is awarded after

completing a two-year study program this

degree is most commonly earned at

Community College's technical colleges

and vocational schools but is sometimes

also awarded by four-year colleges and

universities there are three main types

of associate degrees Associate of Arts

AAA Associate of Science AAS and

associate of Applied Science AAS AAA

degrees are earned for coursework in

social science humanities and business

fields AAS degrees are awarded for study

in scientific and technical fields

and AAS degrees are awarded to students

who complete technical and vocational

programs such as digital arts or

physical therapy the main difference

between these degree types is that a a

and a s degrees are primarily completed

by students planning to transfer to a

four-year school to complete a

bachelor's degree

the AAS degree on the other hand is for

students wanting to enter the workforce

immediately after graduating it's very

common for two-year schools to have

agreements with nearby four-year schools

that allow a a and AAS students to

easily transfer into bachelor programs

if they do they arrive at the four-year

school with advanced standing and then

only need to complete two additional

years to complete their bachelor degrees

given the difference in cost between two

and four-year schools many students

domestic and international have

discovered that this represents a much

less expensive way to get a bachelor's

degree at go study we definitely

encourage students we advise to consider

this option bachelor degrees are offered

by colleges and universities they are

meant to be completed in four years of

full-time study although some programs

like engineering or nursing often take

longer there are two main types of

bachelor degrees the Bachelor of Arts BA

and The Bachelor of Science BS or BSC

the main difference between them is that

the BA requires students to complete a

certain percentage of their total

coursework in history and the liberal

arts liberal arts subjects include

literature language humanities and

Social Sciences on the other hand the BS

requires students to complete a certain

percentage of their total coursework in

subjects related to science math and

engineering despite these different

requirements both degree types require

students to complete approximately 120

credit hours to graduate

for both bachelor degree types many u.s.

colleges and universities have a

parallel academic track known as an

honors or Scholars Program you need very

high grades to qualify to be an honors

student students who do then get special

perks such as access to honors only

courses and events more attention from

faculty and lodging in an Honors

dormitory honors courses are typically

more challenging than regular courses

and honor students usually have to

complete a senior research paper often

called a thesis before graduating

when graduating honors students have two

special notations printed on their

diplomas incur sue an Orem which is

Latin for in a course of honors and the

level of their honor in ascending order

of importance these levels are Combe

Loud which means with Honor or praise

magna laude with great honor or

praise summa laude with highest

honor or praise and very rarely Maxima

laude with maximum Honor or praise

needless to say honor students are

highly sought after by potential

employers

so being accepted by an Honors Program

is to every student's advantage a

masters is a graduate degree that

follows completion of the bachelors they

typically take two years to complete and

are more focused in demanding than

bachelor degrees the idea behind a

master's degree is to master a

particular subject and improve your

analysis and critical thinking skills

they've become increasingly popular and

common in the United States in recent

years the result of more and more jobs

now requiring them and because having

one usually results in better pay and

more opportunities for career

advancement master's degrees are

classified as either being research or

professional in nature there are two

main types of research masters the

Master of Arts MA

and the master of science ms/s with

bachelor degrees the MA focuses on

coursework in the liberal arts and the

MS focuses on coursework in the sciences

both require completion of at least 30

credit hours in a major and one or more

minor subject areas and often a thesis

completion of a research master's is

usually required for doctoral study and

at many schools master's programs are

designed so that you can easily

transition into a doctoral program after

graduating if you possess the necessary

grades knowledge skills and research

abilities professional master's degrees

sometimes also called postgraduate

master's prepare graduates for

employment in professional fields like

business engineering nursing or

journalism there are a wide variety of

professional masters programs for

example a master's of communication

income a masters of engineering M Eng

and perhaps best known of all the

Masters of Business Administration MBA

some of these programs are structured

like research master's programs while

others have a more applied focus and

substitute a project for a final thesis

in the United States a doctorate is the

highest academic degree available in a

field of study because of this they are

sometimes referred to as a terminal

degree most doctoral programs require a

master's degree for admission although

in rare cases a few do admit students

with just bachelor degrees the time

needed to complete a doctorate depends

on your educational background and the

field of study some require completion

of this view of 60 credit hours while

others require up to 120 as with

master's degrees they are research and

professional doctorate programs the

Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is the most

common research doctorate

phd's usually requires students to

complete three or more years of

full-time graduate coursework a

comprehensive exam and a research

project called a dissertation

some people say thesis dissertations are

typically prepared under the close

supervision of one or more academic

advisors and are expected to be original

and make a significant contribution to a

particular subject area completing a PhD

qualifies the degree holder to teach in

their subject area at a college or

university or to work in a specialized

position related to their field

professional doctorates are awarded in

fields where Advanced Study is aligned

with a specific profession such as

psychology medicine engineering

education and law they lack the academic

research component that defines the PhD

focusing instead on applied research

that is a direct benefit to their

profession these types of doctorates are

very common in the United States

examples include medicine doctor MD

Doctor of Dental Medicine DMD Doctor of

Veterinary Medicine DVM and URIs dr. JD

which is what lawyers get in order to

practice as with master's research and

professional doctorates are growing in

popularity research positions at

universities government agencies

corporations and private research

facilities often hire professionals with

doctoral degrees in addition in

professions where state licensing is

required such as teaching engineering

and psychology doctorates are highly

beneficial if not mandatory all right

everybody that will do it for this topic

I look forward to talking to you again

in the next one