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Select an Education Level:

Find careers that typically require the following education levels.

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No Formal Educational Credential

This category signifies that a formal credential issued by an educational institution, such as a high school diploma or postsecondary certificate, is not typically needed for entry into the occupation.

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High School Diploma or Equivalent

This category indicates the completion of high school or an equivalent program resulting in the award of a high school diploma or an equivalent, such as the General Education Development (GED) credential.

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Some College, No Degree

This category signifies the achievement of a high school diploma or equivalent plus the completion of one or more postsecondary courses that did not result in a degree or award.

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Postsecondary Non-Degree Award

These programs lead to a certificate or other award, but not a degree. The certificate is awarded by the educational institution and is the result of completing formal postsecondary schooling. Certification, issued by a professional organization or certifying body, is not included here. Some postsecondary nondegree award programs last only a few weeks, while others may last 1 to 2 years.

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Information technology professional working at a computer with multiple monitors displaying software and data.

Associate's Degree

Completion of this degree usually requires at least 2 years but not more than 4 years of full-time academic study beyond high school.

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Bachelor's Degree

Completion of this degree generally requires at least 4 years, but not more than 5 years, of full-time academic study beyond high school.

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Two business professionals analyzing financial charts and graphs displayed on large monitors.

Master's Degree

Completion of this degree usually requires 1 or 2 years of full-time academic study beyond a bachelor's degree.

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Doctoral or Professional Degree

Completion of a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or professional degree usually requires at least 3 years of full-time academic work beyond a bachelor's degree.

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