An academic degree can be earned at many levels, including the associate's (two years); bachelor's (four years); master's (two years beyond a bachelor's degree); and doctoral, which is several years beyond a master's degree. A degree program differs from certificates and diploma programs in that it often requires the student to take general education courses to support a more rounded education. For instance, at many universities, those earning their bachelor's degree are required to take English, math, science, philosophy and history. Earning a degree also opens up more potential doors to the student than would a certificate or diploma. Many careers require that the applicant has earned at least a bachelor's degree; several career options require more than this.
