Associate Degree:
It is an academic degree awarded by the community colleges, junior colleges, business colleges and some bachelor’s degree upon completion of a course of study usually for two years (60 Credits). In USA , an associate degree is equivalent to the first two years of a four year college or university Bachelors degree. It is the lowest in hierarchy of post secondary academic degrees offered in USA.
Bachelors Degree:
Commonly known as Undergraduate degree in India. The duration of the bachelors course is 4 years. Students, who have completed a part of their undergraduate degree and want to go to the USA, can apply as a transfer Student. There are two types of bachelors degree: B.A or B.S. Some universities in the USA offer either of the degrees in all fields and at times both the degrees in some field. Students need to appear for SAT & TOEFL/IELTS exams for admission.
Masters Degree:
The duration of master’s courses may range from a year to two depending on the university & your area of specialization. The binding requisite for Masters is the 16 year of education criteria. Students with Bachelors in Engineering are qualified whereas the students with B.Com, B.Sc., and B.A need to complete at least one year of Masters, post graduate diploma is also accepted by some specific institutions for specific programs. While 16 years of education is the major criteria, few universities do accept students with 3 years Bachelors degree for certain Master programs. Exams required are GMAT for management related subjects / GRE for arts, science or any other subjects and TOEFL/ IELTS exams for admission.
Doctorate:
Commonly known as PhD. Duration of the same may range from 3 years to 5 years. Students can take admission for a PhD only after completion of their master’s degree. PhD students need to submit a research proposal as well have to appear for GRE/GMAT & TOEFL/IELTS exams for admissions.