Higher Education Certificate, Diploma, Degrees
This section provides an overview of the most common types of certificates, diplomas and degrees offered by universities and colleges. Explore your options as you consider the type of outcome or award you want.
Undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees
|
Type of Degree |
Description |
Prerequisites |
Typical Length* |
Example** |
|
Certificate |
A training certificate is awarded for the successful completion of a program of study at a college, university, or private training provider. |
High school diploma or GED for certificate programs at colleges and universities or a certain skills set to pass the required test for industry certificates |
Up to 30 credits for a certificate |
Child Care Basics Certificate from Mn State College Southeast Technical ECRTC Impact Certificate |
|
Diploma |
A diploma is similar to a certificate but is often awarded for the successful completion of a program for specific employment skills beyond a certificate. |
High school diploma or GED |
Up to 70 credits for a diploma(up to 2 years) |
Legal Secretary Diploma, |
|
Associate Degree |
An associate degree is awarded for the successful completion of a roughly two-year education program at a post-secondary education institution, such as a community or technical college or a private career school but also universities. |
High school diploma or GED |
Minimum of 60 semester credits is required (approximately 2 years) |
|
|
Bachelor's Degree |
A bachelor's or baccalaureate degree is awarded for the successful completion of a roughly four-year education program at a post-secondary education institution, such as a four-year college or university. |
High school diploma or GED |
A minimum of 120 semester credits is required. |
|
Graduate certificates and degrees
|
Type of Degree |
Description |
Prerequisites |
Typical Length* |
Examples** |
|
Graduate Certificate |
This certificate is awarded for the successful completion of a professional education program typically beyond the bachelor's degree without the requirement of a thesis project. |
Often a bachelor's or master's degree |
Up to 30 credits |
Educational Technology, |
|
Master's Degree |
A Master's degree is awarded for the successful completion of a roughly two-year education program beyond the bachelor's degree at a university. |
Bachelor's Degree |
Around 24 semester credit hours (2 years) |
|
|
First Professional Degree |
A first professional degree is awarded for the completion of a program that meets all of the following criteria:
|
High school diploma, 2 years of college work or bachelor's degree |
At least 6 years |
First professional degrees may be awarded in the following 10 fields:
|
|
Doctoral Degree |
A doctoral degree is the highest attainable academic degree. This degree is awarded for mastery of field of knowledge and demonstrated ability to independently perform scholarly research. |
Bachelor's or Master's Degree |
48 semester credit hours or more beyond the Master's degree (3-5 years) |
The best-known research doctorate title is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), other well known doctorate include:
|
*The length of a certificate, diploma or degree program depends on two main factors: the specific education program and the time a student can commit to his or her studies. Students who work part time, for example, may require more time for program completion than indicated in this overview.
Source: Minnesota Transfer & ISEEK
For more information about online certificates, diplomas, and degrees, visit Minnesota Online at http://www.mnonline.org/programs.php
