bachelor ... master... second bachelor...associate?

Question

could someone please explain the differences and similarities ?

Answer 1

Associates is usually a two year degree, although in some fields it may be three. A bachelor's degree is usually a four year degree, with a major (or concentration) in one field. A second bachelor's would not require four years since the basics are the same for any bachelor's degree, just the courses in a new concentration. A master's degree is one or two years beyond a bachelor's and usually requires a thesis.

Answer 2

Good answer, Mommanuke. I would just like to add that in many fields (particularly science-related ones), it is possible to get "course-only" master degrees. These are masters degrees that don't require a thesis, but just require you to take more coursework. These programs often also require to write a final report on a chosen topic. Yes.....it still involves writing, but it is often much easier than completing a thesis.

You may be wondering what value the different degrees hold in the real world. That really depends on what type of career you want to pursue. In general, an associates degree can open lots of doors for administrative/support jobs. This degree is the easiest to obtain, but it rarely will qualify you to move much up the corporate ladder. Most jobs require that you at least have a bachelors degree in a relevant field. A bachelors will get you in the door, but often it is difficult (if not impossible) to get into a management position without some sort of graduate degree. A second bachelors degree will only be beneficial to you if you are trying to make yourself unique and be a "hybrid" employee (i.e. one with two or more unique skillsets). Personally, I think that a second bachelors degree is a waste of time and $$$. A masters degree (or equivalent graduate degree) is increasingly becoming the desired standard in many businesses. With a graduate degree, you are qualified to climb the corporate ladder, and you will usually get a higher salary, too. Yeah.....it's another 1-2 years of school, but the return you get from having the degree is usually worth the effort!

Answer 3

good answers already...

building on what you got from earthquake, the value of a second bachelor's depends upon what they are in. My first bachelor's was in applied music (flute playing) but I didn't want to pursue a master's in flute performance. By getting a second bachelor's degree with considerably more business courses in it, I was able to open the door to more options.

Many people with a bachelor's degree in the arts will get a second bachelor's in business or in another subject area to increase their earning potential. Teachers are also known to get a second bachelor's in order to add a subject area to their certifications.

And, of course, there's the whole personal interest angle. When I was studying music, I had more than a few peers who had a bachelor's in another area such as business but they just wanted to study music for their own love of the arts.

Answer 4

Do you want to work as a mechanical engineer (masters in engineering) or in the administration of an engineering business (an MBA would be better than a second bachelors)?

Answer 5

bachelor means degree after 10+2(after intermediate)

master means after your degree