“First degree” has several distinct meanings depending on the context: it can refer to a university qualification, a category of criminal charge, a type of burn injury, or a family relationship in genetics. Here’s what each one means and why the distinction matters.
First Degree in Higher Education
A first degree is the initial undergraduate degree you earn from a university, most commonly a bachelor’s degree. It’s called a “first degree” because it comes before any graduate-level study like a master’s or doctorate. Most undergraduate students at four-year colleges and universities pursue a bachelor’s degree, which typically requires four to five years of study in a specific academic discipline.
The two most common types are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS), though you’ll also see specialized versions like the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). In some countries, the term “first degree” is used more formally in academic settings, while in the United States, people generally just say “bachelor’s degree.” An associate degree, which is a two-year program typically offered at community colleges, is not usually considered a first degree in the traditional academic sense, though it is an undergraduate credential.
First Degree in Criminal Law
In legal terms, “first degree” describes the most serious classification of a crime. You’ll hear it most often with murder charges. First-degree murder requires intent, meaning the person deliberately planned to kill someone. This is what separates it from second-degree murder (intentional but not premeditated) or manslaughter (unintentional).
Beyond intent, many jurisdictions require additional aggravating factors for a charge to qualify as first degree. These can include killing a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or judge while they’re performing official duties; committing the killing during another serious felony like robbery, burglary, or kidnapping; killing for financial gain; murdering a witness to prevent testimony; killing multiple people; or carrying out the act in an especially cruel manner involving torture. First-degree charges carry the heaviest penalties, often life in prison or, in some states, the death penalty.
The “degree” system also applies to other crimes. First-degree assault, burglary, or robbery all indicate the most severe version of that offense, usually involving greater harm, a weapon, or other factors that elevate the seriousness.
First-Degree Burns
A first-degree burn is the mildest type of burn, affecting only the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). Sunburns are the most common example. The skin turns red and feels painful, but there’s no blistering or permanent damage. Second-degree burns go deeper and cause blisters, while third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of the skin.
First-degree burns can usually be treated safely at home. Run cool (not cold) water over the burn, then cover it loosely. If the burn happens alongside tighter clothing or jewelry, gently remove those items before swelling starts, but don’t pull off anything stuck to the skin. Most first-degree burns heal on their own within a week or two without scarring.
First-Degree Relatives in Genetics
In genetics and medicine, a first-degree relative is a family member who shares about 50% of your DNA. This category includes your parents, your full siblings, and your children. No one else qualifies. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and half-siblings are second-degree relatives, sharing roughly 25% of your genetic material.
This distinction matters most in medical contexts. When a doctor asks about your family health history, they’re particularly interested in conditions that affected first-degree relatives, because sharing half your DNA means you have a significantly higher risk of inheriting the same genetic predispositions. A parent with heart disease or a sibling diagnosed with certain cancers, for example, can meaningfully change your recommended screening schedule.
First-Degree Equations in Math
If you’re studying algebra, a first-degree equation is simply an equation where the variable (usually x) has an exponent of 1. These are also called linear equations. The standard form is ax + b = 0, where a and b are constants. For example, 3x + 6 = 0 is a first-degree equation. Solving it gives you a single answer (x = -2) rather than a curve or multiple solutions. Second-degree equations, by contrast, involve x² and produce parabolas when graphed.