Degreelevel

Degree level is a generic term used to classify the level of a higher education degree or credential. It denotes the scope, complexity, and learning outcomes associated with a program and is used by institutions, regulators, and employers to describe qualifications and requirements.

Common degree levels include: associate degree (often a two-year program; may serve as a foundation for further study), bachelor’s degree (undergraduate; typically about 120 credit hours and four years in many jurisdictions), master’s degree (graduate; usually one to two years beyond a bachelor’s, focusing on advanced knowledge or professional practice), and doctoral degree (the highest level of academic qualification; includes research-focused PhDs and professional doctorates). In many systems, professional degrees such as the Juris Doctor or Doctor of Medicine are classified as graduate-level credentials, though they serve distinct professional pathways.

Degree level influences curriculum design, admission criteria, and recognition across borders. University credits, learning outcomes, and assessment standards are aligned to degree level. International frameworks such as the ISCED (International Standard Classification of Education) and regional processes like the Bologna Process in Europe provide structures for comparing degree levels across countries (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral).

In data and policy contexts, degree level is used to report qualifications in surveys, labor market analyses, and credential evaluations. It is important to distinguish degree level from field of study or year of study; a student may be at a certain degree level while pursuing multiple majors or certificates.