A university degree is an academic award conferred by a college or university upon completion of a specific program of study. It represents the successful completion of a prescribed course of studies, which usually involves the successful defense of a thesis or dissertation based on original research and scholarship. The term "degree" typically refers to an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree, graduate (master's or doctoral) degree, or professional degree such as law or medicine. A university degree is considered essential for many careers and can open up a wide range of opportunities in terms of employment, further education, and personal development.