text: A diploma indicates completion of high school course work.\n\nAn associate's degree indicates completion of a 2-year (usually technical) degree, most likely at a community college.\n\nA bachelor's degree indicates completion of a 4-year college/university coursework. \n\nA master's degree is earned after the bachelor's, and can last anywhere from 1-3 years depending on the school and major. You can either study what you studied as an undergrad, or choose a new area to study for a master's.\n\nPhD and Doctoral degrees are the advanced degrees earned by doctors, lawyers, and other high-ranking professionals. These advanced programs are tailored directly to the field they plan to work in.