What's the difference between degree, diploma, and certificate programs?

Levels of education requirements.

A degree (bachelor) is a minimum four year program of study at an accredited college or university. Further degrees can be earned after obtaining the Bachelor's.

A diploma can be issued by a public grade school, trade school or community college.

A certificate can be issued by any group - it has no formal restrictions (I've received certificates after 15 minutes of instruction).

degree is a field of study usually. and that degree can have difficulties of study, bachelors, masters, phd, etc. diploma is just an official paper from the school or program where you completed something.

certificates are more career orientated study fields where you take courses to help your career.

for example, in the IT field, there are IT certificates people can learn and obtain called A+, CCNA, security +, and most colleges and local community colleges can offer these courses to teach, or you can purchase books and learn on your own and take a test to get the certificate. it shows you have a basic level of knowledge of a specific field. you can earn multiple certificates for your job or anything you wish. some certificates expire and have to be retaken every couple years to stay up to date with that field.