HHS College: Degrees and Their Acronyms

Have you ever wondered what degree acronyms actually stand for? Here is a list and their definitions to help you.
Degrees and Their Acronyms	Return to: Guidance & Counseling Career Resource Center
Undergraduate Programs Associate These are two years of study, similar to the two years of study in a four-year program. AA Associate of Arts AS Associate of Science AAS Associate of Applied Science

Bachelor's Degree Programs These are four or five years of study that include completion of general education requirements, a major and chosen electives. BA Bachelor of Arts BS Bachelor of Science

Graduate Degree Programs These are programs which require a bachelor's degree first or can be done concurrently). These require one or two years of study and may require writing a thesis. MA Master of Art MS Master of Science MBA Master of Business Administration M.S.E.M. Master of Environmental Management MLS Master of Library Science M.Mus. Master of Music MSW Master of Social Work MPH Master of Public Health

Doctorate Degree Programs These programs require coursework, independent research, and a dissertation. May take many years to complete. PhD Doctor of Philosophy (for humanities, arts, and sciences) EdD Doctor of Education DPH Doctor of Public Health

Professional Programs These programs require academic prerequisites to become licensed in a profession, at least two years of previous college level study prior to entering the program and total registered time equal to at least six academic years. DDS, DMD Dentistry BD, Mdiv Divity/Ministry LLB, JD Law MD Medicine OD Optometry BPharm, PharmD Pharmacy PodD, DP, DPM Podiatry
Last Updated: November 8, 2007