When consideringinvesting in a higher, post-secondary degree, you need to know exactly what you’re signing up for and what you’re likely to gain from it. Students often find themselves confused about the difference between associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates and sometimes think they all mean the same thing.In this article we’ll discuss post-secondary credentials and help you decide on your course of education in a particular field.
Diplomas and certificates
Diplomas and certificates are the shortest post-secondary credentials and also the least expensive.They focus on a narrower course of study, mainly very specific practical skills as compared to the study of entire subjects.
Advantages:
· The additional skills and expertise you acquire during a diploma or a certificate course gives you an edge by supplementing your existing education or degree.
· Depending on the career you wish to pursue, a diploma or a certificate could qualify you for a job in arelated field more quickly.
· Not only are they open to all, they also offer convenience and flexibility for working professionals to polish their skills or learn new ones.
· For some occupations like nursing, a certificate is needed to meet a state’s requirements. Colleges offer programs that prepare students to take the necessary exam.
·
Associate’s degree
Students tend to overlook associate’s degrees as they are of the belief that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum, default undergraduate qualification. But this is not true. Associate’s degrees can provide students with the advantage of saving time and money while preparing them with the necessary skills required for entry-level jobs in their field.
Advantages:
· Two-year degree programs that can be pursued through colleges that offers part-time classes, evening classes, and online programs, depending on the student’s needs and requirements.
· Some colleges like Stevens-Henager College allow students to complete their programs in as fewas 15 months, depending on the program. According to Stevens-Henager reviews, this gives students the added advantage ofbeing able to pursuework that much sooner. A look at a review about Stevens-Henager Collegewill help you find out more about their programs.
· Students always have the option of pursuing a bachelor’s degree at some point in the future.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree can helpyou pursue higher-paying, managerial jobs with good benefits. It is typically a four-year program, but some colleges allow students with associate’s degrees to transfer their credits to a bachelor’s program and complete their program in less than the normal time.
Benefits:
· A four-year bachelor’s degree canresult in greater financial returns as compared to an associate’s degree.
· These programs are offered by a number of accredited colleges both online and on-campus, so students have the flexibility of choosing their mode of instruction.
· A four-year degree can provide you with the opportunity to pursue a variety of job options within a specific industry.
· For those looking for advancement within an industry, it can qualify you for managerial job positions.
Master’s degree
A master’s degree is awarded to students who have undergone extensive training and achieved mastery in a specific field. Students can enroll in master’s programs after having completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Benefits:
· A student can apply forhigh-paying administrative job roles in their field.
· A master’s degree provides a student with in-depth knowledge about a field.
Some students might want to continue their education even after completing their master’s, and want to reach the apex of their field. Such students choose to pursue a doctorate in their field, which is the highest academic credential you can earn in a field of study.
Irrespective of the degree you opt for, your education requires commitment, dedication, a zeal for learning, and passion for your subject. Do your homework well before applying to a program. Read reviews, speak to current students, and make a decision that best suits you.
Diplomas and certificates
Diplomas and certificates are the shortest post-secondary credentials and also the least expensive.They focus on a narrower course of study, mainly very specific practical skills as compared to the study of entire subjects.
Advantages:
· The additional skills and expertise you acquire during a diploma or a certificate course gives you an edge by supplementing your existing education or degree.
· Depending on the career you wish to pursue, a diploma or a certificate could qualify you for a job in arelated field more quickly.
· Not only are they open to all, they also offer convenience and flexibility for working professionals to polish their skills or learn new ones.
· For some occupations like nursing, a certificate is needed to meet a state’s requirements. Colleges offer programs that prepare students to take the necessary exam.
·
Associate’s degree
Students tend to overlook associate’s degrees as they are of the belief that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum, default undergraduate qualification. But this is not true. Associate’s degrees can provide students with the advantage of saving time and money while preparing them with the necessary skills required for entry-level jobs in their field.
Advantages:
· Two-year degree programs that can be pursued through colleges that offers part-time classes, evening classes, and online programs, depending on the student’s needs and requirements.
· Some colleges like Stevens-Henager College allow students to complete their programs in as fewas 15 months, depending on the program. According to Stevens-Henager reviews, this gives students the added advantage ofbeing able to pursuework that much sooner. A look at a review about Stevens-Henager Collegewill help you find out more about their programs.
· Students always have the option of pursuing a bachelor’s degree at some point in the future.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree can helpyou pursue higher-paying, managerial jobs with good benefits. It is typically a four-year program, but some colleges allow students with associate’s degrees to transfer their credits to a bachelor’s program and complete their program in less than the normal time.
Benefits:
· A four-year bachelor’s degree canresult in greater financial returns as compared to an associate’s degree.
· These programs are offered by a number of accredited colleges both online and on-campus, so students have the flexibility of choosing their mode of instruction.
· A four-year degree can provide you with the opportunity to pursue a variety of job options within a specific industry.
· For those looking for advancement within an industry, it can qualify you for managerial job positions.
Master’s degree
A master’s degree is awarded to students who have undergone extensive training and achieved mastery in a specific field. Students can enroll in master’s programs after having completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Benefits:
· A student can apply forhigh-paying administrative job roles in their field.
· A master’s degree provides a student with in-depth knowledge about a field.
Some students might want to continue their education even after completing their master’s, and want to reach the apex of their field. Such students choose to pursue a doctorate in their field, which is the highest academic credential you can earn in a field of study.
Irrespective of the degree you opt for, your education requires commitment, dedication, a zeal for learning, and passion for your subject. Do your homework well before applying to a program. Read reviews, speak to current students, and make a decision that best suits you.
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