The goal of the so-called Bologna Reform of 1999 is to harmonize the academic degrees in Europe and thus reduce the amount of time it takes to complete a degree, enhance the level of occupational preparation provided by degree programs, and increase the mobility of students. Since then, degree programs in Germany have been converted to the bachelor-master system. The new system structures academic studies as follows:

Level 1: In a bachelor program, students earn their first degree to qualify them for work in their field of choice in six to eight semesters. The prerequisite for enrolling in a bachelor program is a high school diploma (German: Abitur).
Level 2: A master program is the next level of qualification and can only be commenced after completion of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Master programs can be designed to take two, three, or four semesters to complete.

In addition, the University of Erfurt offers a Magister degree (equivalent to a bachelor’s and master’s combined) in Catholic Theology and a number of continuing education programs.