What degree is typically earned after two years of study at a community college?

An Associate's Degree is typically earned after two years of study at a community college. This degree is designed to provide students with a foundational education in a specific field or general studies, enabling them to either enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor's Degree. The curriculum often includes both general education courses and major-specific courses, allowing students to gain essential skills and knowledge relevant to their career path or further academic pursuits.

In contrast to the other options, a Bachelor's Degree usually requires four years of study, a Master's Degree necessitates additional years of education after earning a Bachelor's, and a Certificate program may vary significantly in length and depth, often requiring less than two years to complete and focusing on particular skills without the broader educational components found in an Associate's Degree.