What's Next? Unit College Terminology

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community college

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A 2-year school that provides an affordable higher education path after high school. Good option to transfer to a 4-year university! (highest degree possible is an associate degree)

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private university

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A 4-year university, like Stanford or Harvard, that gets money from student tuition and donors. Typically a more expensive option.

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public university

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A university, such as a UC or CSU, that receives funding from state and local governments in addition to student tuition.

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technical / trade / vocational school

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Schools, institutions, and educational programs that specialize in the skilled trades and career preparation for careers that require less than a bachelor’s degree.

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associate degree

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A degree typically earned after 2 years of study at a university. Most students earn either a ___'s of arts (AA) or ___'s of science (AS).

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bachelor's degree

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A degree typically earned after 4 - 5 years of study at a university. Most students earn either a bachelor's of arts (BA) or bachelor's of science (BS).

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master's degree

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An advanced degree, typically earned after a bachelor's degree for a student to focus on a singular topic of study. Most students earn either a master's of arts (MA) or master's of science (MS).

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doctoral degree

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The highest degree of study for students who ultimately focus on research. Students focus on a very narrow field of study. The acronym for this degree is typically a PhD.

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graduate degree

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An advanced degree earned after a bachelor's degree, like a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) or a doctoral degree (Ph. D).

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professional degree

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The highest degree of study that lets you become licensed to work in professions like medicine (MD) or law (JD). You have to have a college degree first.