According to BPS, the average gross enrollment ratio (GER) for Indonesia's tertiary education in 2024 is 32.00%. Regardless of Indonesian students' eagerness to go to college, navigating college degree levels is critical for a brighter academic and professional future.
Whether students are likely to picture lecture graphs or change career paths, each degree level can help get them there with its particular subcategories. Here’s a breakdown of various types of college degrees from lowest to highest.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year program focused on practical and theoretical knowledge for future success.
Earning an associate's degree typically comes as a cost-effective option and takes less time to complete the program. No matter what the major is, an associate degree requires 60 credits to graduate.
The popular associate degree majors are liberal arts and science, nursing, computer science, and business administration management. Meanwhile, the high-rate job offerings include web developer and veterinary technician.
To pursue an associate degree program, you’ll generally meet the following requirements.
- at least 18 by the first day of school,
- gain a high school diploma or equivalent test,
- meet a minimum GPA transcript by several community institutions.
Bachelor’s Degree
One of the next college degree levels is the first stage of postsecondary education that students can pursue after high school graduation. While there's a diversity of exact bachelor’s degree timelines, four years is the most common program length.
Broadly speaking, a bachelor’s degree will require a minimum of 120 credits or 40 coursework. However, some majors like engineering and education typically need more than 120 credits to complete the program.
To apply for a bachelor’s degree program, you may need to provide a GPA, a GED or high school diploma credence, standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores, personal essays, and a letter of recommendation. A bachelor's degree can lead to a plethora of exciting careers, from teacher to aerospace engineer.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is a postgraduate educational level that comes after a bachelor’s degree completion. Generally, this program narrows students’ focus on a particular area of study, forging a deeper understanding of the applied knowledge.
Master's degrees spread in popular categories, like business administration (MBA), science (MS), and arts (MA). Interestingly, many industries prefer candidates with advanced degrees for senior-level positions in various fields, like social work and education.
On average, one of these college degree levels takes 1 to 2 years to complete for the full-time student category. If you are considering a master’s degree, you should meet the prerequisite below.
- an undergraduate degree GPA of 3,
- entrance exam,
- language proficiency,
- personal statement,
- official transcript, and
- application fee.
Doctoral Degree
Lastly, a doctoral degree is the most advanced educational stage in any study field. This program can lead to an academic degree (Ph.D.) or an applied degree (doctorate).
Pursuing a doctorate typically requires four years of study, depending on the program's graduation necessity. It also needs a dissertation, a lengthy academic paper-based to earn a PhD or another doctorate.
The most prevalent doctorates are in engineering, education, psychology, and health care. Doctoral students are likely to become researchers, lecturers, or work in another professional field.
College Degree Levels: Which Is Right For You?
Selecting a college degree that aligns with your needs and ambitions is a big foundation for your professional journey. As you evaluate 4 college degree options with careful consideration, you may build a future investment for your long-term academic and career path seamlessly.
If you’re planning to earn a bachelor’s degree, pursuing Sampoerna University's two-degree program is a good option to stand out in the global job market. In conjunction with the University of Arizona, you can achieve a double degree in S1 and an American degree in just 4 years. Join the program and take steps toward excellence now!
