Majors & Degree Tracks | Hunter College (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 major college 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.

A degree program is not the same as a major. Your major refers to the academic field you will study, such as majoring in accounting, music, engineering, or mathematics. By comparison, your degree indicates the level of education that you have completed or are pursuing.

Students typically earn one degree with two majors that are on the same bachelor's degree track. Some universities allow students to double major in two unrelated fields and degree tracks, though.

An “eight-year degree” typically refers to a doctorate degree or PhD.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework.

A major is a specific area of study in which a student chooses to specialize. Popular disciplines for college majors include business, health, engineering, and biology. College students often declare a major after completing prerequisite courses. The importance of your major depends on the industry you want to work in.

A doctoral degree (Ph. D.) is the highest level of degree, often requiring several years of research and study beyond a master's degree. The length of time and course hours needed vary depending on the focus of the study. Doctoral degrees emphasize research; therefore, Ph.

Starting at university would typically take 4 years. However, depending on the major and/or life circ*mstances, and/or how much coursework you could transfer from community to university, it can take more than 4 years.

What is the most fun major in college? ›

It should come as no surprise that triple majoring requires exceptional focus and effort. However, the payoff can be an enriching experience — and it can help save money. When figuring out whether it will cost you more to complete two additional majors, it's important to consider how much your chosen programs overlap.

Many schools offer students the opportunity to double major. Students who choose this path graduate with one degree in two different concentrations. The portion of students who pursue double majors differs at each school. The College Board reports that about a quarter of all college students double major.

Academic degree levels in order are associate degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctoral degree.

Degree 4 – quartic (or, if all terms have even degree, biquadratic)

Associate degrees (undergraduate)

An associate degree is an education level beyond a high school diploma but not yet to the level of a bachelor's degree. Typically, associate degrees are two-year programs (or 60 course hours) offered in community colleges and technical colleges.