two-year degree

[/tuː jɪr dɪˈɡriː/]
nounpl: two-year degrees
diploma de dois anos
1. An associate degree or vocational credential awarded by a community college or technical school after completion of a two-year program of study
She earned a two-year degree in nursing before pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Ela obteve um diploma de dois anos em enfermagem antes de continuar com a licenciatura.
2. A post-secondary qualification that typically requires 60 credit hours and can be transferred to a four-year university program
Many students start with a two-year degree at community college to save money.
Muitos estudantes começam com um diploma de dois anos em uma faculdade comunitária para economizar dinheiro.
The two-year degree is a uniquely important credential in the United States education system, particularly through the community college network. In Brazil, this concept is less standardized; higher education typically follows a different structure with licenciatura (undergraduate) and mestrado/doutorado (graduate) programs. The two-year degree allows American students to reduce costs and complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
associate degreeassociate's degreejunior college degreecommunity college degreevocational diploma
Antonyms / Antônimos
bachelor's degreemaster's degreefour-year degreedoctoral degreehigh school diploma

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
diploma de dois anos
Most common term; refers to post-secondary education completed in two years
General Brazilian
curso de educação profissional de dois anos
More formal academic terminology
Portugal
diploma de nível 5
Portuguese education system uses different classification; refers to VET qualifications
Portugal
curso tecnológico
Portuguese equivalent focusing on technical/vocational programs

Related Words

community collegeassociate degreetransfer creditsvocational trainingfour-year universitycertificate program

Related Idioms & Phrases

pathway to a bachelor's degree
stepping stone to higher education
affordable education option
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