What degree is awarded after completing a program beyond a bachelor’s or master’s degree?

The doctorate or doctoral degree represents the highest level of academic achievement, awarded after an individual completes advanced studies and research beyond the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Doctoral programs often culminate in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge or insights to the field, demonstrating significant mastery of specialized topics and original research capabilities. This degree is required for many professional fields and academic positions, underscoring its importance in the hierarchy of academic credentials.

For context, a bachelor’s degree typically represents the completion of undergraduate studies, while a master’s degree is a graduate-level qualification that often requires additional coursework and possibly a thesis. An associate degree is generally a two-year program usually aimed at students seeking to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a four-year university, and it does not go beyond the bachelor's level.