Types of Degrees & TrainingChapter 4 – College Bound

Journal

• What type of degree would be best for your educational or career needs?

Types of Degrees or Training

• Certificate of Training• License• Apprenticeship• Associate Degree• Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s)• Graduate Degree (Master’s)• Doctorate (PhD)• Professional Programs

Certificate of Training - Pros

• Short Term – hours to a few weeks to complete• Could upgrade Employment Status• Could upgrade pay status• Some business will pay for this training• All levels of degrees will have some type of certificates

of training• Examples: Lifeguards, EMT, Nurses, etc are trained in

CPR

Certificate of Training - Cons

• Short Term – may not be in-depth• May limit your employment status• May minimize your pay

License - Pros

• A standard that you have to meet• May have to take a test• License may be reciprocal – meaning it is valid in

multiple states• Examples:• Teachers, Lawyers, Cosmetologists…..

License - Cons

• May be short term or long term• Could involve additional course work to renew - $$• Costs money to take the test• Could be limited to one state

Apprenticeship - Pros

• Work and learn• Some get paid• Training can last 6 months to a year• Example: • Carpenter, Electrician, ……

Apprenticeship - Cons

• Paid less than regular workers (if paid)• May need to sign a contract (commit to work for that

company for “x” number of years in return for your training)

Associate Degrees - Pros

• Usually takes 2 years to complete• Some fields recommend it• Cost of education is less• Some companies pay for you to continue your education• Local colleges offer many associate degrees – Sinclair• Pays better than a certificate• Most credits will transfer to a four year degree• Some athletics – could advance your skills and then go to an upper

division for last 2 years• More options for employment • Examples:• Bookkeeping, Office Manager, Chef…..

Associates Degree - Cons

• Usually a smaller school so there are fewer opportunities for school involvement

• May stay at home and commute

Bachelor’s Degree - Pros

• Wide variety of school offer undergraduate degrees in many subjects

• More opportunities for employment after graduation• More opportunity for financial increases

Bachelor’s Degree - Cons

• It takes 4 years to complete, and maybe more• Four years of education is expensive• Study time: need to put the time into study if you plan to

succeed• May need to leave home to complete your major

Master’s Degree - Pros

• Further education in your chosen field• Helps you specialize• More opportunities for increased pay• More opportunities for a variety of employment• Can work while pursuing a higher degree• Some employers will pay for part/all of your courses• Example:• Teachers can get a master’s to become a principal or a

guidance counselor.

Master’s Degree - Cons

• It may take an extra 2+ years of education• Increases your expenses• More study time is required • May need to relocate to a different school • May become an over-qualified person without work

experience

Doctorate - Pros

• Expands knowledge in your chosen field of study• Helps you specialize• More opportunities for increased pay• More opportunities for a variety of employment• Examples:• Teachers may get a PhD in order to teach at a University or

to become a superintendent

Doctorate - Cons

• It may take an extra 2 – 3 years of education• Increases your expenses• More study time is required and some research • May need to relocate to a different school or area of the

country• May become an over-qualified person without work

experience

Professional Degrees – Pros

• Expands knowledge in your chosen field of study• Helps you specialize• More opportunities for increased pay• More opportunities for a variety of employment• Increased status• Example:• Doctors, Lawyers…..

Professional Degree - Cons

• It may take an extra 4 – 6 years of education• Increases your expenses• More study time is required, some research and

internships• May need to relocate to a different school or area of the

country• May need to pass a test for licensing