The preparation of students in the bachelor's direction began in Russia in 1996. Since then, of course, various reforms have occurred and been implemented in the education system. Now many people are interested in whether a bachelor’s degree is a completed higher education or not? What should a graduate with such a degree expect? Should he go on to study, since this is an incomplete education, or will he be able to get a diploma and work anyway?

The education system can indeed seem somewhat confusing in this regard. It's worth starting with a definition. A bachelor's degree is a degree for which certain standards and subjects are introduced into the learning process. If you compare it with a master's degree or even a specialist, then the amount of information here is reduced. It is worth providing the following data:

  1. A bachelor studies for an average of 4 years.
  2. Specialist – 5 or 6 years.
  3. Master's degree – often 6 years.

Now there are educational institutions that issue a bachelor's degree even after 4 years, but the amount of knowledge still remains reduced compared to the other two areas.

You could even say that this is the basis; students receive specialized knowledge in their profession after receiving bachelor’s status.

Bachelor's degree from the point of view of the law and the employer

There is no need to go far if there is a law that accurately explains all the positions of the degree. Law No. 273-FZ, as amended on July 3, 2016, “On the Education of the Russian Federation,” contains the following levels of professional education:

  • first comes specialized secondary education, which can be obtained in colleges and vocational schools;
  • further, a bachelor’s degree is truly a higher education;
  • higher education – master’s degree, specialist;
  • higher education – postgraduate students and above.

It seems that the state educational standard clearly states that this is higher education, but now in the country it is divided into three levels. And a bachelor's degree is only the first of them.

What does this give in reality? Since a bachelor's degree in the country is accepted only at the first stage of higher education, it reflects only initial knowledge or a basis in the specialty. Employers are much more willing to give a position to a specialist or master’s degree, even without particularly understanding the applicant’s skills. Many people still don’t think that a bachelor’s degree is a complete higher education, so they don’t even want to consider applicants for the position.

Who is higher in degree: Bachelor or Master

Bachelor's and Master's degrees as an alternative

Most students, after receiving a diploma of the first degree of higher education, go on to a master's or specialist's degree. The second is the traditional option for many people. The Master is a borrowing from the European education system. He has been studying for at least 6 years. After graduating from a bachelor's degree, many people doubt which direction to take.

Many experts say that a master's degree is preferable today. All over the world, the concept of “specialist” in the context of the educational system is becoming a thing of the past. The master receives in-depth knowledge of the profession. In addition, this status allows you to continue scientific activities in the future, for example, to go to graduate school. Even with excellent ratings and recommendations, a specialist does not have this opportunity. A master's degree also opens the door to study at foreign universities.

Differences between a bachelor and a master

First of all, you need to understand that both are complete education. But with a master's degree in hand, you are more likely to find a job. The difference is obvious. It is in the timing of training, in the completeness of knowledge and experience. A master's degree provides in-depth knowledge in a specialty, which, from an employer's point of view, is very attractive. You can get a job, but in the future you will still continue to gain knowledge, defend your degree, and so on.

In fact, degrees can also be distinguished not by prestige, but by purpose. If you want to realize yourself from a practical point of view, then a bachelor's degree is quite suitable in this regard. If it is important to develop in your chosen direction, then your path is definitely a master’s degree.

By the way, having a bachelor's degree makes it possible to obtain a second higher education. Therefore, training of this kind will definitely come in handy.

Differences of a specialist

Is a specialist considered a priority education? And what are its differences from a bachelor's and a master's degree? Today, some universities do not practice this level at all or remove it from their program. It is quite possible that by the end of your studies such a diploma will become irrelevant and unnecessary.

How does a bachelor's degree differ from a master's degree?

Although some universities still leave the opportunity to enroll as a graduate student after a specialist. It is better to learn all the subtleties and features of your university at the stage of entering the first year. You need to think about your future in advance and look at your specialty from the point of view of employment.

Since 1996, after the introduction of a two-stage system, many people still wonder whether a bachelor’s degree is a complete higher education or not. This worries not only future students, but also parents, since everyone needs a complete understanding of what the young person will study.

Federal Law No. 125-FZ dated August 22, 1996, amended in 2003 and 2012, clearly defines two educational levels, after completion of which a person receives a diploma of higher education:

  • bachelor;
  • master or specialist.

These changes in the system of training specialists are associated with the need to bring higher education closer to the pan-European standard and facilitate integration into it.

After graduating from school, an applicant can only enroll in a bachelor's degree program, and only after finishing can he continue his studies in a master's program. A bachelor's degree provides an opportunity not only to continue studying abroad, but also to work there.

Thus, completed higher education is considered to be a diploma of completion of any of the two levels of education. At what stage to complete their studies is up to each student to decide individually, depending on their goals, chosen profession and intended place of work.

  1. Bachelor's degree is the first degree of the highest form of education, obtaining basic professional knowledge necessary for practical work. As a rule, the level is reached after 4 years of study at a university. The diploma indicates the degree and specialty, for example, “”.
  2. Specialty is a level of higher education with the assignment of qualifications in a specialty. This is classical training, in which, in addition to in-depth theoretical knowledge, narrow practical skills in the profession are given. Relevant for Russia. A familiar form of Soviet education to everyone. It is worth understanding that this is not an intermediate level, but a full-fledged education in the traditional sense. Gradually, the specialty fades into oblivion, leaving only two levels of higher education.
  3. Master's degree is an in-depth study of special subjects with a scientific focus. A master's degree can be a continuation of education if admission is carried out after the initial stage in the same specialty. Provides the opportunity to obtain additional higher education if another direction is chosen or if you already have a specialist diploma. Admission to the master's program is carried out on a competitive basis.

A bachelor's degree as an initial degree of higher education has a number of advantages:

  • a shortened training period (in most cases 4 years) allows you to start working earlier or radically change your profession without wasting time;
  • the opportunity to continue the educational process abroad;
  • the general orientation of the educational process without delving into narrow disciplines provides a wide choice when choosing a job or specialty. In this case, it is often enough just to complete advanced training courses.

Main disadvantages:

  • it is impossible to engage in scientific research or continue graduate studies;
  • restrictions when choosing a job or low competitiveness compared to masters;
  • inability to gain access to a number of government positions, as well as in the field of education;
  • The deferment from the army ends immediately after the end of the level.

A first academic degree diploma is issued only after defending a final thesis and confirms the mastery of fundamental knowledge and general scientific principles. This degree is present in all areas except medicine.

Bachelors are primarily practitioners who can successfully engage in self-education or improvement within the profession without leaving work.

Bachelor in the Labor Market

Personnel officers still mistakenly believe that a bachelor's degree is what was previously called incomplete higher education. Many employers do not know whether a bachelor’s degree is a full higher education or not, which is why they often set restrictions on candidates for vacancies. In fact, this is a complete education that requires continuation only in individual cases, depending on the student’s aspirations.

Some sociologists fear a significant decline in the level of quality of higher education in Russia due to a reduction in the duration of study, and therefore, the acquisition of less knowledge. In addition, many institutions are in no hurry to switch to the new system, adhering to the traditional training of specialists. But the number of years of study does not at all indicate that the graduate will become a good specialist. Rather, it depends on a person's personal characteristics, as well as his ability and desire to learn and do his job well.

Large factories and enterprises do not prioritize a young specialist’s master’s degree. Most of them value the ability to learn, prefer to hire an employee with the basic necessary knowledge and instill in him practical knowledge directly on the job.

At the same time, building a career with only a first-level diploma is quite difficult. Deputies are considering a bill that will not allow bachelors to occupy leadership positions.

The question of admission to a vacant bachelor's or master's position is decided only by the employer, as well as the possibility of further professional growth of his employee. Some positions require deep knowledge and require scientific work skills, so only masters can occupy them.

Students who have completed a bachelor's degree program need to have a good idea of ​​their future in order to decide whether they need to continue their studies.

Yes, a bachelor's degree is a diploma of complete higher education. Note that, in accordance with the current legislation on education, there is no longer the concept of “complete higher education in a specialty” and “incomplete higher education in a specialty” under a 5-year training program, which for most specialties in Russia has ceased to exist since January 1, 2011 (right Only a very narrow circle of technically-related universities are left to train specialists). At the moment, in connection with Russia’s accession to the Bologna process, the legislation provides for a degree in areas (specialties) of study “bachelor” - a bachelor is a graduate of a university with a complete higher education, who has undergone complete general theoretical and narrow theoretical training in his area (specialty) without choosing a specialization (for example , in jurisprudence - civil law, state law, international law, or criminal law). In terms of Russia’s accession to international education standards, it can be noted that graduates of the next generations themselves choose whether they need additional practical training in a master’s degree program, or after receiving higher education in a bachelor’s degree program, they immediately enter the labor market, receiving your practical knowledge already in the workplace. Now in the Russian Federation there are the following degrees of university and postgraduate education: “Bachelor” - higher education. Complete general theoretical and narrow theoretical training without choosing a specialization; “certified specialist” - exists only in a very narrow range of specialties (areas) of a technical nature; Such specialties are taught by a very narrow circle of universities in our country. Characterized by the choice of specialization and intensive training in this specialization. “Master” - higher education with additional practical training in the chosen direction (specialty). At this stage of graduate training, there is no choice of major specialization (for example, trade, economic or financial specialization for economists), but training immediately begins in a wide range of practical disciplines in the chosen area and disciplines related to a specific practical specialization (for example, a training program for masters of law in specialty "resolution of economic disputes in arbitration courts"). “Candidate of Sciences” is a degree of postgraduate professional education. This degree presupposes the presence of fundamental and comprehensive theoretical knowledge in the chosen specialty and precise practical application of this knowledge. “Doctor of Science” is the highest academic degree in the Russian Federation. There were long-term disputes related to the abolition and abandonment of the doctoral degree in Russia, since the Bologna degree system does not provide for the presence of a degree similar to the Russian doctoral degree in international relations. A similar degree in Anglo-Saxon education systems in the natural sciences is called Doctor of Science (D.Sc.); for researchers specializing in philology - Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.); in the field of law - Doctor of Laws, LLD. However, the difference is that this degree is usually awarded not based on the results of defending a dissertation, but on the sum of published works and overall contribution to science or even social or journalistic activities. For this reason, the title of Doctor of Science, Doctor of Letters, or Doctor of Laws is primarily an honorary degree, awarded after years of merit, and not the result of directed work towards obtaining the degree. The scientific degree of Doctor of Science in the Russian Federation involves the solution of a major scientific problem or priority research in a new scientific direction and compliance with the requirements established in the Russian Federation. Receiving a bachelor's degree is also a complete higher education because a graduate with a bachelor's degree can immediately enter graduate school without obtaining a master's degree. However, we would like to separately note that many universities have an unspoken rule according to which applications from bachelors for study in graduate programs are not accepted for consideration, although this is a direct violation of federal law.

? More recently, this question did not concern applicants entering universities in our country. But the time has come, and the options for higher education have diversified: now there is a specialty, a master’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree. To make an informed choice, you need to know how one option differs from another and how they are beneficial for the future life of yesterday’s schoolchild.

Bachelor's and Master's degrees - “foreigners”

Until 1996, domestic universities only trained specialists. With rare exceptions, the duration of the educational program in which students studied was 5 years. Thus, there was only one level of higher education - a specialty.

The foundations for the emergence of different formats of the “tower” were laid in 1996, when Russia adopted the law “On higher and postgraduate professional education.” It was then that the reform of the educational system began in order to bring it to pan-European principles.

A degree appeared bachelor's, appropriate programs were developed and admission of applicants began. Despite the fact that a bachelor's degree allows a period of study from 4 to 6 years, the vast majority of Russian programs were focused on a four-year period of study.

Reducing the duration of study looked both tempting and dubious, so those entering universities had a natural mistrust and question: Is a bachelor's degree higher education or not?? Although bachelor's degree programs were taught in higher education institutions, many students still considered this level of study to be something akin to secondary vocational education. Naturally, the prestige of bachelor's degrees was incomparable with specialist diploma.

In 2003, the Russian Federation signed the Bologna Declaration of June 19, 1999, and domestic universities also opened master's programs. This step brought the domestic education system even closer to the European one, but the choice for students became more complicated.

European education system. What is the difference between a master's degree and a bachelor's degree?

In the European education system, such levels as bachelor's and master's degrees have existed for a long time - and both of these educations are higher. But What is the difference between a master's degree and a bachelor's degree?? The difference is, first of all, in the training programs: more complex programs are being developed for master’s degrees, and accordingly, the duration of study is lengthened.

If between qualifications difference between master and bachelor consists of training programs, what additional knowledge can a master expect? Basically, this is more in-depth knowledge in the area of ​​specialization chosen by the student. Under the master's program, the student will acquire knowledge that will allow him to further continue theoretical scientific work in the chosen direction, and not just work in his specialty. During a shorter period of study, a bachelor receives only that level of knowledge that will be useful to him in professional (and not scientific) activities.

Thus, the European education program has a clear division of training: for those who will practice the acquired knowledge in the workplace ( bachelors), and those who, after graduation, will continue scientific activities ( masters).

Don't know your rights?

Such a consistent system, adopted by domestic practice, has formed the opinion that the bachelor’s qualification is less prestigious.

This is partly true, since, based on the provisions of Article 10 of the Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” No. 273-FZ of December 29, 2012, we can conclude that a bachelor’s degree is a higher education of the first level out of 3 existing ones.

But in fact, the difference between a specialist, bachelor and master is not in the quality of education, but in the purpose of obtaining it - a bachelor's degree is aimed at studying basic disciplines exactly to the extent that is necessary to work in the specialty.

That is, the current education system allows the applicant to choose the format and duration of study that will be more convenient for him. But why then does the specialty still exist and what is its difference?

How does a specialty differ from a bachelor's and master's degree?

Firstly, the deadline. A specialty is a traditional form of domestic education lasting from 5 to 6 years. Bachelor's degree is a form of education borrowed from the European system, in which the training course lasts, as a rule, 4 years. Master's training lasts an average of 6 years. All of these are types of higher education, although there are certain nuances.

Secondly, these are programs in which future masters, bachelors and specialists are trained. And most importantly, What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree? in this regard, it is an orientation towards the practical side of learning.

In the near future, in connection with the expected changes to the Bologna Declaration, specialties will cease to exist, and the dilemma “ specialist or bachelor" will cease to be relevant. However, at the moment the specialty exists. Few universities retain it as one of the levels of education in some areas, and graduate specialists still retain the opportunity to continue their studies in graduate school.

And the opportunity to enroll in graduate school is what distinguishes a specialist from a bachelor. In order to continue studying and scientific activity, a bachelor's degree is not enough for a student - he needs to complete a master's degree or a specialty with in-depth courses. Otherwise, a bachelor’s graduate will not be able to enroll in graduate school.

Therefore, a specialty, if we do not delve into the details of reforming the domestic education system, can be considered simply a legacy of the past, a transitional form that should disappear after the final transition to a Europeanized two-level system.

Specialist, Bachelor or Master - which diploma is better?

The future student must answer this question for himself. The prestige of “crushes” about higher education in Russia is gradually giving way to the understanding that education, first of all, should have practical benefits (and practicality is the main thing, What is the difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree?).

Thus, the answer to the question " Is a bachelor's degree a higher education or not?? will be definitely positive. Confirmation - the federal law “On Education in the Russian Federation”, which lists 3 levels of higher education:

  • bachelor's degree;
  • specialty and master's degree.

Their graduates receive, respectively, degrees specialist, bachelor and master, difference between which lies in the degree of specialization, and not in prestige or level of education.

The question of whether a bachelor's degree is considered higher education worries many applicants. Moreover, despite the fact that the legislation of the Russian Federation clearly gives a positive answer to this question, in fact, when starting their working career, many bachelors may encounter refusals from personnel specialists who consider a bachelor’s diploma to be a certificate of incomplete higher education. In the article, we will look at how a bachelor’s degree differs from a specialist’s degree and a master’s degree in Russia.

U Table of contents:

Bachelor in Russian and World Legislation


Traditionally, in the Soviet and post-Soviet educational system there was only one degree of higher education - specialist. Even after the end of the USSR, such a system was used in Russia until 1996, when the concept of a bachelor's degree was introduced. Subsequently, with the adoption by the Russian Federation of the main provisions of the Bologna education system, a master's degree and corresponding higher education were also introduced in 2003.

In Western countries, at the moment, almost everywhere, only two degrees of general higher education are used - bachelor's and master's degrees. At the same time, there is a basic fundamental division of these training options, declared and applied in practice. Thus, bachelor's education aims to provide the student with practical professional skills for subsequent employment, while master's education, first of all, pursues the goals of the graduate's subsequent scientific activity. In Russia, this division is not so strictly expressed and is interpreted in practice according to different principles.

Now issues of higher education, including those with a bachelor's degree, are considered by the provisions of Federal Law No. 273 of December 29, 2012. In particular, bachelor's education, according to the provisions of this law, is clearly considered higher and entails all relevant legal consequences. The main one of these consequences is the direct possibility of employment for vacancies that require higher education.

Please note

Due to the fact that the law clearly defines a bachelor's degree as a higher education, refusal of employment on the basis of having an incomplete higher education with a bachelor's degree is entirely illegal. Incomplete or incomplete higher education means solely the absence of a diploma with the confirmed fact of completing at least one course of study at a higher educational institution.

Differences between specialist, bachelor and master's education

One of the main differences between a bachelor, specialist and master is the duration of study. Thus, the minimum terms for obtaining each of the relevant degrees of higher education are established by law. Namely:

  • Bachelor - 4 years of study;
  • Specialist – 5 years of training;
  • Master - any previous degree and at least one year of study.

Important fact

These restrictions relate to the minimum duration of the educational program. In some cases, bachelor's studies can last more than four years. The same applies to specialists and masters. Most often, extended training duration is used in the medical field.

However, there are other differences. In particular, having a bachelor's degree does not provide the right to subsequently enter graduate school. However, having a bachelor's degree gives you full rights to enter a master's program without training to become a specialist. Moreover, a bachelor has the right to enroll in a master’s program and in any other university in a similar specialty, including several years after completing his studies and receiving a diploma.

Important fact

The specialist degree in Russia is becoming an increasingly limited education program every year. In particular, its preservation at the legislative level is provided only for areas that are strategically important for national and state security. At the same time, an increasing number of universities in practice cease to train specialists in most areas.

Another significant difference between a bachelor and a specialist and a master is the absence of the need to write and defend a dissertation. Bachelors and specialists perform only diploma theses. At the same time, proof of effective completion of a master's course is the defense of a master's thesis. The difference between a dissertation and a thesis should be expressed in the strictly expressed practical usefulness of such work and the disclosure of new issues not previously considered by science.

Finding a job with a bachelor's degree - possible problems

In practice, in Russia, some employers, as mentioned above, practice refusal to hire bachelors due to incomplete higher education. It is believed that a four-year bachelor's degree does not provide the necessary set of practical skills in comparison with a specialist and master's degree. However, this practice is illegal. A bachelor's degree in Russia is considered a higher education, absolutely complete and complete. Thus, if a refusal to hire is due to the lack of higher education and a bachelor’s degree, this refusal can be challenged in court.

Please note

The opportunity to challenge a refusal to hire in the situation described above is present only if the requirements for the vacancy only mentioned the presence of a higher education in the specialty, and only when the wording of the refusal included non-compliance with the requirements for the presence of such education.

In addition, individual employers may clearly indicate in the job requirements the presence of a master's or specialist degree. This practice is absolutely legal and the employer cannot be held liable on the basis of such requirements. In fact, today the misconception about the “inferiority” of a bachelor’s education is becoming less widespread, but it does occur among personnel specialists in some cases.