Tertiary education comprises various types of degrees. The well-known one is the bachelor’s degree which is often the target for most college students. In today’s technological world, it is easy to spot a replica diploma maker, but the same technology can be used to expand one’s knowledge. Whereas in the past getting a diploma was mainly about acquiring a piece of paper, these days it is much more about what you gain as an individual by going through the educational process. In this way, learning has become both more personal and potentially more empowering than just earning a specific degree by stepping into a classroom.
It also has become increasingly important in our modern society to understand the types of degrees available in higher education. Degrees can provide many different opportunities, from preparing students for the workforce to providing further academic knowledge. This text expounds on the characteristics of different degrees, like the time frame, prerequisites, and benefits of attaining them. For an aspiring collegian, this guide should provide some insight into the degree that suits you and your aspirations.
Associate Degree
The phrase “associate degree” is not common, but it basically refers to the certification offered at technical colleges that take around two years to finish. An entrant needs a high school diploma. Institutes sometimes require aspiring students to submit their test scores and can sometimes have a minimum GPA.
Associate certifications have a narrow focus and aim to prepare students to join the workforce as early as upon completion. However, there are associate degrees that students can use to lay the foundation for a bachelor’s certificate. It is also a way to explore a specific field without committing for four years.
Associate certificates are suitable for situations where a student needs flexibility, for instance,one with family responsibilities or those who have to work while studying. However, you need 60 credit hours to earn it. Getting it creates a path to beginner jobs in areas such as accounting.
Undergraduate/ Bachelor’s Degree
An undergraduate certificate is a gateway to many professions, including engineering, medicine, IT, and accounting. It also provides a path to graduate studies.
Bachelor’s studies take about four years to complete, except for medicine and architecture.However, online programs are faster and can even be accomplished in 1-3 years.
Enrollment into bachelor courses requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate. It can also call for a minimum GPA, SAT scores, and some prerequisite courses.
Compared to associate degrees, undergraduate studies are more extensive and provide a greater understanding of the chosen discipline. Four-year programs will typically consist of approximately two years of general studies and 2 of major coursework. Students must also complete a research project, paper, and practical requirement.
A bachelor’s/undergraduate certification is usually enough for a mid-level position in most fields and some managerial positions.
Master‘s Degree
A master’s degree allows you to study deeper into a selected subject with more detail than undergraduate studies. Individuals studying full-time take up to 2 years, but those doing it part-time might take longer.
Bachelor certificate holders can chase their master’s to further their careers, get into higher/ positions, increase their salaries, or as a path to a doctoral degree.
A master’s degree can be viewed as an extension of the undergraduate degree, where the graduate expands their knowledge in their selected field and narrows their academic area of focus even further.
To undertake your master’s studies, you require a bachelor’s certification and sometimes GMAT/GRE scores. In addition, acquiring a master’s degree propels individuals into higher administrative roles and higher salaries to go with it.
Doctorate/Professional Degree
A doctorate is the peak education level for a specific course, but it also takes the longest, generally between 4-8 years. To apply for a doctorate, you normally need a master’s degree on top of your bachelor’s certificate. But in some instances, one can enroll for a doctorate straight after a bachelor’s.
You’ll also require some recommendation letters, a research thesis, and probably some help with PhD tuition because doctorate studies are generally expensive. As a result, individuals often seek scholarships or participate in PhD programs that reduce tuition costs.
Here are some examples of doctorates:
- Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctorates prepare applicants for top-level positions and careers; on completion, one earns the title of Doctor, irrespective of the field. Alternatively, those interested in teaching their area of expertise can become professors at major universities.
Having a PhD shows that you know how to contribute to humanity’s stock of knowledge. It also demonstrates that you can adhere to the standards of your academic field and produce something that no one thought of it before. Moreover, it showcases that you know the means of arriving at new knowledge and that you’ll be able to keep doing that for the rest of your career: adding to the stock of humanity’s knowledge and adding it validly.
Final Thoughts
People have different aspirations when it comes to academics. Some will go all the way and get their doctorate, while others will stop at an Associate’s or bachelor’s degree. It’s a major decision influenced by different factors. So when the time comes, choose what suits you.
