What is typically the first degree earned in higher education?

The first degree typically earned in higher education is the Bachelor's Degree. This degree usually requires a minimum of four years of study at a college or university and serves as the foundational undergraduate qualification. Students pursue a Bachelor's Degree after completing high school, and it encompasses a broad range of subjects, allowing students to develop both specialized knowledge in their major and a well-rounded education through general education requirements.

Earning a Bachelor's Degree is a common progression for students and often serves as a prerequisite for advanced degrees, such as a Master's or Doctorate. While some students may choose to pursue an Associate's Degree as a shorter program of study that usually takes about two years, this credential is often seen as a stepping stone to a Bachelor's Degree rather than a terminal qualification in higher education. The other options, like Master's and Doctorate Degrees, require prior completion of a Bachelor's Degree and typically follow a more advanced level of study, making a Bachelor's the first complete degree that students earn in their educational journey.