How Long Is College?
Timing Your Education: How Long is College?
There are two basic kinds of college degrees. An associate's degree is a shorter degree that prepares students for specific professions or gives them a broad, general education preparing them for further studies. This kind of degree typically lasts two years, though it take more or less time, depending on the program and how much time the student devotes to it. A bachelor's degree is a four-year college degree that can prepare students for more advanced work in a greater number of professions. The longer time spent in a bachelor's degree program allows students to learn more in depth about a certain field while acquiring a broader general education.
When You Have to Be Different: Graduating Sooner or Later
While few people want to be that gal or guy whose still hanging around the dorms long after the rest of their class has graduated and gone on to jobs and several promotions, it's fairly common for students to take more than four years to graduate. A fifth year can help students add breadth to their studies, or give students who switch majors time to catch up on degree requirements. Some colleges offer programs that allow five-year students to graduate with professional certification or a Master's degree as well as the standard bachelor's. And, then, of course, there's always the option of graduating early for those among us who can't wait to be done with their educations: students who enter college with a substantial number of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credits can sometimes graduate in just three years.
The following schools can provide you with more information about attending college:
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