text: whats the difference between a diploma, associate, bachelor, and all the other degrees?   a diploma indicates completion of high school course work.  an associate's degree indicates completion of a 2-year (usually technical) degree, most likely at a community college.  a bachelor's degree indicates completion of a 4-year college/university coursework.   a master's degree is earned after the bachelor's, and can last anywhere from 1-3 years depending on the school and major. you can either study what you studied as an undergrad, or choose a new area to study for a master's.  phd and doctoral degrees are the advanced degrees earned by doctors, lawyers, and other high-ranking professionals. these advanced programs are tailored directly to the field they plan to work in.