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.