Which degree typically requires the longest time to achieve?

The Doctorate degree typically requires the longest time to achieve because it involves several years of advanced study beyond a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Earning a Doctorate often necessitates completing extensive coursework, passing qualifying exams, and conducting original research, which culminates in a dissertation. This process can take anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the field of study and the individual's pace of research.

In contrast, an Associate's degree generally takes about two years to complete, a Bachelor's degree usually requires four years, and a Master's degree typically takes an additional one to three years after obtaining a Bachelor's. Thus, the rigorous demands of a Doctorate, coupled with the time investment for research and dissertation writing, account for the longer duration required to obtain this highest level of academic achievement.