Academic Degrees


1) Associate [j∧nmunhaksa]
-The purpose of the Associate degree is to nurture professional workers needed for national and social development by teaching and researching specialized knowledge and theories in various fields. High school graduates or those deemed to have equivalent or higher academic background pursuant to the Higher Education Act may be admitted to and study in junior colleges that award Associate degrees.

-The required course of study is normally two years, with some disciplines requiring three years, as prescribed by the Higher Education Act. (nursing, radiology, clinical pathology, physical therapy, dental technology, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, fisheries, and engine technology)


2) Bachelor [haksa]
-The purpose of the Bachelor's degree is to cultivate character in students and to teach and research advanced academic theories and applications thereof, and in doing so, contribute to the development of the nation and human society. High school graduates or those deemed to have equivalent or higher academic background pursuant to the Higher Education Act may be admitted to and study in universities or educational institutions granting Bachelor degrees.

-The required course of study for earning a Bachelor's degree is normally four years. Bachelor's degrees shall be awarded to those who have satisfied the course requirements established by the academic regulations of universities or degree-granting institutions, and to those who were admitted to advanced major courses awarding Bachelor degrees at junior colleges and have satisfied the course requirement of the college's academic regulations.

-The required course of study to earn a Bachelor's degree is six years for colleges of medicine, oriental medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. The six years consist of two years in the premedical program and four years of study in the departments of medicine, oriental medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. The required course of study is six years for the college of pharmacy (excluding oriental pharmacy), which consist of two years of foundational and liberal arts courses either offered by other departments or as part of the undergraduate foundational course, and four years of coursework in the major area of study.

-In areas of study other than medicine, a Bachelor's degree may be earned in less than four years provided that all the requirements prescribed by the Higher Education Act and individual university's regulations are fulfilled and maintained.


3) Master [s∧ksa]
-Those who hold a Bachelor's degree or deemed to have equivalent or higher educational qualifications pursuant to the Higher Education Act may be admitted to universities or relevant institutions which grant Master's degree.

-The course of study to earn a Master's degree is two years, but may be three years for some academic disciplines. Master's degrees are classified into academic degrees and professional degrees.

-Those who want to earn a Master's or Doctoral degree must fulfill the credit requirements set by the university's academic regulation, pass an examination and submit a thesis. Professional degrees, however, may be granted in a different manner in accordance with the institution's academic regulation.


4) Doctorate [baksa]
-Those holding a Master's degree or those deemed to have equivalent or higher educational qualifications may be admitted to and study in universities or relevant institutions. Required course of study is normally two years or longer.

-Doctoral degrees are awarded to those who have fulfilled the course requirement established by the graduate school's academic regulation. As with Master's degree, Doctoral degree candidates must fulfill the program credit requirements, pass an examination, and submit a dissertation. Doctoral degrees are classified into academic degrees and professional degrees.