Bachelors vs Masters Degree A comparison for prospective students

Before starting any degree, every aspiring student like you should know about the programme you are studying, what are the benefits, and all about the degree. And the bachelor's vs. master's degree comparison is a very valuable thing to understand, especially when you dream of getting a higher education degree abroad.

Because it can profoundly affect your professional and personal development. Though both these degrees provide valuable educational experiences, they differ in performance and fill up at different stages of your academic journey and career goals.

So, let’s have a discussion on the essential differences between these two degrees and help you make a decision compatible with your desires.

What are the degree types?

In general, we mainly understand degrees as academic diplomas, and these are distinctively classified into two major categories and sub-categories. They are undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degrees, of which UG comprises bachelor's and associate's degrees, and PG comprises master's and doctoral degrees (PhD).

These are associated with immense learning, capability, and experience in a specific discipline. The following list outlines the common types of degrees and their significance:

Undergraduate Degrees

Students like you take undergraduate courses after finishing a high school diploma or its equivalent. The undergraduate degree has two subcategories, such as:

• Bachelor's Degree: This is the most common undergraduate (UG) degree, typically awarded after 3-4 years of study. It provides a solid foundation in a chosen field and is often a prerequisite for many careers and further education.
• Associate Degree: This is a shorter degree programme that usually takes two (2) years to complete. It focusses on a specific field or skill set and can be a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or lead to entry-level jobs.

Postgraduate Degrees

After your bachelor, you can take postgraduate courses, and postgraduate degrees have two sub-categories, such as:

• Master's Degree: This postgraduate degree offers advanced study in a specialised field. Students are awarded this degree after completing a bachelor's degree. This degree can enhance career prospects, provide access to higher-paying jobs, and prepare individuals for research or doctoral studies.
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): The highest academic degree naturally requires several years of research and a dissertation. People pursuing this degree generally seek careers in teaching, research, or specialised fields.

Bachelor's degree at a glance

A bachelor’s degree is the initial degree that a student attains upon the completion of a three- or four-year course. It gives students a widespread knowledge base in their chosen field, including critical thinking and problem-solving skills. That is why it acts as the base for further studies or employment.

• Academic study foundation.
• Takes 3-4 years full-time.
• Provides broad subject coverage.
• Essential for entry-level jobs.

Types of bachelor’s degrees

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree?

The duration to complete a bachelor’s degree typically ranges from four to five years, depending on various factors:

• Full-time vs. part-time enrolment: It takes four years for full-time students who follow the calendar academic year, while others normally take about six years for part-time students.
• Credit requirements: The majority of bachelor’s degree programmes take approximately 120-130 credit hours.
• Transfer credits: Students from community colleges or other institutions can reduce the time taken to complete the course of study via transferring credits.
• Programme Structure: Some programmes, especially those with co-op or internship components, may extend the duration.

Master’s degree at a glance?

Mainly, it's a postgraduate academic degree, and students can only pursue this programme after obtaining their bachelor's degree. This degree enables students to acquire a high level of knowledge and specialisation in a specific area.

Master's degrees are planned to increase the subject knowledge and professional competencies, as well as to open new spheres in one's practice.

• Advanced specific field study.
• 1-2 years full-time study.
• Deepens understanding of the subject.
• Potential for specialised careers or further research.

Types of Master's Degrees

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

How long does it take to get a master’s degree?

The duration to complete a master's degree varies depending on several factors:

• Full-time vs. part-time enrolment: While full-time students are able to complete the course in two years, the part-time candidates may take longer, which is between three and five years.
• Programme requirements: It is important to note that most master's programmes take between 30 and 60 credit hours of graduate coursework.
• Accelerated programmes: Certain programmes may have fast-track tracks, which may help to finalise the programme in one year at most.
• Field of study: Some professions may be more demanding than others, such as the health sector or the engineering sector, which may slow down the process, thus taking more time.

A comparison of bachelors vs masters degree

Below is a table chart that shows the details of the bachelor's degree vs. masters programme comparison:

Final words

The value of higher education cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving world. Understanding the various types of degrees, from bachelor’s to master’s, is crucial for anyone looking to advance their career and personal growth. And degrees matter because they open doors to opportunities, enhance critical thinking, and provide a competitive edge in the job market.

FAQ’s

When to take an undergraduate degree?

After finishing your high school diploma or its equivalent, you can take an undergraduate degree.

When to get a postgraduate degree?

Only after finishing undergraduate courses can students apply for postgraduate degrees.

Can I get a Master’s degree without a bachelor’s?

To earn a master’s degree, students must complete their bachelor’s programme first.