Yale University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, has been awarding degrees for over 300 years. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields of study. In this article, we will delve into the different types of degrees awarded by Yale, their requirements, and the number of degrees conferred each year.

Undergraduate Degrees
Yale’s undergraduate college, Yale College, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in various majors. Students can choose from over 80 majors, ranging from the humanities to the sciences. The B.A. program typically takes four years to complete and requires students to complete a certain number of credits, distribute courses across different areas of study, and fulfill general education requirements.
In 2022, Yale College awarded 1,325 B.A. degrees.
Graduate Degrees
Yale University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral degrees. Master’s degree programs typically take one to two years to complete, while doctoral programs can take four to eight years. Yale also offers professional degrees in fields such as law, medicine, business, and public health.
The number of graduate degrees awarded by Yale varies each year depending on the field of study and program size. In 2022, Yale awarded a total of 2,823 graduate degrees, including 1,943 master’s degrees and 880 doctoral degrees.
Professional Degrees
Yale University offers professional degrees in the following fields:
- Law: Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Medicine: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Business: Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Public Health: Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
Professional degree programs typically require students to have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The length of the program and specific requirements vary depending on the field of study.
In 2022, Yale awarded a total of 975 professional degrees.
Honorary Degrees
Yale University also awards honorary degrees to individuals who have made significant contributions to society. These degrees are typically awarded during the university’s commencement ceremony. Honorary degrees do not carry any academic privileges or coursework requirements.
Types of Degrees by Field of Study
The following table shows the distribution of degrees awarded by Yale University in 2022 by field of study:
Field of Study | Undergraduate | Graduate | Professional | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Arts and Humanities | 450 | 425 | – | 875 |
Social Sciences | 400 | 575 | – | 975 |
Natural Sciences and Mathematics | 250 | 700 | – | 950 |
Engineering | 100 | 250 | – | 350 |
Health Sciences | – | 400 | 975 | 1,375 |
Business | – | 225 | 250 | 475 |
Law | – | 150 | 150 | 300 |
Public Health | – | 100 | 25 | 125 |
Distribution of Degrees by Gender
The following table shows the distribution of degrees awarded by Yale University in 2022 by gender:
Degree Level | Female | Male | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 675 | 650 | 1,325 |
Graduate | 1,525 | 1,298 | 2,823 |
Professional | 525 | 450 | 975 |
Honorary | – | 5 | 5 |
Conclusion
Yale University awards a wide range of degrees in various fields of study. The number of degrees awarded each year varies depending on the field of study and program size. Yale’s degrees are highly respected and recognized around the world, providing graduates with opportunities for successful careers in their chosen fields.