Degree Attained Meaning- Understanding Academic Credentials
What Does "Degree Attained" Actually Mean?
When you see "degree attained" on a form, it's asking for the highest level of education you've completed. Not what you're pursuing. Not what you plan to finish. What you've already earned.
That's it. That's the core meaning.
But here's where people get tripped up: there's a massive difference between:
- The type of degree (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate)
- The field of study (what you majored in)
- The institution that granted it (accredited or not)
- How it's abbreviated on official transcripts
Understanding these distinctions matters when you're filling out job applications, background checks, or educational verification forms. One wrong detail and your credentials might not match what employers or institutions are expecting.
The Main Types of Academic Degrees
Degrees fall into distinct levels. Each one represents a specific amount of education and carries different weight depending on the context.
Undergraduate Degrees
These are the degrees you typically earn first, usually taking 2-4 years of full-time study.
Associate Degree — A 2-year program, often at community colleges. Common variants include:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Bachelor's Degree — The standard 4-year undergraduate degree. Most common formats:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Graduate Degrees
These come after you've earned a bachelor's and require additional study.
Master's Degree — Typically 1-3 years beyond bachelor's. Examples include:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (MEd)
Doctoral Degree (PhD) — The highest academic credential. Usually takes 3-7 years after a bachelor's. Professional doctorates like MD, JD, and PharmD fall into a separate category.
Professional Degrees
These prepare you for specific careers and often have their own abbreviations:
- MD — Doctor of Medicine
- JD — Juris Doctor (law)
- DDS — Doctor of Dental Surgery
- PharmD — Doctor of Pharmacy
- DVM — Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Degree Attained vs. Degree In Progress
This trips up a lot of people, especially students.
If you're currently enrolled in a program but haven't graduated yet, you have not attained that degree. You're pursuing it.
On forms asking for "degree attained," you have two honest options:
- Leave it blank
- List your highest completed degree
Listing a degree you're still working toward as if you've earned it is misrepresentation. It can disqualify your application or, worse, get you fired after you're hired if the truth comes out.
How to Properly List Your Degree Attained
Formatting matters. Here's what recruiters and background check systems actually want to see:
Standard Format
Degree | Field of Study | Institution | Year
Example: Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Michigan, 2018
Abbreviated Format
BS Biology, University of Michigan, 2018
Don't make up abbreviations. Use the official degree name from your transcript or diploma. If you don't know the exact wording, look it up before you submit anything.
Multiple Degrees
List them in reverse chronological order — highest degree first:
- Master of Business Administration, Finance, NYU Stern, 2021
- Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Penn State, 2018
Credential Comparison Table
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | Common Abbreviations | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 2 years | AA, AS, AAS | High school diploma/GED |
| Bachelor's | 4 years | BA, BS, BBA, BFA | Associate or high school |
| Master's | 1-3 years | MA, MS, MBA, MEd | Bachelor's degree |
| Doctoral (Research) | 3-7 years | PhD, EdD, DBA | Master's + admission |
| Doctoral (Professional) | 4 years + residency | MD, JD, DDS, PharmD | Bachelor's + admission |
What About Incomplete Degrees?
Dropped out? Transferred schools? Changed majors?
If you didn't finish, you don't have that degree. Period.
Some people list "some college" or "undergraduate coursework" on resumes, and that's fine for experience context. But on official forms asking for "degree attained," only list completed credentials.
If you have a degree from one institution and then completed more coursework elsewhere without earning another credential, list the degree you actually earned.
Accreditation Matters
Not all degrees are created equal in the eyes of employers and other institutions.
Regional accreditation is the gold standard in the US. If you earned your degree from a nationally accredited school that isn't recognized by employers in your field, you might run into walls.
Before listing a degree, ask yourself:
- Is this school accredited by a recognized body?
- Will this credential hold up to scrutiny?
- Did I actually complete all requirements?
Getting Started: How to Find Your Exact Degree Title
If you're unsure what to write, here's how to get the exact answer:
- Check your diploma — The exact wording is printed right there
- Request an official transcript — It will have the precise degree title and conferral date
- Contact the registrar's office — They can verify the exact credential name
- Check your graduation letter — Usually sent after completion with the official title
Don't guess. One wrong word can cause verification failures.
Common Questions
What if I have multiple degrees at the same level?
List both. Some people earn a BA and an BS, or double majors. That's fine. Just list them clearly.
Should I include minors?
For official forms: typically no. For resumes: optional, and only if relevant to the position.
Does the year I graduated matter?
On most applications: yes. Include it. Gaps in education history raise questions.
What about honorary degrees or certificates?
Don't list these as "degree attained." A certificate program or honorary doctorate is not the same as an earned academic degree.
Online degrees — do I need to specify?
On forms asking for degree attained: no. The credential is the credential. On resumes: some people mention it, but it's becoming less relevant as online education has become mainstream.
The Bottom Line
"Degree attained" means the highest academic credential you've completed. Not what you're working toward. Not what you almost finished. What you actually earned.
When in doubt, use the exact wording from your official transcript. Keep it simple. Keep it accurate. That's all anyone needs from that field.