Going back to university

[Rachel Adams]

If somebody tells me they have a degree in history, I take it they are talking of a BA. If they had a higher degree, they would normally be specific:

I have a degree in English and French and a research master's in linguistics.

So "a degree" usually refers to someone's first degree or "a BA". Right? As PeterCW said.

 

[Rover_KE]

Right—with the emphasis on usually.

 

[Tarheel]

I've been thinking for a long time that it's:

Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
PhD (doctorate)

Is that wrong?