What type of degree is typically earned after completing a two-year program?

The reason the Associate's degree is considered the correct answer is that it is specifically designed to be earned after completing a two-year program at a community college or similar institution. This degree typically involves a curriculum that combines general education courses with specific coursework in a field of study, providing students with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level positions in their chosen career or for transferring to a four-year college to pursue a Bachelor's degree.

In contrast, a Bachelor's degree usually requires a four-year commitment and includes a broader scope of study. A Doctorate degree represents the highest level of academic achievement, often requiring several years of study beyond a Master's degree. A Certificate, although it may be awarded after a shorter period of study, does not equate to a degree and typically represents the completion of a specific training program or course rather than a comprehensive curriculum like in an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.