Certificate

• Under-graduate certificates may be awarded for successful completion of a specialized program of
  Study.
• Undergraduate program of study shall include 9 - 44 semester credits.

Diploma

• Program Completion. Intended for employability.
• Diplomas may be awarded for successful completion of a program intended to provide students with
  employment skills.
• A diploma includes 45 - 72 semester credits.
• A diploma program includes a minimum of 15% of the total semester credits in general studies.
• At least 75% of the total semester credits shall be program-related occupational or technical
  Education.

A.A.S. (Associate of Applied Science)

• Earned after 2 years (60-72 credits) at a Technical or Community College.
• 25% of the program will be communication, speech, humanities, physical sciences, arts and social
  science taken at a 2 or 4 year college to provide a broad general education component in addition to
  the technical skills.

B.A. or B.S. (Bachelor of Arts or Science)

• Earned after 4 years (about 120-128 credits) at a college or university.
• These degrees may be in the liberal arts or in specific degree areas.
• Some specific jobs require further experience to become a licensed or registered professional.
• 1/3 of the credits are general education.

M.A. or M.S. (Master of Arts or Science)

• Earned after 30-54 credits beyond a B.A. or B.S. degree.
• These degrees are from a “Graduate Program” at a college or university.
• Usually, a research thesis is required for completion.
• Some professions require a Master’s Degree to enter.

Ph. D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

• This allows one to use the title “Doctor”.
• Earned after 2-3 years of post-graduate work.
• It is research related usually requiring a major study called a dissertation.

M.D., D.D.S., J.D. (Professional Titles)

• These are professional titles used by medical doctors, dentists, and lawyers respectively.
• Requires a total college background of 6 years or more.
• Extensive internship and licensing requirements.