Abstract: The present Chinese national degree system stresses centralization rather than decentralization of power; emphasizes management over academic practice; focuses more on utilitarian interests than rational development; resorts to authoritative control with neglect of free inquiry; and relies more on intuition than postulation. Such a degree system design can neither meet the development of contemporary universities nor is consistent with the status quo of higher education after the implementation of the reform and openingup policy for 30 years. The transformation from national degree to university degree may be an ideal choice.

Key words: degree system, national degree, university degree