Types of Degrees

In the U.S., students will find professional and college education accessible. There are more than 4,000 public and private college degree granting institutions (National Center for Educational Statistics). Degrees come in several types and levels including:

· Diploma or Certificate – A diploma or professional certificate is offered for many areas of study and can be typically achieved in less than a year. Examples of diplomas/certificates include: automotive, bookkeeping, child care, computer networking, culinary, dental assistant, emergency medical technician, HVAC, medical receptionist, office administration, truck driving, and web development. Find a diploma or certificate degree >>

· Associate Degree – In two years, an Associate Degree can prepare you to further your career and earn more income. Typically you can earn an Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Arts (A.A.). There are many areas of study with an Associate Degree including accounting, business, computers, criminal justice, education, engineering, health care, hospitality, graphic design, web design, and veterinary. Upon completion, college credits from an Associate Degree can be applied toward earning a Bachelor Degree. Find an associate's degree >>

· Bachelor Degree—A Bachelor Degree (B.S., B.A., B.F.A., etc.) can be typically achieved in four years. Most popular Bachelor Degrees include: Business administration, finance, biology, political science, accounting, psychology, history economics, mechanical engineering, marketing, nursing, sociology, English, education, communications and liberal arts (nces.ed.gov). Find a bachelor's degree >>

· Master Degree—A Master Degree is typically a two-year program and requires a Bachelor Degree in order to enroll. Depending on the area of study, a Master Degree can increase annual earnings. According to the U.S. Census bureau, someone with a Master Degree can earn about $10,000 (Avg. $62,300) more per year than someone who has earned a Bachelor Degree. Find a master's degree >>

· Ph.D. Degree—People who seek a Ph.D. degree (Doctor of Philosophy degree or Doctoral Degree) may be planning to teach at the college level, become a researcher or are in a field that requires a Ph.D. to achieve the top level in their career. Many colleges offer online and campus-based Doctoral Degrees. Find a doctoral degree or Ph. D. degree >>

College Degrees With Most Demand

Degrees in highest demand according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and have average starting salaries in the range of $40,000-$50,000 per year include:

1. Accounting

2. Mechanical Engineering

3. Electrical Engineering

4. Computer Science

5. Business Administration/Business Management

6. Economics/Finance

7. Information Sciences & Systems

8. Marketing/Marketing Management

9. Computer Engineering

10. Management Information Systems (MIS)

Bachelor Degrees with Highest Starting Salaries

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) in 2010, the bachelor degrees with highest starting salaries are: