LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform with over 850 million members worldwide. As a professional networking site, LinkedIn allows its members to list information about their education, including any degrees they have earned, on their profile pages.
There are several different types of degrees that members can add to their LinkedIn profiles. Here is an overview of some of the most common degree types seen on LinkedIn profiles:
Associate’s Degrees
An associate’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities after completion of a course of study lasting two years. Some common associate’s degrees seen on LinkedIn include:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Associate’s degrees are offered in many areas of study, both career-oriented and academic. On LinkedIn profiles, associate’s degrees are often seen in fields like business, information technology, computer science, healthcare, criminal justice, and liberal arts.
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a course of study that generally lasts four years. Bachelor’s degrees make up the majority of degrees seen on LinkedIn member profiles. Some examples of bachelor’s degrees include:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
Common fields of study for bachelor’s degrees listed on LinkedIn include business administration, accounting, marketing, computer science, information technology, engineering, communications, education, nursing, and liberal arts.
Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree is a postgraduate academic degree granted after completion of one to two years of study past the bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees help demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and expertise in a particular field or discipline. Typical master’s degrees seen on LinkedIn include:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Master of Engineering (MEng)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
Common master’s degree specializations listed on LinkedIn profiles include business, computer science, information systems, education, engineering, healthcare, and social sciences.
Doctoral Degrees
A doctoral degree, or doctorate, is an advanced academic degree representing the highest level of formal study or research in a given field. Doctoral degrees qualify the holder to teach at the university level or work in a specific profession. Typical doctoral degrees seen on LinkedIn include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Those with doctorates often list them prominently on their LinkedIn profiles. Common fields of study include law, medicine, pharmacy, education, business, and the sciences.
Professional Degrees
In addition to academic degrees, many LinkedIn members list professional degrees related to careers in fields like law, healthcare, and religious ministry. Examples of professional degrees include:
- Juris Doctor (JD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Those who have earned professional degrees in fields like law, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy generally list their credentials prominently on their LinkedIn profile.
Honorary Degrees
Some LinkedIn members may list honorary degrees, awards granted in recognition of their contributions and achievements without meeting the typical requirements of an academic program. Examples include:
- Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.)
- Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
- Doctor of Letters (Litt.D.)
- Doctor of Science (Sc.D.)
Honorary degrees are not earned degrees and are distinct from the earned doctorates listed above. They may be granted by colleges, universities, or professional associations.
Other Certifications and Credentials
In addition to degrees, many LinkedIn members also list industry certifications, licenses, training certificates, and other professional credentials they have earned. Some examples include:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Listing certifications and credentials demonstrates professional knowledge and can give members a competitive edge in their industry or niche.
Most Common Degree Types by Industry
While all types of degrees are seen across industries, certain degree credentials tend to be more prevalent depending on the professional field.
Business
In business, the most common degrees seen on LinkedIn profiles include:
- Bachelor’s in Business Administration or Management
- MBA – Master of Business Administration
- Master’s in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HR Management, etc.
- PhD in Business
- Professional certifications like PMP, CPA, CFA
Technology
For technology professionals, typical degrees include:
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Information Technology
- Master’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering
- MBA with a technology focus
- PhD in Computer Science or Information Systems
- Technology certifications like Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA
Healthcare
In healthcare, common credentials include:
- MD – Doctor of Medicine
- DO – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- DDS/DMD – Doctor of Dental Surgery/Medicine
- PharmD – Doctor of Pharmacy
- PhD or Master’s in Public Health, Health Administration, etc.
- Nursing degrees (BSN, MSN, DNP)
Education
For education professionals, typical degrees are:
- Bachelor’s in Education
- Master’s in Education – M.Ed.
- Educational doctorates like EdD or PhD in Education
- Subject-specific teaching credentials
Engineering
In engineering, common degrees include:
- Bachelor’s in Engineering – B.S.E.
- Master’s in Engineering – M.S.E.
- Professional Engineering certifications like PE
Conclusion
LinkedIn provides a place for professionals of all backgrounds to showcase their education credentials, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees, certifications, and licenses. The diversity of academic programs and disciplines reflected on LinkedIn profiles demonstrates the platform’s extensive membership spanning industries worldwide.
No matter what degree or field of study, displaying one’s credentials on a LinkedIn profile can enhance their professional brand and open up networking and career opportunities. With over 850 million members globally, LinkedIn is the premier destination for professionals to highlight their education, connect with colleagues and industry peers, and advance their careers.