Many junior, community, and technical colleges offer technical programs in cooperation with local businesses, industry, public service agencies, or other organizations. At other schools, anyone over 18 years of age can enroll or, in some cases, anyone deemed able to benefit from the programs at the schools can enroll. Since requirements vary widely, it is important to check into schools and programs individually. Such a program lays the foundation for more advanced studies and professional work. These colleges confer bachelor's degrees.
Universities confer bachelor's degrees and graduate and professional degrees.
When a student earns a bachelor's degree it means that he or she has passed examinations in a broad range of courses and has studied one or two subject areas in greater depth. A bachelor's degree is usually required before a student can begin studying for a graduate degree. A graduate degree is usually earned through two or more years of advanced studies beyond four years of college. This might be a master's or a doctoral degree in a particular field or a specialized degree required in certain professions such as law, social work, architecture, or medicine. Many professions require graduate degrees beyond the traditional four-year degree, such as a medical degree or a law degree.