Degrees: what options are available?
Introduction
Those seeking a career in a particular field should consider which degrees are appropriate for that purpose. Choosing the right degree program is the first step toward a career and professional success. But which degrees are there at all? What are the advantages of the bachelor’s degree compared to the master’s degree? And what other degrees are available?
Bachelor or Master?
The bachelor’s degree is the first academic degree that can be obtained after a course of study. A bachelor’s degree usually takes six semesters to complete and provides broad knowledge in a specific subject area. Following a bachelor’s degree, students may choose to pursue a master’s degree program. With the master’s degree, one deepens the acquired knowledge and acquires additional qualifications. The master’s degree also allows for a higher position in the profession and a higher salary.
Degrees after the Bachelor’s degree
After completing a bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a variety of degrees. One of these degrees is the master’s degree. This builds on the bachelor’s degree and offers students deeper expertise in their field of study.
Another degree students can earn after a bachelor’s degree is the diploma degree. However, this degree is being offered less and less, giving way to many other degrees.
In addition to the master’s and diploma degrees, there is also the option of completing a doctoral program. This program offers students the opportunity to pursue careers in research or higher positions in industry.

- So after a bachelor’s degree, students have a variety of degrees open to them.
- The master’s degree provides deeper expertise in a subject area.
- The diploma degree is offered less and less frequently.
- The doctoral program is an opportunity for a career in research or industry.
Overall, there are many opportunities for students to earn an additional degree and advance their career after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Master’s degree: an opportunity to achieve a higher degree
For students who already have a bachelor’s degree under their belt, a master’s degree is an attractive continuing education option. With a master’s degree, students can not only deepen their knowledge, but also improve their career opportunities. Most master’s programs last between one and two years.
There are different types of master’s degrees, which can vary depending on the field of study and the university. Examples include the Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, or Master of Business Administration degrees. Each Master’s degree has its own requirements and admission requirements.
To apply for a master’s degree, students usually need a completed bachelor’s degree and a good academic record. Some master’s programs may also require professional experience or further language proficiency. Students should therefore find out about the requirements and application deadlines early on.
- Master’s degrees offer many advantages:
- – Deepening your specialist knowledge
- – Improving career opportunities
- – Acquisition of specialized knowledge
- – Opportunity to promote one’s own research
- – Opportunity to network with professors and other students
A master’s degree can also be an important prerequisite for a doctorate. In many cases, the university also offers opportunities to finance the study, such as.B. Scholarships or jobs at the university.
Overall, a master’s degree offers the opportunity to expand one’s skills and knowledge and shape one’s career path. Choosing the right master’s degree program can be an important step on the road to success in this process.

D. – the highest academic honor
The PhD is the highest academic honor a student can achieve. Earning a doctoral degree confers a unique prestige in the academic world. D. opens many doors, especially in research and teaching. Doctoral graduates are also often sought after in industry and can reach higher positions.
To obtain a PhD, one must first write an outstanding scientific paper. This is usually called a dissertation and consists of between 100 and 400 pages. The work must make a significant contribution to research and produce new findings.
In order to be admitted to a doctorate, a completed master’s degree is usually required, sometimes also a bachelor’s degree in combination with several years of professional experience. Depending on the discipline and the doctoral program, other requirements may also apply.
- Which degrees can be obtained with a doctorate?
With a doctorate, one can achieve various academic degrees, which are named differently depending on country and discipline. In German-speaking countries, a doctoral degree is usually awarded for a successful doctorate. However, there are also other academic degrees, such as the PhD, which is awarded in many English-speaking countries.
PhD | Dr. |
Doctor of Philosophy | PhD |
Doctor of Science | ScD |
Regardless of the academic degree one earns with a doctorate, a doctorate is an important milestone in one’s academic career and demonstrates a high level of commitment, perseverance and subject knowledge.
Other possibilities
There are many more options as to which degrees one can achieve. In addition to the traditional bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, there are also dual degree programs, distance learning programs and doctoral programs.
Dual study means that you work in a company parallel to your studies and thus gain practical experience. Distance learning programs offer a flexible way of studying without regular attendance at classroom lectures. Doctoral programs award a doctoral degree and are aimed at graduates of a master’s program who wish to pursue a scientific career.
The choice of a degree depends on many factors, such as personal interests, career choice, and career goals. It is therefore worthwhile to inform yourself in detail and also to talk to experienced student advisors.
- Bachelor’s degree program
- Master’s degree
- Dual study
- Distance learning program
- Doctoral program
Each course of study has its own characteristics and advantages. A bachelor’s degree program, for example, provides a broad, basic education and opens up numerous career options. A master’s degree, on the other hand, deepens knowledge in a specific area and allows for specialization. Dual degree programs have the advantage that you can gain valuable practical experience and are already known by the employer. A distance learning program, on the other hand, offers a flexible way of studying and is particularly suitable for working people. Doctoral programs are suitable for people who want to pursue an academic career and study a particular subject area in depth.