Equivalence of university degrees in the United States

Knowing the equivalent of a university degree in the USA is one of the main concerns when beginning an academic or professional process in this country. The academic degree system in the United States works differently than in most Latin American countries, so it is important to understand how academic equivalency is determined and which institutions are authorized to carry out this process.

Having this information allows you to better plan your studies in the United States, whether for access to graduate programs or to present credentials to employers or government agencies.

What is academic equivalency?

Academic equivalency is a technical analysis that determines the level of the U.S. education system for a degree earned abroad. This analysis considers factors such as program length, curriculum, grades earned, and the institution of origin.

This procedure is necessary when you need to validate your studies with universities, companies, or government agencies. While the equivalency of studies does not automatically grant recognition, it does provide a clear framework that makes it easier to understand the educational level achieved.

What is the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in the United States?

The equivalent of a bachelor's degree in the United States is usually a Bachelor's Degree , especially if the program lasts at least four years. However, if the academic content is more limited or the number of credits does not meet the standards, it could be considered equivalent to an Associate Degree .

What is the equivalent of a master's degree in the United States?

A master's degree earned in Latin America is generally recognized as a Master's Degree . However, to determine the exact equivalent, it is necessary to consider the type of university, the academic load, and the credits earned. Therefore, it is recommended to request an official evaluation.

Equivalent to high school in the United States

Regarding secondary education, the high school equivalent in Mexico is the American High School Diploma , a fundamental requirement for university admission. This equivalency is essential for university admission in the U.S. and is validated by transcripts, original diplomas, and certified translations.

Types of American titles

Knowing the different academic degrees in the United States makes it easier to interpret your academic training within its educational system. The main degrees are:

• High School : Corresponds to the secondary education level. In most Latin American countries, it is equivalent to a bachelor's degree or high school diploma.
• Associate Degree : This is a higher education degree typically earned at community colleges . It falls somewhere between a bachelor's degree and a bachelor's degree in academic terms.
• Bachelor's Degree : A four-year undergraduate degree in the United States. In many cases, it's equivalent to a traditional bachelor's degree.
• Master's Degree : Represents the level of postgraduate study. In Latin America, it is similar to a master's degree.
• Doctorate : This is the highest academic degree, focused on research. It corresponds to the doctorate earned at Latin American universities after completing a master's degree.

Although these equivalencies serve as a general guide, there are specific differences depending on the country of origin, the type of program, and the institution that issued the degree. Therefore, it is essential to take an official evaluation if you want to study or work in the United States.

Institutions that carry out the equivalence evaluation

To obtain a valid academic equivalency in the United States, you must contact specialized organizations authorized to evaluate foreign degrees. These organizations review your documentation and issue official reports recognized by universities, employers, and government agencies. Among the most recognized are the following:

YOU ARE BORN

The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services is an association that brings together accredited agencies for educational equivalency. Its members are authorized to issue evaluations accepted throughout much of the United States. Its members are widely recognized by universities and official agencies to evaluate foreign degrees.

You can consult the list of agencies on their official website: https://naces.org/

ECE

The Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) is one of the oldest and most trusted agencies. They evaluate credentials from over 200 countries and offer different types of reports, depending on whether you need them for education or employment.

Website: https://es.ece.org/

WES

World Education Services is a very popular organization, especially among those planning to study at American universities or apply for immigration. Its evaluation is accepted by many educational institutions.

You can access the official portal here: https://www.wes.org/