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What does B.A. mean? What does M.S. mean? Let's talk about university degrees.

Writer's picture: Kirstyn LazurKirstyn Lazur

An Undergraduate Student (or undergrad)

When you are an undergraduate student you are studying to get your degree. After attending a university or college for four years as an undergraduate and fulfilling the course requirements you may graduate with any of the following degrees:


B.A.= Bachelor of Arts (focuses more on the humanities)*

For example:

B.A. in English, History, Sociology


B.S.= Bachelor of Science (focuses more on science/math)*

For example:

B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Molecular and Cell Biology

*Be aware that the classifications above can vary slightly from school to school.


B.F.A.= Bachelor of Fine Arts (creation of art)

For example”

B.F.A. in Acting, Studio Art, Dance




A Graduate Student (or grad)

When you are a graduate student, you’ve already attained a bachelor’s degree and now you are studying to get your master’s degree. This may take 1-2 years depending on the program and the rate at which you take courses. When you are finished you may graduate with any of the following degrees:


M.A.= Master of Arts

M.S.= Master of Science

M.B.A.=Master of Business Administration

M.F.A.= Master of Fine Arts

M.Ed= Master of Education


A Law Student

A law student obtaining their first degree in law will graduate with the following:

J.D. = Juris Doctor


A Doctoral Candidate (also known as a grad student)

You can get your PhD in a variety of areas usually in the humanities such as English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Art History, to name a few. Someone who has earned their PhD has successfully defended a dissertation on a specific topic in their field and passed any exams (written or oral) required by the university.

People with PhDs might choose be professors at a university. They are expected to do research and publish articles in addition to teaching.

Someone with a PhD in Psychology can do research. Alternatively, they might set up a clinical practice where they help people with mental or emotional challenges.


PhD= Doctorate of Philosophy


A Medical Student

A student who is studying medicine to become a doctor (physician) goes to medical school. A psychiatrist must have an M.D. in order to prescribe medication.

M.D.= Doctor of Medicine


A Student of Chiropractic

A chiropractic student learns about how the spine and nervous system relates to health and will earn the following degree:

D.C.= Doctor of Chiropractic


Certificate Programs

A certificate program is not the same as a degree. All of the above are considered degrees. A certificate program offers coursework in a specific area. While the coursework might be beneficial to your personal growth and professional development, it does not have the same status as a degree. Completion of a certificate program may have value for international students who earn a certificate in a foreign country. For students in the U.S., a degree program is preferred. Certificate programs are considered supplemental and are not required for most jobs.

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