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From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you’ll need to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees set you up for different career paths. For example, you can’t become a psychologist with just a bachelor’s degree — you’d need a master’s or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can’t become an engineer without at least a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases and the unemployment rate decreases. That’s one more reason it’s important to understand the different types of degrees.

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What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order from lowest ranking to highest:

• Associate degree (undergraduate)
• Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate)
• Master’s degree (graduate)
• Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master’s. The phrase “terminal degree” refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

Associate Degree

• Typical Program Length : 1-2 years
• Typical Number of Credits : 60

Most associate degree programs prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor’s program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

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What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal, or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for popular jobs that require associate degrees and their salaries.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you’re planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

• Business Administration
• Business Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Cybersecurity
• Early Childhood Education
• Graphic Design
• Healthcare Management
• Information Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Pre-Nursing
• Social Work

Bachelor’s Degree

• Typical Program Length: 4 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor’s degree program prepares you for many career paths. You’ll generally spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree at a college or university. You’ll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor’s degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as an in-person degree.

You’ll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

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What can you do with a bachelor’s degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. See the table below for roles you can apply for with a bachelor’s degree and their salaries.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees

You can earn a bachelor’s degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees you’ll see include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor’s Degrees

• Civil Engineering
• Communication
• Computer Programming
• Health Informatics
• Health Sciences
• Human Resources
• Mathematics
• Organizational Psychology
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Master’s Degree

• Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
• Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master’s degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you’ll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master’s degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master’s programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor’s-to-master’s program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time.

Most master’s programs require students to complete a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master’s programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

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What can you do with a master’s degree.

With a master’s degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master’s degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master’s degree jobs below.

Types of Master’s Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master’s degrees you can earn:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (M.Ed.)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Laws (LL.M.)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master’s degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master’s Degrees

• Creative Writing
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Healthcare Administration
• Library and Information Science
• Network Security
• Public Health
• Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

• Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
• Typical Number of Credits: Varies

In many fields, a doctorate is the terminal degree. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can earn.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — the most common type of doctorate — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you’ll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years to earn, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master’s degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor’s degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

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What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you’ll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the BLS.

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common ones you can get:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Administration
• Educational Leadership
• Human Services
• Legal Studies
• Organizational Leadership
• Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor’s degrees as undergraduate degrees and master’s and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees .

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor’s level, you could earn a BA, BS, or BFA degree, to name a few.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor’s degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business call for you to hold a bachelor’s degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you’ll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master’s and bachelor’s degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master’s degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it’s a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master’s degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master’s degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master’s degree to your bachelor’s through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor’s-to-master’s program . In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you’ll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master’s degree.

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Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options

There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor’s degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree. Each category comes with its own particular subcategories, and there are some subtle differences between a doctorate and a professional degree.

If you ever find yourself lost in the sea of abbreviations for degrees, you're not alone. This quick guide is here to clear the air regarding the types of degrees available to you and what each one means.

Guide to College Degrees, Professional Studies & Certifications

Associate degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree typically offered at community colleges, technical colleges, and career colleges. However, some four-year universities offer them as well. Examples of some associate degrees include Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS).

AS degrees are generally more narrowly focused and prepare students for science and math-related careers. AA degrees are broader and focus on fields outside of math and science such as liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, and culinary arts.

Some students who earn an associate degree transfer to a four-year program to earn a bachelor’s degree. Others complete associate degrees and then go straight to work.

Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree

Bachelor’s degrees require students to complete four- or five-year programs in a specific academic discipline. The two most common types of bachelor’s degrees are bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS). Other types of bachelor’s degrees include the bachelor of fine arts (BFA), and bachelor of architecture (BArch).

Because bachelor’s degrees train students to enter a specific field, many professional careers require them. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many job opportunities and increase your potential income.

Some institutions offer a liberal arts and career combination program, also called a 3-2 program. This is a type of dual degree in which a student completes three years of liberal arts study followed by two years of professional or technical study. In the end, students earn two bachelor’s degrees, usually a BA and a BS.

An example of this is Columbia University’s 3-2 Combined Plan program in which students can earn a BA and a BS in five years.

Some colleges also let you earn a teacher certification by combining bachelor's degree study with state certification requirements. State requirements vary, but these programs usually feature professional education courses, including student teaching.

Graduate Degree

Graduate degrees are advanced degrees that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. The two most common are master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS). Other examples include master of fine arts (MFA) and master of business administration (MBA). A graduate degree is like an extension of a bachelor’s degree whereby a student further enriches their knowledge of their field and narrows their f ocus of study .

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree. This may require some extra credit hours, though.

Professional Degree

Students earn professional degrees to become licensed to work in professions like medicine or law. The M.D. degree is an example. Professional programs generally require a college degree before you start them and then at least three years of study to complete.

Doctoral Degree and Professional Degree

The doctorate and professional degrees are the highest levels of education one can attain. They signify mastery of a subject and often come with the coveted title “doctor.” Although the two are similar, there are some important differences.

A doctorate or doctoral degree is a research-oriented degree focused on scholarly development. The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Despite the name, a PhD covers many disciplines, not just philosophy.

A professional degree is an application-oriented degree, meaning it prepares students for a specific working position. There are many types of professional degrees. Some examples are: doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of pharmacy (PharmD), and doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) in the field of medicine, and juris doctor (JD) and doctor of juridical science (SJD) in the field of law.

A graduate degree does not need to precede a doctorate or professional degree. Often, students will go straight into a doctorate or professional program following their bachelor’s, however some programs will require a master’s degree to gain entry. Completion can take anywhere from four to eight years, depending on the field of study.

Many doctoral students work either full-time or part-time while they study in the program. This, along with the field they are studying, will significantly affect the time it takes to complete their degree.

Joint Degrees

Some students may choose to pursue a joint degree, also known as a dual degree, which means they simultaneously study for a bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree. Joint degrees can be pursued in the same college or can be split between two different colleges. For example, Berklee College of Music and Harvard University offer a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in which a student receives a bachelor of arts (BA) at Harvard and a master of music (MM) or master of arts (MA) at Berklee.

Depending on the program, it may be possible to study at the same time for a master's degree and a doctorate. For example, the University of Southern California offers a program leading to doctor of pharmacy and master of public health degrees.

How do academic degrees go in order?

There are four types of degrees. In order of level of education, they rank as associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s or graduate degrees, and doctorate or professional degrees.

How many degrees are there in college?

Most community colleges offer only two-year associate degrees, while most four-year colleges offer bachelor’s, graduate, and doctorate or professional degrees. Some four-year colleges may also have associate degree programs.

How many years do you have to be in college to achieve certain degrees?

Though it will vary between academic disciplines, associate degrees usually take two years to achieve, bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctorate or professional degrees can take anywhere from four to eight years.

What is an eight-year degree?

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD. Although some doctorates can be completed in as little as three years, these degrees typically require more time studying highly specialized subjects. Students in these programs often must defend a dissertation while already working a professional job.

What are the four years of college called?

The first four years of college are the undergraduate years, and a student studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate. The four years refer to the total accumulated credit hours; a student may take fewer or more than four years to attain their undergraduate degree.

What does a graduate degree mean?

A graduate degree or master’s degree is an advanced degree that some students pursue after earning a bachelor’s degree. Earning a graduate degree signifies mastery of a particular field of study and focuses more intensely on a subject than a bachelor’s degree does. Graduate degrees usually take two years to attain.

What do you call a master's student?

A master's student is called a graduate student or “grad student” for short. A student still studying for a bachelor’s degree is called an undergraduate student or “undergrad student.”

How many years is a master's degree?

Graduate degrees usually take around two years to attain, but this can vary based on the degree. Many institutions allow students to enroll in a graduate program in a field unrelated to their bachelor’s degree, although it may require some extra credit hours.

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How to Choose Your College Courses

Whether you're undecided or know your major, consider these tips to pick the college courses that are right for you.

Valerie Kirk

From physics to art history, colleges offer hundreds — even thousands — of courses to help you expand your knowledge, explore new interests, and prepare you for your future career.

Interested in climate change? There’s a course for that. How about Greek mythology? There’s a course for that, too. 

With so many choices, you may find yourself overwhelmed as you scroll through the course catalog, especially if you are a new college student or you are undecided about your major. Add the need to balance graduation requirements, personal interests, tuition costs, and your very busy schedule, and you may not know where — or how — to start choosing the right courses to meet your specific needs.

The courses you take each semester have a profound impact on your graduation eligibility and college experience. It’s important to spend some time deciding which courses are right for you. When you find a course that interests you, it’s important to look at it in the context of all the other courses you are choosing that semester so you can build an ideal schedule that will inspire you and set you up for success in the coming college years.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right college courses to meet your individual needs.  

Understand the Different Types of Courses

Before getting lost in the course catalog, it’s important to understand the different types of courses that are available to you. From there, you can decide what courses are right for your learning style and where they fit into your college journey.

General education courses

College is a time for exploring new subjects and being exposed to new ideas. To help students expand their knowledge, most colleges require students to take general education courses, typically during the first two years of school. 

General education courses include liberal arts and STEM subjects and are usually introductory or beginner level courses. They are also typically included in graduation requirements, so it’s a good idea to know how many general education courses you are required to take to meet your school’s requirements. 

A key benefit of  taking general education courses in your freshman or sophomore year is that they could help you decide on a major if you are still undecided. For example, you could take astronomy as a required general education science credit and realize you love the subject and seek out additional higher level astronomy classes. 

If you took AP classes in high school, check with your college advisor to see if those classes satisfy a general education course requirement and count toward college credit. If they do, you have the opportunity to take other classes that interest you to round out your schedule. 

Courses required for your major or minor

If you know what you are going to major and minor in, you will be required to take courses that are specific to that field of study and degree program. These classes are typically intermediate or advanced level courses and may require a prerequisite class. 

While typically students choosing these courses have declared their major, you can take them if you are still undecided to help you gain valuable insight into a specific subject.

Elective courses

Electives are classes you can take on any subject you want to explore. These could be additional classes in your major or minor field of study that aren’t required as part of your degree program, but offer you a deeper understanding of certain topics. If you haven’t chosen a major, electives are a good way to learn about different topics that could help you decide.  

They may also be on anything outside of your field of study; you have the freedom to take any elective you choose if you can fit it into your schedule. Some colleges build in a certain number of elective courses as part of their graduation requirements, so check ahead of time to know if there’s a required number of electives you have to take.

Remote or hybrid courses

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some colleges are continuing to offer classes online or with a hybrid schedule. It’s a personal decision as to whether you want to take a course that offers a remote or hybrid schedule, or if you prefer to stick with classes that only meet in-person. 

Lecture hall courses

If you attend a larger college or university, some courses may be offered in a lecture hall with hundreds of other students. There is little personal interaction with the professor in lecture courses, but they often require you to attend an additional discussion class with a graduate student. If you have a hard time learning in this type of environment, consider smaller, more personalized formats. You should be able to see the maximum number of students allowed to register for a specific course in the course catalog.

Many courses require hands-on lab work or field work, especially science classes. If you want to try field work or enjoy a more hands-on learning environment, look for classes that offer labs and research the kind of work they include.  

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5 Factors to Consider When Selecting College Courses

Choosing the right college classes goes beyond just checking off the course requirements for your degree program. Each semester presents a unique opportunity to build a class schedule that inspires and challenges you, while also giving you the opportunity to enjoy college life. 

Here are five factors to consider as you choose your college courses.

1. Course load

College classes are challenging and require a time commitment in order to succeed. But based on your personal level of aptitude, you may find some subjects easier than others. When building your schedule, be aware of your course load and difficulty level. Mix course levels so you have some classes that may be easier than others to help manage your stress levels. 

Consider choosing a variety of subjects —ones that tend to challenge you and ones that you naturally excel at. Also, avoid trying to take too many classes in one semester in your rush to graduation. Check ahead with your academic advisor to make sure you’re still on track to graduate and if so, be mindful of not pushing yourself too hard. 

2. Class times

If you struggle to get out of bed in the morning, you may want to avoid that 8 a.m. class held on the other side of campus. Alternatively, if you tend to get tired or lose focus in the afternoon, a 3 p.m. class may not be the best choice.. Consider spreading out your classes throughout the week so you aren’t stuck with a packed schedule every day.

While sometimes you have no choice but to take a course at a time that is not ideal for your schedule, it’s helpful to be aware of class times as you select your courses and choose those that fit into your life.

3. The instructor’s teaching style

When choosing a course, learn about the instructor. Ask others who have taken the class about what it was really like. Read their bio or faculty page, check their LinkedIn profile, or review sites like Rate My Professors . You can even email the instructor ahead of time to ask about how they like to teach the class, the course load, and the general syllabus. Based on what you learn, decide if their teaching style fits with your learning style.

4. Group projects vs. independent work

You can find clues in the course description about the emphasis placed on group projects throughout the semester. If you enjoy group projects, you can seek out those courses. Consider asking students who have already taken the course for examples of these projects to gain a better picture of what’s to come. If you prefer working independently, avoid those classes. 

5. Prerequisites

Many higher level courses require prerequisite classes before registering. Be sure you read through the course description to learn if your chosen class has any courses you need to take ahead of time. 

Choosing Courses When You Know Your Major

Choosing courses can be easier when you know your major field of study because you likely already have a list of classes you are required to take. However, it’s still important to build a schedule that works for you each semester. Here are four tips for choosing classes when you know your major:

1. Map out graduation requirements

Once you declare your major, learn which classes you are required to take to earn your degree. Then, map out which classes you will take over each semester leading up to your desired graduation date. Be sure to include any general education and elective requirements in your plan. 

2. Work with an advisor

You should have — and know — your college advisor, who can talk through your career aspirations and help you build an academic plan to meet your goals each semester. Your advisor will help you keep track of your classes to ensure you are working towards meeting all of the graduation requirements for your degree program. 

3. Add electives that interest you

College will challenge you and expose you to different ideas. Electives offer a wide range of options to learn something new, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity! Research different electives, then round out your schedule with classes that pique your interest. 

4. Consider taking a summer school course

Summer school can be a good option to help you fit in all of your degree program requirements or take prerequisite courses to stay on track with your graduation plan. It’s also a great time to take elective courses on subjects that interest you. Class sizes are generally smaller in summer school and you are more likely to receive  more personalized attention. If you are feeling adventurous, consider summer study abroad programs .  

Choosing Courses When You Are Undecided  

If you are undecided about your major , you aren’t alone. Many students who arrive on campus don’t know what they want to do with their careers. Even for those who have declared a major, 30 percent change their major during their first three years of college. Here are three tips for choosing classes when you are still figuring out your major:

1. Meet with an academic advisor

If you are already in college, meeting with a career counselor can help you explore career paths that may be right for you based on your interests. They can also help you decide which classes to take as you think through your career options. 

2. Explore summer school

If you are in high school, college summer school courses are a great way to explore your interests. Harvard Summer School offers summer college programs for high school students that provide a glimpse into the college experience. These programs give you the opportunity to take rigorous for-credit and non-credit college courses on a variety of subjects, which could help you determine the types of classes and subjects you may want to take when you start college. 

3. Plan ahead

It’s never too early to start thinking about your college journey . By exploring your interests while still in high school, you can build the right class schedule when you get to college that will prepare you for your life and career while also giving you a great college experience. 

Learn more about Harvard’ Summer School’s college programs for high school students — the Secondary School Program , which offers more than 200 for-credit college courses in an immersive experience; and the Pre-College Program , which offers non-credit academically rigorous courses. 

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About the Author

Valerie Kirk is a freelance writer and corporate storyteller specializing in customer and community outreach and topics and trends in education, technology, and healthcare. Based in Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay, she spends her free time exploring nature by bike, paddleboard, or on long hikes with her family.

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Some College On Resume: Listing Resume Education

Make the most out of your incomplete degree.

While education isn’t the key decisive factor to invite you for an interview , the hiring managers definitely take notice . A university degree shows that you are persistent and driven enough to succeed in the chosen field, and the prestigious school name can add you points . In certain fields, it also indicates that you have the necessary theoretical foundation to do the job well.

If you have a complete BA, MA or even PhD under your belt, you simply list it on a resume and call it a day. But what if you haven’t completed your college studies? You don’t want to create a gap in a resume, but you also don’t want to mislead the prospective employer. Today, our executive resume writers will throw light on listing an incomplete college degree and explain as follows:

• When should you list an unfinished degree
• Where in your resume an incomplete education should be placed, and
• How to make your education count anyway.

Give your resume a professional upgrade

Whether you are still in college or graduated years ago, your resume should give the big picture of your professional background and position you well for the job. If you’re not happy with the way your resume looks or it doesn’t bring results, it’s time to seek expert help. The writing wizards from Resumeperk.com can prepare an impressive paper for you, focusing the recruiters’ attention on the strengths rather than shortcomings. We only work with in-house American or British writers and ensure your satisfaction with a written resume .

Why mention an unfinished degree?

Career experts agree that in most cases it’s worth it to list a college degree even if you only completed some credits toward it. Some higher education on a resume is better than none. Here are the main reasons why listing it is worth using:

• It shows alignment with your career goals . Let’s say you work in business analysis and plan to boost your career in this field. In this case, a degree in data science – even an incomplete one – will work as an asset, showing that you have relevant knowledge.

• It covers a resume gap . Does eliminating a degree create a gap in your employment history? In this case, it’s better to mention it. Employers don’t like the unexplained career gaps, so be sure to include the specific months and years of your college studies so that your career history looks consistent.

• You are still working towards it . If you’re still in college, whether you attend the lectures of your professor every day or took a semester off, you definitely should include your studies in progress. Below, we’ll recommend how to do it effectively.

During the interview, you’re most likely hear the question “Why should we hire you?” Here’s how to handle it professionally: https://resumeperk.com/blog/why-should-we-hire-you-sample-answers--tips .

When to leave your degree out?

Basically, there are two main cases:

• The area of study is irrelevant to the job . Let’s say you’ve studied accounting for a year, but have worked in media and communications for five years after that. In this case, listing that degree is pointless since it won’t add value to your resume.

• You’ve already completed a different degree . For example, you’ve once studied American History, but didn’t complete the credits towards a degree. And then you’ve obtained a BA in Marketing Management. In this case, you needn’t list the incomplete college studies.

How to list an unfinished degree?

Now, let’s consider the two main scenarios for listing some college degrees and how to do it positively.

♦️ Your degree is in progress right now

This case is pretty simple. You are a college student now, and intend to obtain a degree in the matter of years (or months). Here, you put your educational institution and a degree as if you were describing the complete degree, and include the date of getting a long-awaited diploma .

Take a look at a few pro examples:

1.University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA – Anticipated May 2021

BS in Engineering

2. Cornell University, New York, NY – Expected graduation 2022

BS in Design and Environmental Analysis

Current GPA 3.7

Along with the degree and university name, you may include the GPA, number of credits completed, or relevant coursework.

Do you feel that your college studies are not what you expected and would like to work in a different field? Take a look at our tips for turning your hobby into career . 

♦️ You don’t plan to complete an unfinished degree

You’ve spent a few months or years in college but haven’t completed a degree. Whether you left college for financial reasons, to focus on work or because you realized that you wanted to pursue a different profession, you can still reflect this degree positively. As a rule, you’ll need to include the university name and the area of study:

1.University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Completed 18 credits towards BA in Management

2. Williams College, Massachusetts, MA

Coursework: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Financial markets, Sustainable growth

In both examples, not only you draw the employer’s attention to the fact that you’ve attended some college, but also point out the relevant knowledge you’ve acquired. And even though this might not suffice to compete with the applicants who have completed their degrees, this absolutely adds up to your professional value.

Guidelines for listing education

Whether you are listing some university or a completed advanced degree, follow the recommendations :

♦️ Place the Education section correctly

There are two main variations: above and under your work experience. Put the education above work experience if you are now in college or graduated less than 2 years ago. Given the limited professional experience, the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in college are going to be the main asset for the employer.

Education is listed after experience if you went to college over 2 years ago, no matter if you have completed a degree or not. In this case, your experience and accomplishments are the main focus of the resume, and the education just adds up to that strong professional image, so it doesn’t need to be highlighted.

♦️ Be blatantly honest about your degree

Avoid listing an unfinished degree in a way that could potentially mislead the employer into thinking that you completed it. If you are listing the university name and the degree you worked towards, mention the number of credits or write down that you didn’t graduate. And, more importantly, avoid lying intentionally. Employers will do a reference check, and if they reveal the truth, they’ll withdraw an offer and reject your candidacy because of those lies. This rule applies to the rest of your resume content as well. Honesty is the best policy.

Want to make new friends in the office as soon as you’re hired? Check out how to get along well with colleagues .

♦️ Present your unfinished degree in the good light

You might be concerned because of the incomplete degree and the fact it might send the wrong message. However, there is a number of ways to list it positively:

• Include GPA , if high. If your GPA exceeds 3.5, mention this fact along with the name of the program you studied.

•  List the coursework. If you have studied marketing for 2 years, you might have completed such courses as Microeconomics, Accounting, Business communications, Calculus for business, and more. Even if you don’t have a degree, these courses will show that you have the basic educational background in this field.

• List academic projects. Have you prepared a research or community project as part of your college studies? List these projects, if relevant for your target job. This will show your orientation for delivering results and getting things done.

♦️ Focus on alternative education and courses

If you never pursued a degree, it makes sense for you to highlight the education and training you got on the job or outside college. Workshops, MOOCs, corporate training and courses count as educational background as well, so it’s important that you list all relevant training under Professional Development section. The fact that you continuously grow and develop in the profession through training and learning means that you’re an ambitious and result-driven individual.

Moreover, your training can partially compensate for an incomplete degree: some employers will prefer the ongoing education to a degree completed years ago.

Are you planning to enter the technology industry? Here’s how to start a career in tech this year: https://resumeperk.com/blog/how-to-start-a-career-in-tech-10-expert-tips .

♦️ Apply even if the job listing requires a complete degree

A good share of job listings you’ll find online will require at least a Bachelor’s degree as minimum educational requirements. Even if you didn’t make it to a degree, make an attempt to apply anyway. Many employers see a degree as a desired requirement, not a mandatory one. This means that they’ll be glad to hire someone who can get the job done even if the candidate doesn’t have a diploma. So, if based on the relevant experience you’ve gained you believe that you can excel in the position, apply anyway. And you may use a cover letter to explain what previous experience prepared you for this position even though you don’t have a degree.

♦️ Emphasize your key selling points

As we’ve mentioned above, your degree is important, but it’s not a key decisive factor (we are not speaking about the professions that require a state license to be allowed to do the job). Your career history must have something that you can brag about and what makes you a strong candidate for the job. Maybe, you’ve acquired and retained lots of high-profile clients for your previous employer, saved costs dramatically or delivered projects on time.

Put these accomplishments closer to the top of your resume to focus the employer’s attention on them. If you have a strong skill set and accomplishment track record to offer, the fact that you lack in formal education won’t matter much.

Get professional resume advice

Today, the formal education is losing its importance. Even the top tech giants like Google are willing to hire someone without a college degree. If you still have concerns about reflecting something on a resume effectively, our experts can help. Send us your resume, and one of our resume creators will review it and give recommendations on what should be improved. The writer will cover content, writing style, keywords, design, and more.

Are you serious about landing a new job as soon as possible and are willing to pay expert to write my resume for me ? We also offer affordable resume writing services and 20% off for all new clients. Contact us on support chat to request your discount code.

Our experienced writers can create a powerful resume suitable for each position. However, you may also request a specific resume depending on the job you are applying for, thus it will be tailored individually for your profession:

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List of 200 College Majors: Which Is Right For You?

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See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

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What’s Covered:

How to pick a major, will your major impact your college chances, ultimate list of college majors, how to find the right school for your major.

With so many majors and programs available, how do you know which one is the best pick for you? It can be hard to decide when you’re still in high school, honing your interests and figuring out your career goals.

But, knowing what major you’re interested in can play a role in determining the right college for you – so it’s an important factor to consider. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 200 college majors. 

NB: Few schools offer all the majors on this list. Use our school-search tool to find colleges with the program that interests you.

So, among these 200 majors (and more, if you can find them), how do you decide on a program ? Here are factors to consider.

Your personal interests, strengths, and experiences

This combination of factors is probably most important in finding the right major for you. What are your passions? Where do you thrive? What have you achieved in both your academic and extracurricular life? While you can certainly change course in college and try something new, your background can play a pivotal role in shaping your path forward.

Your career goals

Hand-in-hand with your passions are your career goals. What do you want to do after you graduate? While some students end up pursuing careers that are wholly unrelated to their majors in college, others adhere to the same path and find that their undergraduate programs provide ample preparation for their careers.

The requirements

Of course, just because a program seems appealing to you doesn’t mean it’s without its hitches. When you ultimately declare a major in college, you will have looked at the requirements, but it’s also a good idea to study up on what’s typically required while you’re still applying. Take a look at requirements for the same major across different colleges, too, because they often vary, depending on the school. This can also help you narrow down your college list.

The Return on Investment (ROI)

In today’s competitive job market, ROI is critical — especially since college is so expensive. Often, you can find data on how many graduates from a particular program find employment within a certain period of time after graduating. You can also find statistics on the earning potential for specific majors. While this shouldn’t be the sole determining factor in choosing a major — after all, graduates of different majors often go into a variety of careers — it’s certainly something to consider.

Usually, your choice of major won’t have much of an effect on your overall chances of admission to a specific college. One exception is if the college has particularly selective programs or schools that you need to apply to directly. For example, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business tends to be more selective than the larger university and some other colleges or schools within it, so if you choose to apply to this school, then it will impact your chances of admission.

We advise against trying to apply under a supposedly “easier” major that you believe offers higher chances of admission just because you think you’re more likely to get in. Adcoms are likely to see through this tactic because the major you select won’t align with your profile. Also, bear in mind that at some colleges, such as Cornell University, it can be difficult to transfer internally after you’re accepted if the major you really wanted is in another school within the larger institution.

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

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• How to Put an Unfinished...

How to Put an Unfinished Degree on a Resume (with Examples)

7 min read · Updated on December 07, 2023

You went to college, but didn't finish – that's okay because you can still put it on your resume!

They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Sometimes you start down the road to a destination but don't complete the trip. That doesn't mean your progress is for nothing. 

When it comes to college, even an unfinished degree may be something you'll want to let people know about. It doesn't matter whether circumstances prevented you from finishing, if you made a conscious decision to quit, or if you're going to finish it but just haven't yet. The steps you took in your academic career could be the thing that unlocks future employment doors.

But how do you put an unfinished degree on your resume? As it turns out, it's not difficult or something to be avoided. In this article, you'll find out when to include an unfinished degree on your resume plus some examples of how to write it. 

Some college is often better than no college

All employers care about is whether you'll be able to do the job they have open. They'll want to see how your skills and knowledge align with the job description. This is of the utmost importance when writing your resume. 

Consider the following:

Were any of the courses you took relevant to the job you're applying to?

Did you participate in, or complete, any major academic projects that would demonstrate the practical application of skills and knowledge?

Did you participate in any relevant clubs or extracurriculars that would pique a hiring manager's interest?

What type of independent study or research have you taken part in that would demonstrate initiative?

Do you have any certifications that improve your knowledge? 

What skills did you acquire while you were at college? How are those relevant to the job you want?

Did you take on any leadership roles in college? Think about things like fraternities, sororities, and student government.

How does your professional network look? What did you do to build it up?

All of this is meant to shift your thinking so that you can focus on valuable experiences rather than your unfinished degree. 

How to put an unfinished degree on your resume

Even though your focus should now be shifted from, “I didn't finish my degree, now what?” to “What skills and knowledge do I have that employers want?” you still have to include the fact that your degree is incomplete if you want to talk about it on your resume.

Adding a degree in progress on your resume

Sometimes, you'll run into an opportunity to apply for your dream job, but you haven't quite finished your degree yet. Pursuing your education shouldn't stop you from applying for the position you want. However, you want to be honest about the fact that your degree isn't complete yet. 

At this point in your career, the Education section of your resume will look a bit like a Work History section, because you'll put more details about your degree and where you're getting it. At this point, because of your need to emphasize how your skills, knowledge, and coursework align with what's required in the job, you'll need to include those things on your resume. You also need to let a prospective employer know approximately when your degree will be complete. 

Here's an example of how to include a degree that's still in progress on your resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | XYZ University | Expected completion: 12/2024

Relevant coursework: Introduction to Psychology, Psychology Research, Statistics, Psychology in the Workplace, Organizational Behavior, Coping Mechanisms, and Behavior Change. 

GPA: 3.8/4.0 

Internship: ABC School District, Teacher Support Program

PRO TIP: Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher. We wrote a comprehensive article about when and if you should include your GPA on your resume. Click here to read it.

The inclusion of relevant coursework and an internship provides a great opportunity for you to inject relevant keywords into your resume. Those keywords will help your resume to be found by the applicant tracking systems that an astonishing number of employers use to weed out unqualified applicants. 

Adding a degree you're not going to finish on your resume

Almost everyone has gone through a period of indecision regarding their degree plan. Some even change their major in college multiple times before landing on a path that suits them. Perhaps you've decided that college is no longer in your future or won't serve you very well in the career you've chosen to pursue. 

It could still benefit you to add it to your resume. You could even include some details such as relevant coursework, if you need to get some keywords into your resume . As long as you keep the focus of your Education section on skills, achievements, and experiences gained during your time at school, an unfinished degree shouldn't make or break your candidacy for a job. 

PRO TIP: Position yourself as someone with practical knowledge and a strong skill set to win that coveted interview offer. 

Here's an example of how to add an unfinished degree that you're no longer pursuing to your resume:

Bachelor of Business Administration | XYZ University 

Completed 80/120 credit hours, including finance, management, and marketing

Served as President of the Finance Club

Executed market analysis project that connected business with target market

In this example, you've shifted the focus away from the fact that the degree isn't finished. Instead, the reader – a hiring manager or recruiter – gains insight into your experiences, adding value to your application and demonstrating how you'll benefit the new team.

Don't forget the cover letter

The beauty of having a cover letter that complements your resume in situations when something needs to be explained can't be overstated. While your resume affords you some opportunity to dive into how your history aligns with the job opening, your cover letter lets you expand on the narrative to make it clearer. 

Providing extra context in your cover letter to emphasize your skills can help you to stand out as a top candidate among the hundreds of other people applying for the same position. 

Address the unfinished degree on your cover letter

You'll start a paragraph of your cover letter by quickly bringing up your unfinished degree. Talk about how a shift in your career focus has led you to change your mind on college. Emphasize that your desire for practical experience won out, as you felt that would be the best way to add value to future employers.

“I began my formal education working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration, but decided that it would serve future employers better if I had practical skills in marketing.”

Highlight skills you've acquired

Just like you did in your resume, talk about how your skills make you a great match for the job that the new company has available. Use verbiage from the job description to tailor your cover letter to the needs of the position. 

“The coursework I finished, especially the courses in marketing and finance, has equipped me with a solid foundation in analysis and strategy planning that brings companies and consumers together to improve sales and profits.”

Mention achievements - employers love achievements!

Any time you can talk about something you've achieved, you show prospective employers value. By witnessing your past accomplishments, they get a real sense of what you can do for them.

“When I was the President of the Finance Club, I consistently found ways to automate manual processes to save time. One such process improvement reduced a 5-day turnaround to 2 days.”

Leverage your practical knowledge

Having an unfinished degree isn't the end of the world, as long as you can turn your educational experiences into a narrative that shows you're a determined individual with the right practical knowledge. In this sense, you're not someone with an incomplete degree, you're an engaging professional ready to make solid contributions to prospective employer teams. 

Don't let an unfinished degree hold you back. Why not let us help you to craft a compelling resume that shifts the focus to your skills and achievements in a way that will land your resume at the top of the pile? Submit your resume now for a free resume review!

Recommended reading:

How to Create a Resume With No Education

What To Include in the Education Section of a Resume

Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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The world's top 100 universities

Craig OCallaghan

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Table of contents

• Introduction

Want to study at one of the world's top 100 universities? The  QS World University Rankings  offers an annually updated list of the top universities worldwide. We will be revealing which of these made the top 100. 

The 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings  is once again topped by  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  with  Imperial College London  climbing to second place, above two other UK universities: the  University of Oxford  and the  University of Cambridge .

To find out how universities are assessed and ranked, and how this information can help you find the right university for you, read our methodology .

Here’s a complete rundown of the world’s top 100 universities. 

QS World University Rank

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Architecture

Aeronautical Engineering

Civil and Structural Engineering

Communication and Media Studies

Law and Legal Studies

Agriculture Forestry

Electrical Electronic Engineering

English Language and Literature

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As Head of Content, Craig is responsible for all articles and guides published across TopUniversities and TopMBA. He has nearly 10 years of experience writing for a student audience and extensive knowledge of universities and study programs around the world.

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